Director: Herman Yau

Everything is so over-the-top and forced while desperately trying to drag all of those ensemble hits of yesteryear kicking and screaming into the 21st century. The result is a bizarre mix.

Well worth giving your time to, as long as you’re prepared for things to go out on a whimper rather than a bang.

Thanks to some solid acting, engaging characters and a little bit of gunplay action this isn’t a bad little romance-gone-bad/crime picture.

Made before Anthony Wong’s star went truly stratospheric in Hong Kong, this is one of the fun little films that you remember when it was released but never got the opportunity to watch it.

It may be relatively incident free and not as prestigious as many of its contemporaries, yet this is still a film that earns mild commendation.

Herman Yau’s conclusion to the story deserves its place among its contemporaries. And any film with Anthony Wong giving his all is well worth adding to your collection.

‘Shock Wave’ is an above average Andy Lau action film that shows that the star can still be called on to play the tough hero when needed.

One’s suspension of disbelief may be pushed to breaking point but if you can go with the adrenaline pulsing momentum and the fact this is supposed to be a load of entertaining fun, then you will have a good time.

‘The Legend Is Born: Ip Man’ does not try to outdo the spectacle of its more lavish inspiration, though Herman Yau does try to give the viewers the ample Wing Chun action they crave.

An interesting premise is given a reasonable treatment by experienced director Herman Yau and well-played by a very capable cast.

The major strength here is E Jingwen who is such an eternally affable figure that you are rooting for her from the first frame until the end.

If you enjoy some bloody mayhem then it’ll definitely suffice, but it’s highly likely that the majority of viewers will find that there just isn’t enough meat in this bun to truly satisfy.