R E V I E W
LOSERS' CLUB
2001. China Star. 88 minutes.
Directed by Patrick Yau
Written by Sandy Shaw
With Eric Tsang, Francis Ng
Director Patrick Yau Tat-Chi has made a pleaant variety of films, ranging from free jazz doodling (The Odd One Dies) to bleak and stark (The Longest Nite) to warm and tragic (Expect the Unexpected).
The film played in Hong Kong cinemas in November 2001.
MOVIE
Plot: A television director is threatened with the loss of his job if his ratings do not pick up. A chance encounter with an old friend, a washed-up pop star, provides the opportunity to further his own career and resurrect his friend from obscurity. With his new-found power, the director muscles his way into an expanded prime-time show and producing duties for the biggest program of the year, a New Year's Eve countdown. Complications arise and loyalties are questioned when the pop star's past comes back to haunt him.
Performances: Eric Tsang tries to breathe life into his role as the television director, but Francis Ng has little to do (as the pop star turned idiotic but popular clown) except dress in outlandish costumes. Ruby Wong Cheuk-Ling provides able support as the director's secret girlfriend; Maggie Shaw plays the bitchy executive who constantly clashes with the protagonists.
Production: The first feature in three years from director Patrick Yau Tat-Chi is an unalloyed disappointment. The comedy falls flat for the most part, and the tired back-office drama elicits yawns. It would be rather tedious to dissect the many ways in which I feel the film does not succeed, and I feel no need to bash what was probably a sincere effort to produce a little lighthearted entertainment.
Sandy Shaw (Heroic Trio, My Father is a Hero, Dr. Wai in the Scripture with No Words) wrote the script. Cheng Siu-Keung (most films from Milkyway Image Productions, including Yau's previous directorial efforts) served capably as director of photography. Chung Chi Wing and Cheung Siu Hung composed the flavorful, flamenco guitar-driven musical score.
Rating: Category I. No violence; I don't recall any profanity.
DVD
The letterboxed China Star DVD looks exceptional, though the subtitles are tiny and difficult to read at times. Both Cantonese and Mandarin audio tracks are presented in DD Pro Logic. Includes a trailer and filmographies.
RECOMMENDATION
Pass. The patience of devoted fans will be tested.
(Reviewed by Peter A. Martin; March 27, 2002)
Copyright 2000-2002 by Peter A. Martin. All rights reserved.
No part of this review may be reproduced without express permission by the copyright owner.