The Top Bet: Quick Takes

The sequels, spin off's and prequels in this new wave of gambling movies already got complicated by the time The Top Bet came onto the scene. A sequel to Stephen Chow's breakthrough movie All For The Winner, Wong Jing had already sort of continued the exploits of Shing (Chow), and Uncle Tat (Ng Man Tat) in God Of Gamblers II. The Top Bet doesn't mix together two different movies with different characters however and simply continues on where All For The Winner left off. Stephen Chow even shot a cameo to lead Shing onto new adventurers but the trade off we get headlining this vehicle is a terrific one; Carol "Do Do" Cheng.

Cheng plays a conwoman nicknamed the Queen Of Gamblers whose non-powers is quickly revealed by a Mainland gambling magician (Anita Mui) who herself is out to bring down Shing. Everybody become friends however and battles together against Hung Kwung (Paul Chun reprising his villain role from All For The Winner) once more...

Manic, tasteless, thoroughly silly and completely surreal trademark Hong Kong comedy dominate The Top Bet in addition to an action set piece where Anita Mui shines. It's a matter of taste, also a matter of getting used to and perhaps it's better to watch The Top Bet with many Stephen Chow and Hong Kong comedies under your belt. It's my theory anyway but no one can take away the fact that Jeff Lau and Corey Yuen crafts hilarious results from the fast paced proceedings. Carol Cheng's rapid fire delivery of dialogue and spunky presence more than makes up for Chow's absence while the new and returning cast are all on board for the silly antics. A sizeable supporting cast includes Sandra Ng, Shing Fui-On, Kenny Bee, Woo Fung, Yuen Wah, Anthony Chan, Lau Chun, Lowell Lo, Tai Bo, Jeff Lau & Corey Yuen...