Country: Hong Kong

If nothing else, this film goes to show how a lack of good material can sometimes be covered over by an excellent cast.

Newcomers will enjoy the fight action, the slightly more experienced will also appreciate the comedy and the veteran viewer will be entertained by the great cast.

Jackie openly admits that this film was intended to answer the critics who saw him as just an action star/director. What an answer it proved to be!

A nutty, wondrous and at times exhilarating action adventure, ‘Mirage’ encapsulates all of the elements that generated such impetus during Hong Kong cinema’s 80s swansong.

Donnie Yen takes on a role similar to the one he played in ‘Drunken Tai Chi’ and once again shows how effortless it is for him to combine incredible physical aptitude with a pleasing screen persona.

‘Mission Milano’ is exactly what you would expect from Jing; a paper thin plot, overdone action sequences and low-brow humour.

Though it’s not in the same league as the Michael Hui hits it tries to emulate, ‘Money Crazy’ is still reasonably entertaining and certainly better than Woo’s other ventures into the genre.

This is a film that begins with optimism only to quickly revert to the old formula that had been so over-used.

The bottom line is that ‘Monkey Kung Fu’ is a highly recommended gem with a cast that doesn’t feature the genres big names, but still outshines many better known films.

Instead of just relying on popular new-wave gimmicks, Sammo pushes each of the actors to their limit and, even though there is liberal use of stunt doubles, the effect is impressive to behold.

‘Motorway’ is a stripped down action thriller that dispenses with such luxuries as sub-plots to concentrate fully on the battle between cops and robbers.

Although there is a great deal of potential within the casting, ‘Mr.Boo Meets Pom Pom’ is certainly the weakest of the Pom Pom quartet.