Director: Derek Chiu

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.

The style and substance of ‘Comeuppance’ are in well-balanced equilibrium as neither overtakes the other, but there is still something indefinable that proves to be obvious by the time the credits roll.

‘Frugal Game’ is a pleasant comedy that stands out of the rest of the market because of its odd glimpse of invention.

The idea of an introspective love story may not sound too appealing, but this is the kind of film that truly rewards the patient viewer.

‘Love Is Love’ is a skeletal rom-com with every feeling sucked out and populated by people you would cross the road, no the M4, to avoid.

‘Love Trilogy’ is a fine film that flawlessly juggles three stories while also hinting at some exquisite symbolism to cement its point.

‘Sealed With A Kiss’ has the raw promise of a director to watch in the future, but intersperses this with a general lack of focus.

There’s no doubt then that ‘The Log’ has qualities that recommend it, though it never reaches the heights that Chiu’s admirers would demand.

The two Dereks have provided viewers with a down-to-earth story of sadness that firmly keeps the attention until the final credits roll.

Although ‘Time 4 Hope’ is certainly a solid film that remains watchable, it is memorable for its wasted potential rather than anything else.