For years, City Hunter has been a cult gem in Jackie Chan’s filmography — a madcap blend of slapstick comedy, outrageous stunts, and anime-inspired eccentricity. Now, in 2025, City Hunter 2 roars back to life, reinventing the franchise for a global stage while staying true to the wild spirit that made the original unforgettable. With Jackie Chan leading an ensemble cast that includes Ice Cube, Nia Long, and Chris Tucker, the result is a gloriously over-the-top buddy-action spectacle.
The film finds Ryo Saeba (Chan), the eccentric private detective, semi-retired and enjoying a quieter life — until an international crime syndicate threatens both Tokyo and Los Angeles. Dragged back into the chaos, Ryo is as unorthodox as ever: one moment suavely investigating leads, the next tripping into absurd disguises and outrageous brawls. The tone strikes that rare balance between adrenaline and comedy, making it feel both nostalgic and refreshing.
Jackie Chan is, of course, the star attraction, and City Hunter 2 reminds us why no one does action-comedy quite like him. At 71, his physicality remains astonishing, with fight scenes that are as inventive as they are daring. A brawl inside a Hollywood prop warehouse—where ladders, mannequins, and even superhero costumes become weapons—is vintage Chan, filled with gasp-worthy stunts and belly laughs in equal measure.
But what makes this sequel pop is its ensemble energy. Ice Cube steps in as Detective Marcus, bringing his trademark deadpan grit and verbal jabs. His dynamic with Chan is explosive — the straight-faced cop constantly exasperated by Ryo’s antics, yet begrudgingly impressed by his results. Nia Long, as Angela, provides the brains and backbone, grounding the chaos while holding her own in the action scenes.
Then there’s Chris Tucker as Rico — the wildcard hustler whose nonstop chatter recalls his iconic chemistry with Chan in Rush Hour. Every scene he’s in crackles with comic energy, turning even routine stakeouts into laugh riots. Watching Chan and Tucker reunite on screen, even under a different franchise banner, feels like a wink to fans craving that Rush Hour spark, and it absolutely delivers.
The story moves at breakneck speed, hopping from neon-soaked Tokyo back alleys to sun-drenched Los Angeles freeways. Director Stanley Tong, a longtime Chan collaborator, keeps the action playful and visually dynamic, layering in car chases, rooftop pursuits, and elaborate fight choreography that showcases both Chan’s creativity and Hollywood’s scale.
What elevates City Hunter 2 is its tonal balance. While the film delivers explosive stunts and outrageous comedy, it also sneaks in moments of sincerity. Ryo’s struggle with aging, identity, and finding relevance in a new world resonates beneath the mayhem. It’s subtle, but it grounds the film, giving weight to the spectacle without slowing it down.
Visually, the film embraces a slick, comic-book style. Vibrant colors, kinetic camerawork, and playful nods to anime roots give City Hunter 2 a stylish edge that sets it apart from standard buddy-cop fare. The soundtrack, a mash-up of hip-hop beats and Eastern orchestral flourishes, bridges its cultural crossover with flair.
The comedy is as sharp as the action. Chan’s gift for physical humor remains unmatched, while Ice Cube and Chris Tucker fire off verbal punches that keep audiences laughing between explosions. The trio’s chemistry ensures that even exposition-heavy scenes are entertaining, blending humor, tension, and banter seamlessly.
By the time the third act arrives — a full-blown showdown in Hollywood that turns a film studio into an improvised battlefield — City Hunter 2 goes all-in on spectacle. Explosions, martial arts, pratfalls, and laugh-out-loud absurdity combine into a finale that’s as satisfying as it is chaotic. It’s pure Jackie Chan magic: a master at work, reminding audiences that action can be both thrilling and hilarious.
Ultimately, City Hunter 2 (2025) is more than a sequel — it’s a celebration. A celebration of Jackie Chan’s enduring legacy, of buddy-comedy energy, and of the genre’s ability to entertain across cultures and generations. With a perfect mix of stunts, laughs, and heart, it secures its spot as one of the year’s most fun blockbusters. ⭐4.6/5 — a wildly entertaining ride where every punchline hits as hard as every punch.
