The longest filler episode I've watched. There is no reason besides money that this film is nearly 2 hours long. It could've been a 5-10 minute intro to catch people up, but instead they drew it out to have an entire film. With barely any lines to learn, this movie leans heavily on needless action and a confusing plot that leads up to "and next time on The Old Guard". There is no mystery, no real tension, one or two "surprising" revelations, and very little to hang on to. Even with a half-functioning brain, this film won't be distracting enough to warrant its full attention. If you really want to follow what's going on in the series, just wait for the next film where they'll have some flashbacks, read a synopsis of this one, or watch this at 1.5x speed. You will have saved 2 hours of your life.

FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW @ https://movieswetextedabout.com/the-old-guard-2-movie-review-setup-instead-of-depth-in-a-stumbling-sequel/ "The Old Guard 2 is a mixed bag - a sequel that improves in some areas but regresses in others. Its action remains entertaining, bolstered by committed performances and sharp choreography. Thematically, it dares to ask meaningful questions about destiny, power, and morality, even if it struggles to answer them in a satisfying manner. But a sluggish pace, tonal inconsistencies, and an overemphasis on setting up future installments dilute what could have been a sharper, more impactful story. Fans of the first film might find enough to enjoy, but it's hard to shake the feeling that this franchise is losing sight of what made it special in the first place. Now, I merely hope the inevitable third chapter finally strikes the right balance between character, action, and world-building." Rating: C