| Outside of a jet ski chase and some very slight gunplay, there's nothing to suggest that this lighthearted caper comes from the usually dark mind of Ringo Lam, returning to comedy for the first time since the 1980s. I welcome versatility but when there's only the occasional glimpse of inspired comedy and action, one can almost imagine the mainstream minded Johnnie To (who produced) himself in the directing chair and the result would've been equally stale. What it really boils down to is a select bunch of good to so-so actors (Shu Qi, Simon Yam, Lam Suet, Hui Siu-Hung, Ruby Wong) and some not so talented (Andy On, Raymond Wong, Chapman To) enjoying the Malaysian sun and acting relatively silly. While semi-amusing at times and giving us some wild characteristics for Simon Yam's flamboyant villain, the proceedings are in the end rather unimpressive and disposable. Which is not a grade I'd want to lay on a Hong Kong film by Ringo Lam. |
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