Plot Details: This opinion reveals major details about the movie's plot.

Timecop 2 The Berlin Decision, is one of those straight to video and DVD releases, which didn't get a lot of publicity like the original Timecop, which stared actor Jean-Claude Van Damme. Fortunately, Timecop 2 follows its predecessor in the action department as it delves into the cloak and dagger; agencies that police the globe in an attempt to stop illegal jumps back into time. This version, "Timecop 2" features actor Jason Scott Lee who plays Ryan Chan a burned out Timecop who continues to risk life and limb to capture criminals that go back in time to change history.


This films lightweight plot revolves around criminal Branson Miller who travels back in time to Nazi Germany to assassinate Hitler. Miller's forgoes his mandate regarding time manipulation and is bent on changing the world's history. Timecop Chan is a standup good guy who although is growing tired of his job, takes his assignments and oath seriously. Despite the fact that he has lost people in his life he would like to save, he sticks to the honorable code of not interfering with time.


The acting in this film is good. Actor Jason Scott Lee (from Arabian Nights (2000) , Lilo & Stitch, and a few Dracula remakes) is the lead character attempting to stop the bad guys. Lee's acting is right on target for this character, as he delivers a quality performance. Lee does an excellent job with his lines and facial expressions when fighting; but he is most impressive when using martial arts. Thomas Ian Griffith (from XXX (2002), and Beyond the Prairie, Part 2: The True Story of Laura Ingalls Wilder) makes for a perfect villain as he brings a sense of twisted humanity and reasoning to his character Branson Miller who want to assassinate Hitler before he can unleash his demonic plot against mankind.


The cinematography is excellent as film director Stephen Boyum and director of photography Crescenzo G.P. Notarile give viewers a good production with nice special effects that match if not exceed the original version of Timecop. The jump scenes back into the future are excellent and the fighting scenes are well choreographed. The surreal sets of the reentry time chamber and historic trips to the past are filmed in a nostalgic tone that is realistic. The future and most of the picture is filmed in bright colors yet it’s dark enough to capture the mystery of time travel.


This movie takes its hits on being a straight to video flick, which does not garner it a large audience. The plot is not extensive and perhaps lacks depth, but character development is good and the casting works for me. Lee's martial art skills are excellent and it was nice watching the prison fight scenes. Although this scene did not take place in the prison riots, I liked how he disarmed three policemen who ordered him to eat a donut off of the ground after he accidentally bumped into one of them.


Writer Gary Scott Thompson does not go overboard with the story keeping the script in perspective with the characters role. Although this film lacks the Hollywood hype and promotion of Quentin Tarantino's, Kill Bill, it makes for a nice action flick on a boring Friday night. Forget about the samurai swords and enjoy the thrilling martial arts sequences offered here especially Lee's full crescent kicks.


This film is not for children as it carries an R rating due to its violent content, including fights, murder and shootings with a heap of coarse language. The most shocking scene is when a Timecop attempts to enter the same space that he occupied in time as a boy. This particular Timecop becomes fused with his child self, resulting in a gross joined disfigurement. Everything else in the film is relatively mild when it comes to disturbing content. Ultimately, there is a fair amount of violence and lethal martial arts moves that will get the viewers adrenaline pumping.


Naturally everyone is not going to enjoy this film, especially if you are not into sci-fi action flicks. There is a hint of a love story but as most action movies go, heroes don’t have time for relationships, they are too busy saving the world. If you like the first Timecop, you should enjoy this sequel. I’m giving this 4 out of 5 stars.


Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Not suitable for Children of any age