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Invisible Target
2007; directed by Benny Chan

It's not secret that the Hong Kong film industry isn't close to the heights it attained during its' "golden age". And after seeing recent junk like Fight for Love, one might question why fans even continue to try and watch the output from the former king of action. But then a movie like Invisible Target comes along. It's nothing fancy or thought-provoking, but it definitely delivers thrills, and gives at least some hope that the spirit of classic Hong Kong action cinema is still alive and well.

Invisible Target  Invisible Target

The movie centers around a group of Mainland robbers (led by Wu Jing) who come to Hong Kong to pull off an armored truck robbery. The gang escapes with the loot, which eventually brings three different cops (Nicholas Tse, Shawn Yu, and Jaycee Chan) together, who each want to bring down the gang for their own reasons. Things get siginificantly more complicated as it is revealed that the gang has a man inside the police force, who has turned the tables on the trio and made them into wanted criminals.

Invisible Target  Invisible Target

So Invisible Target's plot isn't all that complicated, nor does it have a reason to be. It does suffer a bit of bloat, particularly during the second act where a lot of sub-plots are introduced and an ending that drags on a little, but overall, Invisible Target does a fine job telling an interesting story without insulting or boring the viewer.

The acting really helps to move things along and make the story more relevant. Okay, there's nothing award-winning here, but all of the actors do a good job. Nicholas Tse and Shawn Yu are probably the two best young actors working in Hong Kong nowadays and make great anchors for the film. Wu Jing seems to gravitate to villainous roles (i.e., SPL) and does an outstanding job.

Invisible Target  Invisible Target

Even Jaycee Chan (yes, he's Jackie's son) does a fine take in what could be a stereotypical role of the the overzealous rookie. His style does go over the top at times, but in comparision to his debut in Twins Mission II, it's like night and day. Benny Chan is a director not often noted for the performances in his films, but he must have worked some real magic with Jaycee.

But at any rate, in films like this, the story is really just an excuse to get to the next action scene. And what action we do have displayed here. Sure, there are a couple shots that have obvious CGI and wire tweaking, but for the most part, this is the fast and hard-hitting stuff Hong Kong action junkies have come to know and love through the years. I really hope the stuntmen got hazard pay on this production, because there are plenty of moments that will induce as many winces as thrills.

Invisible Target  Invisible Target

Invisible Target was just such a refreshing change from what we usually get nowadays from both HK and the US, which usually looks so slick and video game-like that it takes out any sense of real force or power. Believe you me, there is kinetic flair and impact to spare in the action scenes. This is some of the best stuff Hong Kong has produced in years.

That might not be saying much give HK's output as of late, but I would rank this as something that would fit just fine alongside those movies from the 80's and 90's that are considered cornerstones of the genre. If you fancy yourself an action fan, go out and see this movie now. You will not be disappointed.

RATING: 8

Tai Chi Master

Blu-Ray Information

The new Dragon Dynasty Blu-Ray has the same extras as their previous 2-disc DVD version, including interviews, behind-the-scenes featurettes, deleted scenes, and a commentary. More detail on the extras can be found in our review of the DVD. The movie is presented in 2.35:1 1080p, with an English soundtrack in Dolby 5.1 and a Cantonese track in 5.1 and DTS. Overall, this is one of the better Blu-Rays Dragon Dynasty has put out and is a great way to check out the movie.

The Blu-Ray and DVD are available at Amazon.

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