The Raid 2's notorious 'Kitchen Scene' is one of those moments so well-revered it's nigh-on impossible to go into without some semblance of expectation. Thankfully, like Game Of Thrones' Red Wedding (no spoilers), the moment in question is so accomplished that knowing something culturally significant is on the way doesn't hamper a relentless, bloody action sequence that manages to not let up for over ten minutes. But while it's the best kitchen-set action sequence this year (a category that had a surprising amount of competition this year), it isn't 2014's overall best action sequence. That honour, keeping it in the family, goes to The Raid 2's earlier car chase, where Gareth Evans shoots vehicular action with the same whip-fast kineticism as he does hand-to-hand combat. That every fight scene in The Raid 2 is jaw-dropping shouldn't come as much as a surprise - the original proved that the Welsh director could frame them better than anyone in Hollywood. What is unexpected is that second-time around Evans has expanded his scope, proving he can craft a well-rounded film and not just string action beats together. The sequel ups the ante in almost every way, throwing in more foes with distinct fighting styles and a sprawling crime plot that essentially relegates The Raid to a simple test-reel.
