Belle is credited as the founder of parkour, which is defined as the physical discipline of training to overcome any obstacle within one's path by adapting one's movements to the environment. It sounds a great deal easier than it is, and it must be seen to be believed. David and I were wowed when we saw "District B13" four years ago, so we were anxious to see this sequel, which doesn't disappoint.

The French government had promised to clean up District B13, by tearing down the gruesome walls, improving the living conditions and keeping the drug lords out. It is now two years later and none of that has happened. Leito is frustrated and Damien is set up by the French secret service so that he's out of the way when they attempt to annihilate B13 for a new development and tons of money.

The plots of these films may be a tad thin, but they are action-packed and thrilling to watch, nonetheless. The parkour action doesn't get old --- it just becomes more amazing. Add to that the fact that these guys actually look like they're having fun, and it's a bonus. Obviously, parkour easily lends itself to an urban environment of high rises, buttresses, etc., but watching Leito and Damien vault around Paris is a treat for anyone who enjoys a good, non-stop thriller.

The film opened in France last February and opens here Friday, Feb 26th at the Music Box. It also can be seen on pay-per-view. If you haven't witnessed parkour in action, check it out. If you're already a fan, don't miss Belle's latest moves.

The major players are not the problem, they are the same: Cyril Raffaelli and David Belle are the stars, and they are still jumping through figurative hoops (and literal obstacles of all kinds) with the same athleticism and daring as before. But this time around, the movie was directed by Patrick Alessandrin as opposed to Pierre Morel for the original. Without delving into their respective filmographies, I'm content to place most of the blame therein.

Also, this sequel is 17 minutes longer, including a very annoying opening dominated by a handheld camera resulting in very shaky photography. I was almost ready to exit the theater had the opening sequence's technique gone on for much longer. Fortunately the camera work settled down, but alas, the thrill was gone.

Jeanne and I both gave the original very high marks. We found it to be one of the more exhilarating movies in years, including a script that held our interest while the protagonists were going through their exquisite leaps and bounds. But in "Ultimatum", even with the promising premise of cleaning up the walled-in district in Paris which houses the worst in society, something is lost. The first film had one of the heroes trying desperately to save his kidnapped sister.

Here's hoping this second version is the final installment of this particular story. Let's not completely ruin a good thing.