Rating: 3.5

For all the plot holes and script deficiencies, this is an excellent slice of Hong Kong entertainment with a return to the edict of fun film-making that made the 80s stand out.

Those who give it a chance will be rewarded with a well made, at times thought provoking and overall entertaining version of a Japanese classic.

‘Gift From Heaven’ is a low-key comedy, but a very watchable 90 minutes.

Although it is undoubtedly still an enjoyable arc from the show, the decision to make ‘Gintama: The Movie’ a collection of existing episodes feels somewhat disappointing.

The film itself is relatively well paced, shoehorning in equal helpings of genuinely amusing comedy set-pieces and soft-focus “cheeky moments”, seemingly flittering by in what feels like no time.

While ‘Glass Tears’ is a solid debut for Carol Lai, it has a few signs of directorial immaturity within it.

Working with what is probably a minimal budget by Hollywood standards, Chin Ka-Lok fashions quite an impressive action film, complete with international locations and slick looking set-pieces.

‘Hana And Alice’ is an interesting film rather than a fully involving one. At over two hours long, it is in desperate need of more judicious editing as too many minor scenes carry on beyond their logical conclusion.

‘Happy Flight’ benefits from the versatility of Haruka Ayase – as good in a comedy as she has been in action flicks like ‘Ichi’ – and a variety of low-key characters who give the story a charm of its own.

Packed with exciting fight sequences, huge helpings of blood and some solid leading performances, it is clearly one of the more enjoyable examples of Japanese VCinema.

As good as a belated direct-to-DVD sequel to a John Woo/Jean Claude Van Damme classic gets.

Fine performances, good cinematography and a well-paced storyline – despite the difficulty on my part to pick out its failings – will offer most viewers a rewarding 100 minutes of entertainment.