Best known for his ultraviolence and splatter prison cult classic “Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky” and his portraying of the cocky Northern martial artist who challenged the Wing Chun master in “Ip Man” and after appearing in other kung fu movies, Louis Fan Siu Wong pretty much disappeared from the overall Hong Kong action scene. Nonetheless, he has been busy making online movies in China ever since, thanks to the advances of smartphones and 5G technology and like a cultural revolution, the online movie business phenomenon is flourishing in China like there is no tomorrow. These are usually short and disposable productions being watched by anyone on the phone or tablets and anywhere where the internet is within reach.
In his latest outing, Fan plays the leader of a squad of professional bodyguards Lung Wei assigned to protect a foreign businessman. As expected, they came under attack in which none of his members survived. While recovering at home from his injury his adversary shows up with a time bomb which got his wife killed and their daughter badly injured. In order to care for her, they move to another city where he works as a handyman while keeping a low profile. One night while working in a bar, he rescues a woman, Amy (Jiang Yi Yi) from being raped. In return she offers him a job as a virtual reality operator at her company which manufactures high tech exoskeleton suits. However, during his audition, a group of terrorists promptly turns up to steal the highly sourced suit technology; needless to say it is now up to Lung Wei to be a hero and save the day.
What makes this web production really stand out is the incredibly well choreographed action set piece at the opening. Although not original, the shootouts are bloody and violent and the hand-to-hand fights are equally brutal. Aside from the obviously low-budget CGI effects, both director Tang Qiao Jia and action choreographer Tang Hu have managed to generate a solid, thrilling action sequence which is entertaining to behold. Because of this, the inevitable climatic end fight between Lung Wei and the head extremist which is unfortunately rather repetitive, pales in comparison, although there is a nice little twist there. Interestingly and although unintelligible at times, most of the dialogue is in English.
In any case, Louis Fan Siu Wong is incredible and convincing playing the role of the fast and furious kung fu bodyguard Lung Wei. Let’s face it, we are here mainly to see him kicking ass and he sure doesn’t disappoint in that department. The first-person fight scene of him taking on numerous antagonists during his virtual reality audition is another highlight. Shot like a video game, this sequence is also similar to the one in “The Villainess”.
Beijing born actress Jiang Yi Yi lends a good support as Amy, the scientist who recruits and takes a shine to Lung as well as providing the film’s very much needed eye-candy breaks and some melodramatic parts. As for the rest of the supporting cast, they are mainly regulars from the local online movie world. Wang Zhi Peng turns up in a memorable role as Ni Kun, the cruel and slimy leader of the terrorist group while Song Zi Qiao appears briefly as Ke Xin, the loving but tragic wife of Lung Wei.
Clocking in at a brisk running time of just eighty minutes not counting the credits, “One More Shot” renamed as “VR Fighter” is a lean and fast-paced actioner which sets out to woo a certain audience and passes with flying colors. Even though lacking in terms of real tension in the overall execution, the frantic camera work is both fluid and full of energy. Besides, this is no doubt Louis Fan’s best web outing so far that comes with a touch of old Hong Kong action flair and is highly entertaining.
G'Day! Ni Hao? Hello! Many steamy hot tropical moons ago, I was bitten by the Shaw Brothers movie bug inside a cool cinema in Borneo while Wang Yu was slicing away on the screen. The same bug, living in my blood then, followed me to Sydney, Down Under years later, we both got through Customs & grew roots. Now I'm still happily living with this wonderful old bug and spreading my 'sickness' around to others whenever I can. Cheers!
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