Magnificent Team (1998)
Reviewed by: Chinoco on 2006-08-13
Summary: Very good with some original moments
This was a great film! It had action, comedy, and a compelling story.

Francis Ng stars a police officer who spends most of his time bragging and exaggerating about his bravery and (supposed) accomplishments. He is in charge of four officers: Wing, Mimi, Sgt. Yau (Hui Siu-Hung), and Chiu (Simon Loui). Each officer has a weakness however. Wing is daring and smart- but also overconfident and rash. Mimi throws up every time she sees blood. Chiu has a domineering and controlling girlfriend who calls him up at all the wrong times. Finally, Yau is just weeks away from retirement and hides whenever there is a gunfight. These shortcomings along with Francis's boasting, have earned the officers the name: "All Talk- No Action Team"

Things get shaken up when a new female officer is asked to join the team. She is all action, and a by-the-book police woman. They are assigned two cases: to track down a gang of brutal bank robbers; and a mysterious internet killer. On there first day out, things go horrible wrong and all of the teams weaknesses are made obvious. Francis’s performance is especially poor as he trips on a drain and accidentally shoots an innocent bystander! Here's where things get interesting: in one of the films many twists (I'm not going to reveal most of them) Francis is surprisingly fired from the force after his mistake. The team goes on without him and works to solve the internet case. When we see Francis again (after a substantial break), he has actually joined a Triad gang and appears quite happy with chasing girls and drinking all night. Will the team actually be better off without him?

This movie really held my attention throughout! There were some really original moments here, such as the team having two different cases to solve. Francis Ng really steals the show as a complete slacker goofball that you can't help but root for. I also liked that each character has a moment at the end. Special attention was given to each officer overcoming their own various problems. Characters act realistically for the most part as well. For example, just when the audience is critical of the way Yau runs from gunfights; he tells management that it is up to him to take care of his family. He also mentions that he doesn't want a government flag covering his coffin just days from his retirement. Francis adds that he has made more money in a few days as a Triad member than he would have in an entire year as an officer- with less risk.

Recommended for great action, a good storyline, catchy theme music, and of course Francis Ng!
Reviewer Score: 8