Genre: Martial Arts

‘Fist Power’ is a very thin framework onto which a few interesting action scenes are hung and should not be treated as a classic of the genre.

The plot and characterisation are very weak but there’s enough about the fights to keep a kung fu fan watching till the end.

Undemanding fun that benefits from a likeable cast, a vibe that just wants to entertain, and lots of shiny fight action.

This is, in all honestly, a very bad film. However, if it were purely being judged on the action, then it would easily gain 3 stars.

With ‘Five Shaolin Masters’, there is a definite impression that the great director’s inspirational ideas of brotherhood and honour are somehow diluted.

The generally undemanding nature of the film make this a definite thumbs up for genre-lovers.

‘Flash Point’ isn’t a perfect film in the classical cinematic sense, but it is a damn fine action movie that doesn’t short change the viewer in any department.

What Lan has given audiences is a hark back to the new-wave boom of the early-90s that, while never setting the screen alight, is mostly entertaining.

Winds up being a complete mess of a movie that is neither suitable for kids nor action-packed enough for fight fans.

The only real entertainment is watching the truly menacing villain over-act and cackle viciously while bearing a passing resemblance to Jimmy Saville.

Don Wilson is on good form and gets to strut his stuff in a few crunchy, punchy, round housing fight scenes including a brutal face off with Chris Penn come the finale.

‘Gallants’ is, for the most part, a refreshing diversion that allows stars of the past to remind modern viewers that they still have much to offer to the future of Hong Kong cinema.