Mr. Vampire certainly tries to provide tension in its horror moments but not only mixing it with broader comedic elements decreases this aspect but the fact of the matter is that Hong Kong cinema wasn't so much the premium special effects cinema of the world (I personally like the animated effects and today's CGI doesn't fare that much better in Hong Kong movies anyway). But Lau uses his cinematography background to infuse the film with a sense of grand style at times, adding some striking camerawork and imagery working off the Golden Harvest and Taiwan based sets. Despite most subsequent sequels and spin-off's borrowing the same template to actual good degrees of success at times, Lau's effort easily ranks as the most entertaining of all.

Lam Ching Ying had performed, working under Sammo and Wu Ma, within the genre before. Among other things he logged a hugely underrated and funny performance as the not so sturdy taoist priest in The Dead And The Deadly but the famed characteristics Lam brought to the role is firmly cemented here. The character has always been comedic gold with his blend of stoic authority as a master and endearing, child like behavior whenever out of his element. Lam proved over the years that even on autopilot, most bland movies overall hugely benefited from him imitating himself over and over again. The genre simply lived and breathed thanks to Lam Ching Ying and despite fine dramatic roles in between, it's the image of Lam in his Taoist wear that will forever live on. And there's certainly no shame in that. The ever so acrobatic Chin Siu Ho, comedic relief Ricky Hui, Billy Lau, playing his usual thick headed police officer, co-stars. Pauline Wong, Anthony Chan and Moon Lee also appear.