Writer: Ezekiel Lee Zhiang Yang

Writer Ratings:
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Effects: NA
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Watch this if you liked: "Run Papa Run"

The whimsical MTV pop palaver of "Look For A Star" looks and feels like some version of Macau Idol starring the sure-win pairing of Shu Kei and Andy Lau. Complete with intrusive music and George Lam tap dancing even, it's hardly the sort of movie that counts towards anything - except maybe the dreamlike desire to believe in ooey gooey squishy love stories that triumph against all odds.

Of course it's not meant to be taken seriously - which is why the 120-minute runtime seems a little unnecessary, especially for such an established film auteur like Andrew Lau ("Infernal Affairs", "Young & Dangerous") who'd definitely know when to cut his losses. Coming off like a hobbyist's plaything, "Look For A Star" is hollow, happy and shiny. However, some breathtaking backdrops and of course the sheer star appeal are reasons to pencil this in as a worthwhile watch.

Andy Lau doesn't need to do anything out of the ordinary here, by his immeasurable multi-talent standards. Same goes for Shu Kei and her permanent pout. The man plays a billionaire in love with a cabaret dancer cum croupier in the usual 'unlikely couple' shenanigan, extending also to two other couples, his chauffeur extraordinaire (the resurgent Dominic Lam) with a single mum (the delectable Zhang Xinyi) and also his ball-breaking secretary (singer Denise Ho) with a likeable repairman (the upcoming "Assembly" star Zhang Hanyu). All three are luckless in love and the plot is an attempt to find them somebody unlikely to love.

There are also appearances from industry faves like Maria Cordero and Cheung Tat Ming. However, the cast is largely an afterthought, considering that Andy Lau and Shu Kei were all that was needed to make this lavish, Parisian affair (in feel, that is) an entertaining adventure.

Well, "Look For A Star" found three from this reviewer. Similar efforts may not be so lucky in the future but it's good to feel all starry-eyed without it being embarrassing every once in a while.

Cinema Online, 05 February 2009