Release Year: 2017

Despite doing some things right in terms of the look and feel of the franchise, it never quite seems to re-capture the atmosphere or the magical abilities to the point where they truly captivate.

‘Kill ’Em All’ has a gem of an idea at its core but squanders it with needless flashbacks, unnecessary characters and terrible editing.

It gives me no pleasure to say that I would even consider, if heavily medicated, watching ‘The Spy Next Door’ again rather than this.

A poignant family drama with dashes of dry humour, ‘Love Education’ is a film that director and star Sylvia Chang can be suitably proud of.

Not the return to modern action many a Woo fan may have hoped for but fun in fits and starts if you can forgive its flaws.

Fresh, funny, exciting and full of snappy action, ‘Midnight Runners’ is a joyous ride, rarely missing a beat from first frame until last.

There is a solid mix of winning visual gags, one-liners and absurdism that makes ‘Never Say Die’ entertaining even for those of us who do not speak Mandarin.

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

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.

A pulpy period actioner is a good way to describe ‘Savage Dog’ but come the second half, the film veers into full on exploitation madness as the violence is ramped up.

‘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.

The humour is never forced and the drama never over-cooked, meaning that as a whole, the film hits its targets with remarkable accuracy.