A leaner entertainment-for-entertainment's-sake exercise that's ideal for the summer season.

For all its shortcomings, "Drug Lords" is never less than propulsive and entertaining for viewers seeking frequent and stylishly executed thrills.

The White Storm 2 is as sturdy as it is because it's essentially an old-fashioned gangster drama with occasional modern flourishes.

The reasons behind Lau's anti-drugs crusade are laid on a bit thick by co-writer/director Herman Yau, who favours cranking up the emotion to hysterical levels instead of creating tension and suspense.