Largo Winch 2, the sequel that dared to follow in the footsteps of the moderately successful first installment, Largo Winch - The Heir Apparent. Directed by Jérôme Salle and starring Tomer Sisley and the ever-so-struggling Sharon Stone, this film attempted to realign itself within the action-thriller genre, but it quickly became an exercise in cinematic masochism instead.
Having settled down on my couch with high hopes after the first film’s daring premise and unexpected charm, I just had to ask myself – what happened? Was the script written during a caffeine-fueled bender? Because within just ten minutes, I’d already guessed who the bad guy was. For a two-hour movie, that’s a red flag waving more furiously than a fan at a rock concert. The result feels eerily familiar; that is, it’s like watching a bland fusion of Mission Impossible and Bond on a bad day, crammed into the blender full of shit.
About: A Comic Book Gone Awry
Largo Winch II, released internationally as The Burma Conspiracy, is a 2011 French action thriller film based on the Belgian comic book series of the same name. Hitting screens in France and Belgium on February 16, 2011, this sequel to the 2008 original takes a bold swing at following Largo Winch's globe-trotting escapades with the same bravado that fuels its protagonist. Unfortunately, the film seems less an homage to its source material and more of a stumbling presentation of cinematic pitfalls, desperately trying to weave together action, intrigue, and character development in a plot that gets lost faster than you can say, "what was that?"
Plot: A Tangle of Predictable Twists
The film kicks off three years before the present tense, where we find the late Nerio Winch, who shares some vital backstory with Freddy, his trusted bodyguard. Flashing back to a time when Largo was saving villagers in Burma from a massacre, the plot unfolds like a poorly-stitched quilt — themes and character motivations bunched and crumpled together in a way that leaves the viewer questioning if anyone felt an obligation to make any of it cohesive.
After saving the day, Largo's heroic high is interrupted when he learns that his father has been keeping secrets about a hidden account linked to war crimes in the region. Fast forward to the present, where Largo leads the W Group and plans to donate his shares to charity while attempting to untangle himself from a web of accusations that includes murder and human rights violations. Predictably, Largo embarks on a journey that is as convoluted as it is predictable; you’ll find yourself rolling your eyes at the cliché twists. By the time the film reaches the climax, it feels like it’s yanked every narrative trope from a poorly assembled action manual, and you’re left hanging with more questions than answers.
Generic Bond Gone Wrong: The Epitome of Paint-By-Numbers Action
If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if the legendary James Bond films underwent a botched factory recall, look no further than Largo Winch 2. It takes the most formulaic tropes of the genre, tosses them into the air without a thought, and hopes that something good might just land. Spoiler alert: it doesn't. The execution here is excruciatingly bad—dialogue so wooden that even the actors seem to struggle to keep straight faces while delivering it. And kudos to Sharon Stone for giving it her all; unfortunately, that all seems to be a desperate attempt to keep her head above the murky waters of this script.
Hold on tight while I point you towards the action sequences – breathtaking in their absurdity, like watching a toddler attempt to eat spaghetti. Shoutout to the filmmakers for their remarkable ability to make every chase scene feel like less of an adrenaline rush and more of a leisurely stroll through a picturesque city landscape, because why not? Who needs suspense when you can have scenes that seem to go out of their way to do absolutely nothing except elongate the running time?
Unfulfilling Plot Twists: A Conclusion That Reveals Nothing
At the risk of sounding excessively negative (which I assure you is challenging when reviewing this film), let’s talk plot. If you can call it that. The overarching storyline feels like a jigsaw puzzle missing half its pieces, leaving an array of ill-fitting scraps that somehow manage to create twists sharper than a marble. Just ten minutes before the credits roll, everything magically resolves itself in a hasty manner that could set any mediocre scriptwriter’s hair on fire. The kind of writing that leaves me baffled: Did they run out of time? Was there a deadline? Did they just want to cash in and be done with it? If you’re counting on thrilling revelations or conclusions, lower your expectations to “utter disappointment.”
Not Quite the Thrill: Somewhere Between Meh and Oof
Now, let’s be transparent—the film does have its moments, albeit fleeting and overshadowed by a barrage of misfires. But compared to Largo Winch, our protagonist here doesn’t shine quite as brightly. Imagine lighting a candle then comparing it to the sun; that’s the level of variance we’re looking at. It desperately tries for a higher emotional arc but, unfortunately, the film collapses under the weight of its ambition like a poorly constructed set piece. Moments of excitement still feel somehow overcooked, creating an experience that oscillates between “Why am I watching this?” and “Is this really happening?”
Misplaced Casting: Sharon, Please, Help Us
Let’s chat about casting for a second, or rather, let’s moan. Tomer Sisley manages to maintain a semblance of charm, injecting life into a role that could have easily been a cardboard cutout. However, when we turn our attention to Sharon Stone, it feels like someone swapped the script with a half-eaten sandwich because her presence drains off whatever life the film had left. Watching her attempt to navigate this barren landscape of dialogue and character motivation was like watching a dog in a park, desperately trying to play fetch with a stick that had been lodged in the mud years ago.
A Cinematic Blunder: French Cinema’s Flop Show
On a grand scale, the cinematic undertaking of Largo Winch 2 seems less of a creative endeavor and more of a desperate plea for relevancy in an industry that has arguably lost its charm. The film never quite rises to meet its predecessors, appearing as simply another mediocre entry into the annals of forgettable thrillers that one conveniently forgets after leaving the theater. It seems wonderful that the French cinema can produce charming pieces yet fail spectacularly as it did here.
Lackluster Efforts: The Art of Missing the Mark
This flick serves as a great reminder of what happens when creativity takes a backseat. It’s masterclass training in making mundane plots and stale characters rise to the occasion by having absolutely no definition at all. The final product is frustratingly laughable, leaving one yearning for the depth that was so palpable in its predecessor.
Conclusion: A Final Grasp at Mediocrity
All in all, Largo Winch 2 is a prime example of how the sequel can extinguish all remnants of the original's flickering flame. What could have been a great follow-up instead serves as a reminder of the value of careful storytelling, character development, and the true artistry of filmmaking. If you find yourself in a corner of your movie queue staring judgmentally at this title, save yourself the trouble and rerun the more charming original.
What resonates here more than anything is the sheer amount of disappointment filtered through my viewing experience. I wanted thrills and clever twists, and got a cringeworthy trip down bland action-movie lane instead. Would I recommend it? Absolutely not—unless, of course, you're in the mood for a good laugh at how bad a film can be.
