Sicario 2: Soldado Review - 5 Ups & 4 Downs

4. The Thrilling Action Sequences

Sicario 2 is a more action-packed affair than its predecessor, and while the set-pieces lack a little of Denis Villeneuve's precision - an early assassination sequence feels a tad rushed, for instance - replacement director Stefano Sollima mostly does thrillingly kinetic work all the same.

The shootouts in particular have a propulsive, unnerving quality to them tailor-made to keep the viewer on edge, bolstered by dynamic camerawork, atmospheric cinematography and blistering sound design (the gunshots are especially fantastic).

The action definitely feels more perfunctory this time and less in service of the focal drama, but at least it's sharply crafted and always entertaining to watch.