Impressive visual effects and nice cinematography can't compensate for:

1) Laughable acting.
2) Numerous extraneous characters.
3) The lack of any compelling story.
4) The sparse fight scenes with virtually no real MA choreography.
4) The long running time.

However, while The Storm Riders is a massive bore, it is somewhat more watchable than the truly inept pseudo-sequel A MAN CALLED HERO. Still, after the novelty of seeing a $10 million HK movie wears off the the first 30 minutes or so, you're left with 100 minutes of agony.

Post-script: It's been six months since I wrote the above review, and well over a year since I saw the film. It's six o'clock in the morning, and I can't sleep because I CAN'T STOP THINKING ABOUT HOW MUCH I HATE THIS MOVIE. The fact that a 130 minute movie could contain so little plot, action, or character development and ACTUALLY BE FINANCIALLY SUCCESSFUL makes me want to destroy the entire planet. I HATE THIS MOVIE! Andrew Lau, one day I'll come for you.