This is one of the funniest, sharpest films I've seen in quite a while, a merciless skewering of several trends in recent Hong
Kong films. One trend is the artistic camera work that has recently been creeping into mainstream HK films, perhaps as a
result of Wong Kar Wai's influence (though I really couldn't say). An example that leaps to mind is Tsui Hark's The Blade
(which I liked quite a bit). The other trend that is mocked is the recent slew of Triad Boyz films, such as the Young and
Dangerous films and their innumerable spinoffs and imitators.

As I said, this film is merciless. While it is hilarious in general, it is even funnier if you've seen some of the Triad Boyz films,
especially the Young and Dangerous films. However, even those who have not seen these films will probably enjoy Too Many
Ways.

Too Many Ways revolves around Lau Ching-Wan, in a brilliant comic performance, as a more or less incompetent, aging triad
member. The story is told in an unusual narrative style. This works well with the tone of the film as a whole, which is
fairly absurdist. Even most of the really violent scenes are played for laughs, and it's amazing how well this works, though
some of the violence is rather gory.

The humor in the movie goes all over the place, from physical and situational humor all the way to absurdist. Even the
camera is used for it's humorous value, poking fun at other directors through some bizarre cinematography. Interestingly,
he often makes a point of drawing attention to the camera, which gives the movie some great gags.

There is also some subtle social commentary in this movie, though whether or not it was intentional I don't know. The Triad
Boyz films definitely glamorize triad members and their lives. The 'good guys' in those films are loyal to each other, don't
harass non-triad members, and all that. Too Many Ways to Be Number One shows a more realistic depiction of criminals as
people who are looking for a quick way to make money and who don't often care who gets in the way. Of course, our hero,
Lau Ching-Wan, is slightly better than the others, but not by much.

I more or less did not stop laughing throughout the whole film, nor did anyone else in the audience I saw it with. I can't
think of a better recommendation for a parody than that.