No Retreat, No Surrender 2: Raging Thunder
Alright, rewind time! Let's journey back to those hallowed aisles of the video store, past the big-budget blockbusters, deeper into the action section where lurked the real treasures – the ones with covers promising non-stop martial arts mayhem. And right there, often nestled confusingly near its nominal predecessor, was No Retreat, No Surrender 2: Raging Thunder (1987). Now, let's clear the static right away: this film has precisely zero connection to the Kurt McKinney/JCVD original. It was actually shot as Raging Thunder and cleverly retitled by the legendary Seasonal Films producer Ng See-yuen to ride the coattails of the first film's minor video success. But honestly? Forget the title shenanigans, because what you get is pure, unadulterated, 80s Hong Kong-style action transplanted to the jungles of Southeast Asia, and it’s a glorious thing to behold.
### Welcome to the Jungle (Gym)
The setup is classic 80s action simplicity: Scott Wylde (Loren Avedon), a cocky American kickboxer, heads to Vietnam to visit his ex-fiancée and finds himself embroiled in a brutal conflict involving Soviet military advisors, ruthless Vietnamese soldiers, and his former best friend turned mercenary, Mac (Max Thayer). When Scott's fiancée is kidnapped by the sadistic General Ty (Matthias Hues – yes, that Matthias Hues from Dark Angel!), Scott must team up with the cynical Mac and the resourceful Terry (Cynthia Rothrock) to stage a daring rescue mission deep into Cambodia. Plot? Sure, it’s there, sketched in broad, bold strokes. Character development? Let’s just say everyone fulfills their action archetype admirably. But you didn't rent this one for intricate subplots, did you?
No, you rented it because the name Corey Yuen (credited here as Cory Yuen) was attached. Even if you didn't know his name then, you felt his influence. This is the maestro who cut his teeth in the Hong Kong stunt world alongside Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung, the man who would later bring jaw-dropping choreography to Jet Li vehicles and Hollywood hits like The Transporter (2002). NRNS2 showcases Yuen’s incredible talent for staging intricate, dynamic, and bone-crunchingly physical fight scenes. Forget shaky-cam confusion; Yuen’s camera captures every kick, punch, and flip with exhilarating clarity. This was Loren Avedon's breakout lead role, stepping into the martial arts spotlight, and while his dramatic range might be… focused, his physical prowess is undeniable. He executes Yuen's demanding choreography with impressive speed and flexibility.
### That Sweet Sound of Synths and Squibs
The action here feels real in that distinct way only 80s practical effects could manage. When someone gets kicked, you feel the impact. The explosions have that satisfying, slightly uncontrolled look, far removed from today’s sterile CGI blasts. Remember how impactful those squibs looked back then, spraying crimson across conveniently placed white shirts? NRNS2 delivers that visceral thrill in spades. The stunt work is relentless, involving falls, intricate weapon play, and Avedon constantly flipping and kicking his way through legions of bad guys. Filming on location in Thailand lends an authentic, sweaty, and dangerous atmosphere that elevates the stakes beyond a studio backlot.
Pairing Avedon with the grizzled charm of Max Thayer as Mac proves surprisingly effective. Thayer brings a world-weary humour and rugged capability that grounds Scott's youthful energy. Their banter, while pure 80s action flick dialogue, sparks with a certain buddy-cop chemistry amidst the chaos. And then there's Cynthia Rothrock. Already a bona fide action queen by this point thanks to films like Yes, Madam! (1985), her presence here, though essentially an extended cameo despite prominent billing in some territories, is pure electricity. Seeing Rothrock dispatching foes with her signature grace and power is always a treat, even if we wished she had more screen time. It was a classic move – leverage a star's name value for a supporting role – and hey, it got our attention on the video box!
### More Than Just a Misleading Title
Let’s be honest, NRNS2 isn’t high art. The plot threads dangle, the dialogue occasionally dips into glorious cheese ("Let's party!"), and Matthias Hues’ General Ty is a villain painted in the broadest, most hissable strokes imaginable. But critiquing it solely on those terms misses the point entirely. This film is a testament to the sheer energy and creativity pouring out of the Hong Kong action scene, expertly translated for Western audiences by director Corey Yuen and writer Keith W. Strandberg (who also penned the first NRNS and other Seasonal Films classics). It’s lean, mean, and absolutely packed wall-to-wall with inventive action set pieces. From jungle skirmishes to frantic chases and elaborate final showdowns, the pacing rarely lets up. You pop this tape in, adjust the tracking just so, and settle in for 90 minutes of pure kinetic energy.
The synthesizer score pulses with that driving 80s urgency, perfectly complementing the on-screen mayhem. It wasn't a box office smash, nor did it redefine the genre, but No Retreat, No Surrender 2 became a beloved staple on video store shelves and late-night cable, a reliable go-to for anyone craving high-kick thrills and explosive action. It delivered exactly what the cover promised, even if the title was a bit of a fib.
---
VHS Heaven Rating: 7/10
Justification: While the plot is paper-thin and the acting functional at best, NRNS2 scores high on sheer entertainment value thanks to Corey Yuen's phenomenal action direction, relentless pacing, and the charismatic physical performances of Avedon, Thayer, and Rothrock. The practical stunts and authentic locations deliver genuine 80s action thrills that largely hold up. It loses points for the misleading title and narrative simplicity, but delivers overwhelmingly on its core promise: non-stop, expertly choreographed martial arts action.
Final Thought: Forget the number – Raging Thunder is pure 80s action comfort food, best served late at night with the volume cranked up. A must-watch for Corey Yuen disciples and fans of Hong Kong-infused beatdowns.