Cast Member: Teddy Robin

It’s almost as if director Andrew Lam just got a few mates together for an exercise in tedium to prove how willing we are to forgive anything for a hit of nostalgia.

It’s such a shame that one of Lam’s more appealing roles is hamstrung by unusually poor direction from Tsui Hark.

Despite the weakness of its central performance, ‘All The Wrong Spies’ does incorporate the zest of the Cinema City films that dominated the early 80s.

‘Banana Cop’ is a quick-moving film that is at times amusing and at times, thanks to some fine direction, suspense-filled.

Jacob Cheung’s celebrated drama is that magical juxtaposition of gritty social commentary and absorbing character study that many lesser directors aspire to replicate.

Impressive production values, an excellent cast and a few moments of genuine inspiration (courtesy of Sammo Hung’s action choreography) make the minutes fly be.

‘Gallants’ is, for the most part, a refreshing diversion that allows stars of the past to remind modern viewers that they still have much to offer to the future of Hong Kong cinema.

‘Legend Of Wisely’ is a cheery action/comedy that is quite satisfying despite the clear weaknesses that undermine it.

Although not his most important film and certainly not his most famous, ‘Three Against The World’ is a welcome addition to the Andy Lau canon and certainly worth catching.

In truth, this is not a great movie, with nothing new added to the age old “separated brothers” story and some bad special effects.

Those expecting the typical Tsui Hark flair and innovation may be disappointed by this straight-forward comedy, but it still shows his ability to add something to even the most well-trod narratives.