| With this sci-fi/romance combo, Gordon Chan goes deep on us with train of thoughts concerning mankind and adds a little of the good old X-Files feeling for his successful 1997 movie. Maybe we should give credit to the minds of the paying audience but star power was probably more recognized than intelligence during the cinema run. Fact of the matter is, Gordon's written and directed template barely edges into interesting territory but that's only on the very edge of the surface. The actual filmmaking is dangerously stale, despite the competently put together production. Armageddon lacks a razor sharp edge and more importantly, a logic that is needed to bring all facets of the story to the audiences different mind sets and while some twists surrounding the Michelle Reis character wakes us up, the film puts us mostly to sleep (location work in Prague does not enhance matters). Andy Lau looks seriously disinterested as well but kudos to Anthony Wong for brining a relaxed persona to immersing effect. Usually a bumbling cop act but the character reveals heart as we move along. It's effort largely wasted sadly. Wayne Lai rocks in a role no one will understand while co-writer Vincent Kok, Michael Lui, Claudia Lau and Kim Yip also appear. |
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