"So Close" is Hong Kong action cinema at its exploitive best. Director Corey Yuen Kwai takes a page from the glorious past by using a script by Jeff Lau that contains plot elements like sister assassins being trailed by a female cop who is just as competently skilled; new world technology (computer graphic imaging: CGI) to help tell the story; delightful fight choreography; and three female leads, in the form of Shu Qi, Vicky Zhao and Karen Mok, to execute the action. Due to these factors, "So Close' succeeds where films like "Naked Weapon" failed. What we get is a hoot and a holler of a ride.

"So Close" is the first Hong Kong movie to really emphasize CGI as a tool to enhance the story and not as a slave to the technology that has hindered or hurt other film efforts. In Hong Kong action movies, you've got to break a lot of glass, digital shards or otherwise. "So Close" has shattering window panes with bodies and bullets aplenty. The CGI and Yuen's humorous choreography had "wink and a smile" written all over the moves. You can't help but be pleasantly surprised by the director's inventiveness and ability to find new and exciting ways to portray action on the screen. Add in the melodramatic touches, with all of the cute sentiments possible, the light lilting background melody and the token love interest. What you get is a prime example of a Hong Kong action movie done with some panache.

"So Close" is a solid action flick that has no illusions of being anything other than fluff entertainment. It accomplishes its mission with verve to spare.