When five hopeless criminals wind up in prison, they forge strange bonds that see them make a brotherly pact to remain friends forever.  Upon their release, they keep their promises and decide to go straight by setting up a cleaning company under the name 'Five Stars'.  However, crime follows an ex-con like a bad smell and when the gang accidentally wind up in possession of counterfeiting plates they find themselves sought after by one of the biggest crime organisations in town.  As if this wasn't bad enough, another rival gang see the opportunity to obtain some extra business and decide to go after the plates while they are in "neutral" hands.  With the help of a rogue cop (Jackie Chan), the gang decide to clear their names and attempt to bring both gangs to justice whilst trying to stay alive.

'Winners And Sinners' is the first movie from the team that eventually became known as the 'Lucky Stars' and is considered by most (including myself) to be the funniest entry into the series.  Whereas it's sequels utilised the action stakes and skills of Jackie Chan to a higher degree, 'Winners And Sinners' concentrates mainly on the antics of the five friends and allows them to forge a chemistry that became the backbone of the entire series.  Littered with humourous antics and ingenious set pieces, this is Hong Kong comedy at it's finest with enough visual gags to tickle your funny bone without the need to worry about difficult translations.  Jackie Chan tags along for the ride to give recognisable star power and showcase a couple of impressive stunts but it's Sammo who gets the spotlight for the action as he performs his usual solid routines for the finale.

Those of you expecting a typical Jackie Chan movie from 'Winners And Sinners' will no doubt be disappointed but if you appreciate the talents of the other actors concerned then this is certainly a treat.  The gags come thick and fast and the cast are all in extremely fine form for this entertaining early comedic outing.