All Film Reviews

‘Our Time Will Come’ is another excellent Ann Hui film, but it’s Zhou Xun’s aptitude that lingers after the running time ends.

‘Out For Blood’ was clearly inspired by other (better) vigilante movies but it never really comes close to accomplishing anything that stands out from the crowd.

Unless you’re looking to poke fun at it, I’d imagine even the most dedicated Steven Seagal fans will find it hard to recommend ‘Out of Reach’.

Often exciting, action packed and reminiscent of something one would happily rent during the 90s heyday of never-ending-video-store-action-film-releases.

A well-scripted, superbly executed thriller with a formidable triumvirate at the centre, this could well be one of the best genre films to have come from Asia in the past few years.

While ‘Overheard’ was an excellent homage to the great American conspiracy films of the 70s, the in-name-only sequel is a more routine two hours with a far less incisive denouement.

Wordy, but with nothing to say, this is a verbose movie populated by monumentally dull characters and bland ‘twists’ that fail to hold the attention.

Not to everyone’s tastes, could have been a little shorter and hardcore Yen fans may be let down by the lack of dynamic hand-to-hand combat but ‘Painted Skin’ is still a stylish slice of fantasy filmmaking.

‘Painted Skin 2’ ramps up the CGI spectacle and melodramatic romance, all but forgets the action and excitement and thus is a rather hollow but undeniable pretty to look at fantasy.

The fight action is apologetic, the comedy forced and the complete package a grave disservice to the young audience it was obviously intended for.

There is not as much fighting as older Sammo films, but what is on show is up to his modern-day best – also showcasing Sammo’s last great physical performance.

There’s no doubt that much is wrong with ‘Papa, Can You Hear Me Sing?’, but there’s also an undeniable power of never quite knowing how the narrative will turn out.

Although Sammo and Maggie rarely create any convincing chemistry, the film contains enough action and laughs to entertain most Hong Kong fans.

The third instalment in the ‘SPL’ franchise sees original director Wilson Yip return for another dark crime tale that doesn’t skimp on the nihilism or the hard edged fight action.

It’s easy to see why ‘Parasite’ won the Palm d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Bong Joon-ho’s latest is no mere pretender to greatness; it’s the genuine article.

A great set up is unfortunately wasted via odd creative choices, too much focus on comedy-romance and a reliance on grating theatrics.

The final reel is raw power and energy as Sammo takes on a small army of goons before meeting his match in Billy Chow.

The three female stars are simply flawless with each offering a different aspect to the film’s overall feel.

‘Peninsula’ had a lot to live up to and it all looked promising with the initial turbo-charged teaser trailer. But while there is a lot to enjoy here it’s unfortunately not a case of lightning in a bottle striking twice.

For a romantic comedy to have a pair of protagonists who prove so completely dislikeable means the film shoots hits itself in the foot with the very first bullet.

In Derek Yee though, the film has an impressive craftsmen who layers the tension until the film’s ultimately downbeat conclusion.

A hard slog for some, but a beautiful appreciation of the ordinary for many, a look at how day-to-day life can have a worth all of its own.

Though it disappoints with the actual heart of the film, there is nonetheless something quite welcoming about a work that is so different from the usual fare.

The real draw, and the skill of Chor Yuen, is to make an ensemble of eccentrics, oddball antagonists and superheroes appealing and a means of covering up the unapologetic holes in the narrative.