Iron Ladies II
Picture: B-
Sound: B- Extras: C- Film: C
Though we have not seen the first hit film, it is obvious
that the cross-dressing members of the volleyball team that carry over to Iron
Ladies II were popular enough in the first film to justify a revisit to the
producers. By default, these types of
sequels still have sequelitis, even if much (if any) of the previous film is
repeated.
When the unique members of the last film helped their team
win a championship, based on a real-life story, where else could the story
go? Well, the usual highs and lows
after such a peak, but with an eccentrically gay twist. Having explicitly gay male characters in
health training and as sports figures in itself would seem somewhat subversive,
but this film is more concerned about being a harmless, safe comedy than
anything else. It adds the formula of a
character or two uncertain of their identity, but if they turn out to be gay,
does that mean they will have to be predictably funny the rest of their life? Obviously, this is not a great film and not
a film for everyone. Perhaps it would
have worked better had I seen the previous entry, but Iron Ladies II is
not horrible, so it could be a passable part of a double feature with the first
film.
The anamorphically enhanced 1.78 X 1 image may have some
smearing when movement occurs on screen, but the color consistency makes up for
that. The Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo is
from the theatrical Dolby Digital 6.1 EX sound and has healthy Pro Logic
surrounds as a result. Why no 5.1 is a
mystery, but many imports sadly do not retain their original soundtracks. Oh, well.
The only extras are trailers for both films in the franchise and four
other Strand DVD titles. The
writer/director known as Thongkongtoon has some clout. Now what to do with it next.
- Nicholas Sheffo
