The Inspector Wears Skirts 2

There are two schools of thought on sequels:  employ the  “same but different” approach or try something completely unexpected. The Inspector Wears Skirts 2 (1989) certainly isn’t out to reinvent the wheel.  With only minor tweaks to the battle-of-the-sexes scenario established in the first film, this Jackie Chan produced follow-up repurposes just about every plot point.   Which I guess makes the unspoken third rule of sequels: “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.”

Still in training for their elite women-only commando unit, this year’s class is joined by four new recruits who need to earn their stripes.  Their male counterparts are as misogynistic as ever, taking every opportunity to prove their physical superiority.  But the girls aren’t immune from some in-fighting themselves, whether it’s over skills in the field…or skills in the bedroom.  But teamwork is essential when a terrorist organization kidnaps their instructor, forcing a jungle showdown to settle the score once and for all.  

 

Quickly pushed into production to capitalize on the Chinese New Year, The Inspectors Wears Skirts 2 wound up just behind John Woo’s The Killer in terms of Hong Kong box office that year.  So, despite the dated comedy and Porky’s-style shenanigans, the franchise struck a chord with audiences looking for a good time.  Sandra Ng takes center stage again, throwing herself into physical comedy as well as stunt work with infectious enthusiasm.  It’s mostly PG-rated pranks and Three’s Company misunderstandings but there’s a certain charm inherent in any Jackie Chan production.

 

Speaking of which, Chan’s stunt team handles all the action choreography, retaining that hard-hitting, quick-cut style that creates a frenetic visual pace. Unfortunately, there are only three fight sequences of note (and one amusing dance party) so the emphasis here, like in the first film, is definitely on comedy over combat.  Still, if you enjoyed spending time with the gang the first time around, you’ll be equally entertained here.  Isn’t that the ultimate definition of a worthwhile sequel, anyway?

 

88 Films delivers a tight-looking transfer remastered in 2K from the original negative along with an audio commentary, interviews with the stunt team and director Wellson Chin, trailers, stills, fold out poster and slick slipcover.

 

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