Action Member: Sammo Hung

The third instalment in the ‘SPL’ franchise sees original director Wilson Yip return for another dark crime tale that doesn’t skimp on the nihilism or the hard edged fight action.

‘Pom Pom’ is a typically enjoyable 80’s Hong Kong comedy that will definitely strike a chord with fans of the ‘Lucky Stars’.

Using the conventions of the 30’s Hollywood swashbucklers mixed with his insane stunts and sublime fight action, Chan produced one of his best ever films.

The style of this sequel is just as frenetic as its forerunner, combining visual cues from video games and anime along with the steam-punk vision of 19th century China.

Despite being as absurdly hyperactive as a coffee junkie with St. Vitus’ Dance, ‘Tai Chi Zero’ is fun and snappy for most of its running time.

It’s not a perfect film by any means, but it succeeds in painting an interesting portrait of an aging gentleman looking for a little redemption.

All in all, another quality Sammo production that deserves a wider audience.

‘Carry on Wuxia’ it may be, but in execution and energy ‘The Eagle Shooting Heroes’ is the most polished in-joke ever made.

Despite a slow and at times wearisome first half of the film, it eventually blossoms into a distinguished genre work that is recommended to any fan of the Jade Screen.

Any Sammo Hung fan would love this film, as would anyone who enjoys old-school martial arts flicks.

The main problem with ‘The Medallion’ is it looks just like a Hollywood film with a modest budget. In fact it’s not even as good as his Hollywood films, including ‘The Tuxedo’.

There are numerous excellent comic situations and some classic routines that have been quoted and regurgitated ever since.