ABT II - Forgettable Sequel or Hidden Gem? Discuss!

Alright fellas (and ladies!), scottscreens here. Been on a John Woo/Chow Yun-fat binge lately, and just finished "A Better Tomorrow II." Now, I know most folks treat this like the red-headed stepchild of the series, but I gotta ask... am I the only one who kinda digs it? Like, it's no "Mark! Mark! You owe me!" (ABT1 reference, obviously), but there's something about the insane violence and the brotherly bond that still hits, even if it's... different. Specifically, I'm thinking about the scene where Lung Tin-Nam (Dean Shek) goes completely off the rails after the assassination attempt. Dude becomes unhinged, shouting about loyalty and trust. It's over-the-top, sure, but it's also strangely compelling. Then there's that climactic shootout... I mean, it's pure Woo mayhem, bodies flying everywhere. But does it earn its place in the ABT canon? Or is it just a pale imitation, trying too hard to recapture the magic? What do you guys think? Is it a worthy successor or does it tarnish the original's legacy? Also, bonus points if anyone can name the Western Director John Woo worked with for 'Face/Off!' (Just kidding... or am I?). Seriously though, drop your thoughts! Maybe I'm just seeing things through rose-tinted (and blood-spattered) glasses. Let's hear it!