Cast Member: Alan Tam

While Derek Chiu’s latest film is an acceptable blockbuster, the wit and style of the director’s earlier works is sadly fading away from him.

Even though I was eager to like the film and the trailer helped make this seem a possibility, this is a major disappointment – even for the most forgiving fans of the Samuel Hui/Karl Maka classic.

The last twenty minutes alone are worth anyone’s money, as you will undoubtedly rewind in order to be repeatedly amazed by one of the greatest physical performers of any generation.

Not as saturated with action as some of its ilk of the time but a solid gangster gambling drama nonetheless with the two leads at the top of their game.

Although certain aspects of the series have changed in this third part, ‘Lucky Stars Go Places’ still proves to be an entertaining and undemanding film that fits well into this popular film series.

There is not as much fighting as older Sammo films, but what is on show is up to his modern-day best – also showcasing Sammo’s last great physical performance.

Not the best example of heroic bloodshed from the golden age but an entertaining footnote in the careers of heavy hitters Chow Yun-Fat and Andy Lau, and certainly worth checking out for completists.

You’d expect a film with Sammo in would have something special in the action department, but even this is very average and certainly not up to his usual quality.

‘The Last Blood’ may not be the cream of the crop, but it is still an incredibly fun action flick. Just be prepared for a sprinkling of Wong Jing silliness along the way.

With all characters underwritten it seems churlish to criticise performances, but eighties Asian singing sensation Tam is a charisma vacuum and not even the legendary Lin can convince in her thankless damp squib of a role.