Rating: 3.0

While not matching the ambitions of ‘Ong Bak’ or ‘Born to Fight’ in no strings attached mayhem, ‘The Bodyguard’ is continued proof that Thailand’s popular cinema has a secure future.

Unfortunately ‘The Brave Archer’ is one of Chang Cheh’s least assured efforts as he foolishly tries to fit in all of the sub-plots and characters of this vast novel.

The three films are of course better if viewed as one long film, but that is partially the undoing of this third instalment due to it’s comparatively slow pacing following the hectic earlier instalments.

‘The Bravest Escort Group’ was one of those films you start watching while all the while thinking that it must have either been edited down from a much longer version or part of a series.

Yu’s extravagant use of colour and innovative camera techniques are extremely pleasing, but in no way make up for the lack of depth missing from the rest of the film.

Thanks to a novel set-up, some impressive tension and a cast of youngsters that aren’t as annoying as they first appear, ‘The Bridge Curse’ provides enough jolts to warrant a watch.

Unfortunately, for veterans of old-school flicks, the choreography on display here is nothing new, and a lot of it takes place in the dark, which makes it less than easy to follow.

It entertains, titillates and amuses, as well as throws in a hint of social commentary as afterthought, but it’s a giddy, gaudy way to spend some time, providing of course that the subject matter itself doesn’t offend one’s sensibilities to begin with.

The term ‘low-key’ was perhaps invented for this enjoyable and slightly off-beat comedy/thriller.

By the time the end credits start to run, there is the definite feeling that strong potential has been wasted.

Although dated, ‘The Chinese Boxer’ is historically fascinating and provides an interesting point of reference to the many films that would follow.

With ‘The Conmen In Vegas’, Wong Jing takes the best approach that we could have hoped for – one in which he has little aspiration to achieve heights that we all know he isn’t capable of.