For those who like their kung fu movies with more than a pinch of comedy, this might be an above-average affair; but I like comedy and still found this to be somewhat lacking in most areas.

The comedy is evident throughout but I found it to be lazy and not nearly as broad as other classic martial arts comedies. Alexander Fu Sheng plays a relatively satisfying joker but the comic situations he's put in are, for me, grating to say the least. Granted, laughter was heard from both myself and my wife (a fledgling kung fu fan) but I couldn't help but feel the standard of the good humorous moments just couldn't be maintained.

Of course I have to talk about the kung fu action. "Treasure Hunters" is worth buying for the last twenty minutes alone. This extended finale contains weapons fighting, superb choreography and the absolute highlight of the movie, a twin-sword-wielding Yeung Ching Ching, putting everyone else to shame.

However it must be said that the minor fight scenes scattered lightly throughout the movie seem nowhere near as good as the climax of the film. In fact, if anything, it feels like someone else entirely different was brought in to choreograph the movie sans the finale and the great cameo by Lau Kar Wing. The movie actually manages to make Alexander Fu Sheng look bad in places. Maybe it's the bumbling extras playing the guards, police and numerous other "bad guys" but throughout I felt the choreography was more than a little sloppy.

Of course then there's Gordon Liu. The "Master Killer" himself is superb (if a little underused) in "Treasure Hunters." He portrays his character with resonating calm and a screen heavy honor. His fight scenes (other than the end) are what keeps this movie's head above murky waters and just goes to chow what a charismatic entry to any film he is.

So, in summary, this film is definitely not for everyone. If anything I think it's for those wanting to build their collection as it's far from a "must-have". With both the comedy and action feeling a little flat, it left me feeling unsatisfied. If you have a few bucks to spare then go for it, but you can definitely do much better than putting "Treasure Hunters" at the top of your list. If not for the explosive finish this would have gotten a 2 out of 5 for me.

Kung fu fans will enjoy this movie, but just try to get anyone else to sit through Treasure Hunters. The fight scenes are fast-paced and funny, but some are quite bizarre. Gordon Liu's posse who carry his litter bust out some strange and outlandish stances. The comedy is also an acquired taste; I found the library scene quite funny, but only kung-fu fans will. Your friends, children, and partners will wonder why you are laughing.

The story is clear enough: two con artists stumble onto a treasure caper, and try to get a piece of the action. The apparent guardian of the treasure, a bald monk (guess who?), appears to leave a wake of death in his path. Any who cross him seeking the treasure are beaten by his superior style and sent packing. Later, all are found dead. The monk is unaware of his reputation, and of the noble (Wang Lung Wei) who shadows all treasure seekers, looking for not a piece of the action, but the whole pie. He is the one killing all those defeated by the monk.

You can probably figure out the rest without even watching it, but then you'd be missing a suprisingly funny and exciting action comedy. But I'm already a fan of the genre, and if you are reading this, I assume you are as well. I'm being as objective as possible, realizing the limited appeal and audience of Treasure Hunters.

Fu Sheng carries the film nicely, supported ably by Chang Chan Peng as 'rich kid' Chow Su Chee. Gordon Liu as Wu Sun is actually kind of one-dimensional, and really a supporting cast member rather than the star.

Somehow, I was expecting more from such formidable actors and producers (Lau Kar Wing and Lau Kar Leung). Treasure Hunters delivers the requisite action finale, but getting there is going to be a bit of a chore.