The Roundup: No Way Out
Get Ready for 'The Roundup: No Way Out' – The Third Installment in the Crime City Franchise!
The Crime City series continues its legacy with 'The Roundup: No Way Out,' featuring the return of the formidable 'Beast Cop' Detective Ma Seok-do, portrayed by the renowned Ma Dong-seok (or Don Lee). Directed by Sang-yong Lee and scripted by Kim Min-sung, this installment delves into a gripping narrative surrounding the influx of a deadly drug, Hyper, wreaking havoc on Seoul's streets.
Set seven years after the previous film, Detective Ma Seok-do joins a new unit facing a critical issue – the emergence of Hyper, a potent drug causing chaos and an alarming surge in fatalities. As the drug wars intensify, local gangsters collide with the Yakuza, vying for control over the lucrative market.
'The Roundup: No Way Out' unfolds with a curious blend of tones, oscillating between intense crime drama and quirky comedic moments, creating an intriguing yet slightly disorienting viewing experience. The film ventures from grim scenes of violence to humorous scuffles, leaving the audience on an unpredictable rollercoaster of emotions.
However, the film faces criticism for its pacing and action sequences. While the fights are well-choreographed, there's a lack of varied action set pieces, leading to monotony in Ma Seok-do's seemingly invincible fights, detracting from the overall impact.
Furthermore, the movie leans toward a police procedural narrative, a deviation from the action-centric predecessors. This shift in genre might not entirely align with the character of Detective Ma Seok-do, leaving some fans longing for more adrenaline-pumping action sequences that defined the earlier films.
Despite these drawbacks, 'The Roundup: No Way Out' isn't a complete misfire. It boasts engaging moments and skillfully executed fight scenes, but it falls short of the expectations set by its predecessors. With a promising setup against corrupt cops and the Yakuza, the film leaves audiences anticipating the next chapter in the franchise, 'Punishment,' slated for release next year.
As the series gears up for expansion, loyal fans hope for a return to the franchise's thrilling quality, eagerly anticipating the upcoming films.
