From Vegas to Macau

Megastar Chow Yun-fat returns to Cantonese comedy in a big way in From Vegas to Macau, a nostalgia-infused Chinese New Year hit from prolific filmmaker Wong Jing. As Chow’s career took him to Hollywood and mainland China-set films since the late 1990s, the actor had long been absent from Hong Kong cinema’s silly side. Yet as this newest star turn makes totally clear, his comic charisma hadn’t dropped a bit.

Wong years ago had Chow play the iconic title character of blockbusters God of Gamblers (1989) and God of Gamblers’ Return (1994), and once again he has Chow pick up the cards. This time around, Chow is top-billed as Ken, an easy-going casino veteran who’s kicking back in Macau after a stint in Las Vegas (hence the film’s title) and happy to hand winnings to charity.

Trouble heads Ken’s way when, over in Hong Kong, special agent Lionel (Philip Ng) infiltrates the boardroom of money launderer Mr Ko (Gao Hu), captures secret-camera footage and conceals it in a teddy bear. Ken’s connection comes in because Lionel is the stepson of his good-natured con-man pal Benz (Benz Hui), and eventually the stuffed toy is taken to Macau by Benz’s son Cool (Nicholas Tse), who wants to be Ken’s disciple, and nephew Karl (Chapman To), who’d much rather hook up with Ken’s daughter (Kimmy Tong). And what’s more, while the bad guys are in pursuit of the hidden film, the authorities tap Ken’s talents to snare Mr Ko in an elaborate sting.

From Vegas to Macau may get convoluted in the script department, but there’s no denying its ability to entertain. Creative action set pieces hurtle by, swinging from dark and deadly fights in early scenes with Philip Ng through to comically extravagant battles in Macau. Gambling episodes meanwhile offer card games peaking with preposterous wins, insanely rigged football scenes and plenty more. The action-comedy and gambling thrills – not to mention the poolside bikini frolics – come straight from Wong’s regular toolkit, only this time they’re applied with the high budget of a picture intended to stand out across China’s multiplexes.

Younger-generation stars Nicholas Tse and Chapman To support Wong’s fast-moving fun and games with amusing turns: Tse drops his usual cool demeanour to enjoyable effect, while To brings in his popular comic style as a bumbling sidekick. But the scene stealer, predictably, is Chow Yun-fat, who shines in goofball material as if he’d never stepped away from it. Chow plays off co-stars and cameos alike with impeccable timing, delighting with everything from absurdist card-game gags to his character’s stupendous gift for sound effects, and rekindling memories of his earlier off-the-wall performances in films like Chor Yuen’s Diary of a Big Man (1988). And, yes, the star’s original God of Gamblers role gets a nifty reference, too. Cinemagoers for their part welcomed Chow and Wong’s burst of high-end comedy earlier this year: From Vegas to Macau crushed Wong’s previous box-office best in mainland China and earned an enthusiastic Hong Kong response too.