This is certainly a "lesser" Milkyway film, and anyone who knows anything about how the HK film industry works could probably see that from a mile off, as this film has all the earmarks of a derivative, rush-it-out for the New Year throwaway. Here, however, things that could've brought the movie down become assets or negligible.

My biggest worry about this film was the fact that it centers around Mahjong. I've played the game exactly twice, and though one was a rather intense session, the rules are mostly gone from my head. However, despite the many game sequences in the film, someone with no knowledge of the game could probably enjoy the film, as there are enough cues to the signifance of each person's hand to keep the Mahjongg-ignorant viewer up to speed.

For once, this is an all-star film that doesn't waste its stars or allow them to cruise by. Although I am, admittedly, becoming a huge Andy Lau fan, I think his performance here was excellent; his comic delivery is excellent, even to someone who only understands 1/3 of what he's saying. Lau Ching-Wan is also great in a role that is way, way against type; since I didn't like La Brassiere too much, this is his real return for me. Louis Koo is a little too over-the-top dorky, but that's better than the catatonic state that his more heroic roles often find him in. Gigi Leung is pretty good too, showing that people really can learn. Cherrie Ying isn't in the film much, and, disappointingly to me, appears with her hair up and too much makeup. No almost-age-inappropriate crush-material for me here! Acting wise, she does well for a newcomer in the smallest role. She's very promising for someone who was brought into the industry by someone who liked her looks.

The plot is thin, but not "Dance of a Dream" thin. Plot points crop up and are dealt with in straightforward manner.

Raymond Wong does more good work, but I have to wonder if he's running out of material; his style is getting a little bit too easily identifiable, and he's taken to plagiarizing earlier works in "Shaolin Soccer," "Running Out of Time 2" and this film.

Overall, this is an enjoyable, if undemanding and inconsequential film. Where this falls among Milkyway's comedies is up to personal taste, but in my mind it's not particularly inferior to any of them, and is certainly better than Wu Yen.