Writer: Loong Wai Ting

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Watch this if you liked: “Tokyo Raider,” “Confession Of Pain”

Despite the interesting title and peculiar characters, "Lady Cop & Papa Crook" doesn't quite nail it. Here's why - putting a team of investigators ala FBI in a mafia's mansion with their koncos while working on a kidnap case is not something an experienced team of investigators would do, especially when these "investigators" treat the house as if it's their personal headquarters!

Disregarding the weird setting, both director Felix Chong and writer Alan Mak's attempt in bigging up the picture is still a disappointment. Much to their credit however, the movie starts strong but subsequent attempts in introducing more comedy and drama end up falling flat.

For hardcore crime and thriller movie buffs, this wouldn't cut it. One may find the story ending as quickly as it started, with no real connectors to the story, really. It's as if the missing puzzle pieces are pieced together with an unseen divine intervention. While trying to inject more mystery to the case, it ends up confusing as ever.

If you're expecting bloody fights among triad members and intense cat-and-mouse, well, let's just say this isn't it.

Thank goodness, Sammi Cheng hasn't lost much of her magic. Her versatile comeback after three years of hiatus once again proves that she was once the most bankable star in Hong Kong. And obviously, her three years of hiatus hasn't done anything to compromise her onscreen sarcastic and comedic side. Welcome back, Sammi!

Given its strong star power, "Lady Cop & Papa Crook" is slightly better than average. It barely delivers the much-needed boost of action but fares a little better in its comedic lines. Remake recommended.

Cinema Online, 31 December 2008