Ong Bak 3 (2010)

OB 3 continues the story of OB 2 (2008), so it’s a prequel sequel. It goes something like this: Fight / story / Torture / Flashback / Mystical Bullshit / Fight / Dream / Fight / Flashback / Fight / Fight / Fight /  End.
I noticed partway through that even though it’s an incoherent mess as a standalone film, it begins to make sense when paired with the test of endurance that was OB 2. Whereas it was focussed primarily on aggression, OB 3 is focussed more on spiritual rebirth, both of which are traits found in Jaa’s character in the original film (2003). It managed to make OB 2 relevant! Was that the plan all along? It doesn't change the fact that separately both films are unsatisfying, but when viewed as two halves of a whole they at least help prop each other up.

1 sharp elbow out of 5

Ong Bak 2: The Beginning (2008)

For about ninety percent of the running time Tony Jaa breaks arms, legs, faces and throats using his fists, feet, elbows and knees. He’ll get adventurous occasionally and use knives, swords, sticks, flails and an old fashioned rock. OB 2 is less of a film and more of a collection of fight scenes thrown haphazardly together. The script remembers in the last thirty seconds, literally, that it’s supposed to be a prequel to the first film, so it adds a weak connection lest we accuse it of cashing in on a name.

1 wiggy finger out of 5