“Undisputed 2: Last Man Standing” is the first direct-to-video sequel to “Undisputed”. With none of the original cast returning, expectations were probably pretty low but this is a good action movie that transforms the series from its boxing roots to a full martial arts movie. I did also notice that this movie was filmed using the same prison as the Jean-Claude Van Damme movie “In Hell”.

In this film, boxing champion George ‘Iceman’ Chambers (Michael Jai White “Spawn”, “Blood And Bone”) is in Russia for the filming of an advertisement when he’s framed for drug offences. He’s thrown into a tough Russian prison where the guards want him to be part of their organised fights. He initially refuses but soon finds that it might be the only way to secure his freedom.

George Chambers was originally played by Ving Rhames (“Pulp Fiction”). I think Jai White is better in the role though. He looks way more athletic than Rhames ever did. Scott Adkins (“Ninja”) plays Boyka, a violent inmate that is eager to prove his worth in the ring against Chambers. Adkins is great during the fight scenes. He would get to do more with the character in some of the later sequels. The other characters are decent; we have corrupt prison guards and various hardened inmates.

While “Undisputed 2” is very similar to Van Damme’s “In Hell”, I did still enjoy this movie. The action sequences here are pretty brutal and I like the work of both White and Adkins here. If you’re not someone that really cares for prison films or movies with bloodthirsty fistfights then definitely stay away from this movie and the whole franchise. While I think “Undisputed III: Redemption” is better with more elaborate choreography and more fighters, this is worth checking out for fans of martial arts movies.