All Film Reviews

By avoiding Hollywood histrionics or schmaltz, a well-worn plot again manages to seem fresh and deeply moving.

While it is a good idea that is probably stretched beyond its running time, there is something quite heartening about ‘Funny Soccer’.

The only real entertainment is watching the truly menacing villain over-act and cackle viciously while bearing a passing resemblance to Jimmy Saville.

‘Future Cops’ is definitely worth a look for its crazy action and glittering cast, but be warned that the middle section may make you reach for the fast-forward button.

Don Wilson is on good form and gets to strut his stuff in a few crunchy, punchy, round housing fight scenes including a brutal face off with Chris Penn come the finale.

Seemingly endless scenes of two annoying kids, empty nods to whatever is currently in popular culture and a few moments of teeth-grindingly insincere pathos.

‘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.

The brief scenes that actually feature Lee’s original ‘Game Of Death’ footage only help to condemn the rest of this shambolic mess.

Possibly not for the Bruce Lee purists, but a fantastic old-school flick, which is, another must have.

I can imagine watching it thirty years ago and wanting to throw a brick at the screen, but, imbued with a tidal wave of nostalgia today, it was a decent ninety-minute distraction.

As an introduction to the Hui brothers or Hong Kong comedy in general, this is a fine starting point.

It’s not that it isn’t enjoyable – there is plenty to savour here – but considering the talent available on both sides of the lens, it is mildly frustrating.

For the most part this is a perfectly enjoyable though undistinguished drama, but things step up a gear near the end.

A movie should be able to stand on its own merits, but despite the situation intriguing me and the action exciting me, I couldn’t help feeling unsatisfied in the end.

If you fancy watching a series of fun fights that feature some bizarre opponents then ‘Geisha Assassin’ is certainly as good a choice as any.

For all the plot holes and script deficiencies, this is an excellent slice of Hong Kong entertainment with a return to the edict of fun film-making that made the 80s stand out.

It’s hard to imagine anyone enjoying ‘General Commander’ as it’s such a sorry excuse for an action movie with no real positives to offer.

If you’re absolutely desperate to find another tournament style fight flick, then you may be able to squeeze a few drops of entertainment out of ‘Geochilmaru’.

Those who give it a chance will be rewarded with a well made, at times thought provoking and overall entertaining version of a Japanese classic.

Of itself ‘Ghost of the Mirror’ is a slight, though enjoyable fantasy romance. As an early film from an actress who would become one of Asia’s legends, it is fascinating.

Clearly a set of well-intentioned, though poorly executed, morality plays, ‘Ghost Office’ proves itself in the long-run to be an enormous flub.

Mercifully the ghost busting escapades do provide some laughter and come the final run Sammo Hung and Corey Yuen unleash some wicked fight action.

‘Gift From Heaven’ is a low-key comedy, but a very watchable 90 minutes.

‘Gimme Gimme’ is an interesting diversion from the big-budget blockbusters of Hollywood or even Hong Kong, but by the end it flatters to deceive.