| It took a few years strangely enough to revive the successful franchise of Cinema City's but by 1990, that company was no more so Happy Ghost IV was made under Raymond Wong and Clifton Ko's production houses. Also returning to the directing chair, Clifton Ko doesn't showcase the greatest inspiration but yet again, as Hong, the happy ghost and Cantopop group Beyond battle a revenge seeking Ching dynasty spirit (Lai Shun), the team manages to squeeze crazy Hong Kong cinema-esque entertainment out of the concept to a good degree. Inserting more of the Tsui Hark workshop special effects creations, be it physical or otherwise, proves to further the best of the moments offered up in the series concerning usage of given supernatural powers. Broad humour via a Charlie Cho and Tommy Wong subplot is suitably deranged (a straight lift from Weekend At Bernie's becomes energetic in Clifton Ko's hands) and the makers have once again stepped away from the family friendly material. A good move, working in favour for those seeking insanity on screen.
Downside to the entire production however is that it's clearly a vehicle to showcase the boys of Beyond and their songs (some of which ARE good). The filmmakers are not even trying to smoothly integrate their primary career outside of this film. Co-starring Pauline Yeung and prior cast members Fennie Yuen, Charine Chan and Loletta Lee stop by for a brief appearance. |
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