Jaa as the nobleman’s son who must exact revenge for the murder of his family. It’s nominally a historical tale about warring Thai empires, with Mr. Jaa, this time as both actor and co-director (with Panna Rittikrai). That’s all changed with “Ong Bak 2,” a sequel that bears virtually no connection to the original except for the presence of Mr. Even the fight scenes were more humorous than brutal.
Jaa’s brilliant acrobatics as he escaped a gang of pursuers by doubling back, leaping in the air and running on their shoulders brought a silly smile to your face.
In “Ong Bak,” the 2003 film that propelled Tony Jaa into the top rank of mixed-martial-arts performers, the emphasis was on fun.
