After an unpleasant trip to Hollywood, Tsui Hark returns to Hong Kong cinema with the action packed "Time and Tide." Nicholas Tse and Wu Bai star as Tyler and Jack, respectively. These two characters get involved with each other's lives and the ensuing violence that follows. The plotline revolves around Tse and his need to make money to provide financial support for the lesbian-cop that he had gotten pregnant during a one-night-stand. Tse meets Wu, whose wife is also pregnant. Talk about plot contrivances. This may be Hark warming up, getting back into filmmaking shape while working Hollywood out of his system. But, as demonstrated by movies like "China Strike Force" and "Skyline Cruisers," the action can be hollow when there is no story associated with the film. What separates "Time and Tide," to some degree, from these other big budgeted affairs is the ability to provide moderately engaging characters and pacing that doesn't allow the viewer to notice too many of the plot holes.

Since Hark has always been a good storyteller, it's disappointing that the story, which starts off with promise, fades as the characters become bland as the movie progresses. Luckily, Hark makes up for it by giving us eye candy. "Time and Tide" is awash with vivid primary colors in the film's palette of spectacle and dazzling camera work. The actors are merely props for Hark's action set pieces. There are several great looking action sequences involving Tse being tossed about as if he were a rag doll, and the scenes of Wu fighting his old South American mercenary cronies. Nicholas Tse is becoming a better actor with each successive outing, but he is still not a leading man. Although he is the main protagonist, Tse has problems in carrying the film. Wu Bai, on the other hand, does a fine job in his acting debut, looking like a youthful Phillip Kwok (Mad Dog in "Hard Boiled").

Xiong Xin-Xin choreographs the frenetic action scenes. His work is well done and the best that he's ever attempted. Xiong keeps things lively by having the characters' movement dictate the action. There is fluidity to every scene. Although the martial arts is lacking, the other action is quite diverting. Kudos must go to the cinematographers Herman Yau and Ko Chiu Lam for their efforts.

With Hong Kong producers injecting larger budgets, filmmakers will find that when the action is bigger, the plot holes become bigger, too. The solid production values help "Time and Tide" to be a stunning visual exercise.