The Inspector Wears Skirts 2 (1989)

Director: Wellson Chin

Starring: Sibelle Wu, Stephen Fung, Sandra NG, Billy Lau

Primary genre: Action

Secondary genre: Comedy

An unnecessary sequel, “The Inspector Wears Skirts 2” might as well be an extensive conclusion of the previous film and no one would notice. Nothing has changed including its cast and creative forces behind it and in typical Hong Kong fashion there is strong implication that it was shot relatively quick after the release of its predecessor.

Although the direction of Wellson Chin is more confident in round 2, the film leans heavily towards the prolonged comedic shenanigans between the old SKIRTS and the new recruits whom they have to endure and of course, train in a rather hilarious montage that is a Cantonese and gender swapped version of “Police Academy 2” (1985) and “3” (1987). The only difference is the inclusion of far cruder (and to this writer’s preference) and funnier Hong Kong jokes; random sound effects, dead pan delivery, OTT performances and pranks characterized by a below-13-year-old IQ are ever present in a practically non existent plot.

The script incorporates and represents sometimes gratuitously Hong Kong’s simplistic comedic overtones in 80s peak mode unaware of the West’s obsession with political correctness. Occasionally, its random slapstick “explosions” and unintelligent verbal exchanges are a joy to watch under today’s climate where the fun police monitors the muttering of every single word. From that perspective, it is definitely funnier than its predecessor.

This though comes at the expense of the fight sequences for which the cinematic action Mecca is known for. Despite having support from the, let’s be honest, legendary Jackie Chan’s stunt team (all of whom have minor roles), the action is limited with a few mano a mano (or girl to girl) fights. The lack of Cynthia Rothrock is felt and there is a tendency to downplay the female led stunts. Even Sibelle Hu is sidelined in favor of the now large SKIRTS unit who are more interested to navigate the complexities of romance and bitchy emotions than kicking ass. Most of the acting weight falls to the comedic chops of the superb-on-timing Sandra Ng, Billy Lau and Stanley Fung but when Jackie Chan is your producer you might as well deliver on that front and not being a cop out.

Yet, the climax ends as soon as it begins leaving us with the constant efforts of Inspector Kan to woo Madame Wu. Offering nothing new in the action and comedy departments, it is nonetheless an enjoyable flick for a late pizza Sunday afternoon. Hong Kong enthusiasts will still eat it up due to its impeccable stuntwork although it is glaringly obvious when men do the tough pirouettes which gives it an extra point for surrealism. There is even a random dance number (again) half way through reminding us just how cool Hong Kong people would dress in the late 80s. At the end though, you won’t remember much, feeling exhausted from all the hysterical antics and the absence of even a banal and basic plot.

Inferior albeit funny sequel

+Funnier than the first

+Cast is on top form

+…especially Sandra NG

+Gorgeous Sibelle Hu

-Minimal action

-Female hysteria everywhere

-Nothing new

-No plot