"Agent Mr Chan", must watch this Chinese New Year!
Writer: Casey Chong
Dayo Wong leads the cast in "Agent Mr Chan". |
It's that time of the year again, we're about to usher the 2018 Chinese New Year and obviously no celebration would be complete without a healthy dose of Hong Kong comedies lined up in our local cinemas.
One of them to definitely look out for is "Agent Mr Chan", a latest spy comedy starring former TVB king Dayo Wong (most of us might remember him in the famous "War Of The Genders" series and his pet cockroach, Siu Keung) and Charmaine Sheh of TVB's "Beyond The Realm Of Conscience" and "Line Walker" fame.
To coincide with the upcoming release of "Agent Mr Chan" this 15th February, here are five solid reasons why you might consider catching this movie in cinemas!
1. Dayo Wong and Charmaine Sheh reunite
Dayo Wong and Charmaine Sheh reunite in "Agent Mr Chan" after TVB's "You're Hired" in 2009. |
Believe it or not, it has been almost 10 years since they last collaborated in the 2009 TVB hit comedy series, "You're Hired". The series was, of course, nominated for 6 TVB Anniversary Awards including Best Drama, Best Actor for Dayo Wong and My Favourite Female Character for Charmaine Sheh. Given their winning chemistry in the series, hopes are high to see whether their sparks will fly in "Agent Mr Chan".
2. Director Jeff Cheung is a multi-talented Hong Kong veteran
A scene from "Agent Mr Chan". |
His name may not be instantly recognisable, but you might remember some of his work in various capacities since 1999's "The Rules Of The Game". That includes writing for Johnnie To's "Life Without Principle" as well as serving as an assistant director for comedies like "Everyday Is Valentine", "Blind Detective" and "Don't Go Breaking My Heart 2". Interestingly enough, "Agent Mr Chan" marks his solo directorial effort for the first time ever.
3. Watch out for the star-studded cameos
Charmaine Cheh will surely light up the screen with her role. |
No Lunar New Year comedy would be complete without the all-star cameo appearances. The tradition is preserved in "Agent Mr Chan", which will feature recognisable Hong Kong guest stars such as Sammi Cheng, Miriam Yeung, Alan Tam, Sandra Ng, Julian Cheung and even legendary comedian Michael Hui.
4. The return of the Hong Kong spy-comedy genre
Dayo Wong charms in "Agent Mr Chan". |
It's been a while since we had a spy comedy made with a distinct Hong Kong flavour. The last time such a genre has appeared in Chinese cinema was the Wong Jing and Andy Lau's "Mission Milano" back in 2016, but that movie was largely aimed at the China market. Given its largely Hong Kong cast and crew, it looks as if "Agent Mr Chan" would capture the zany spirit of Stephen Chow's hugely-popular spy romp, "From Beijing With Love".
5. A movie that offers more than just your average Bond-style comedy
A scene from "Agent Mr Chan". |
According to one of Hong Kong media interviews, Dayo Wong explained that "Agent Mr Chan" isn't just restricted to a James Bond-like formula. Given his background as a well-known stand-up comedian in Hong Kong, it will be interesting to see how Dayo's script – for which, he also co-wrote with "Mermaid" scribe Kelvin Lee - would end up on the big screen after going through ten drafts before finalising everything into a shooting script.
"Agent Mr Chan" opens in cinemas nationwide on 15 February 2018..
Cinema Online, 11 February 2018