Looking for Mister Perfect (2003)

AKA: Looking For Mr. Perfect, Looking For Misterperfect

Director: Ringo Lam Ling-Tung 

Producer: Johnnie To Kei-Fung, Charles Heung Wah-Keung

Cast: Shu Qi (Hsu Chi, Shu Kei), Andy On Chi-Kit, Simon Yam Tat-Wah, Lam Suet, Chapman To, Raymond Wong Ho-Yin, Ruby Wong Cheuk-Ling, Isabel Chan, David Wu, Hui Siu-Hung

Running Time: 101 min.

Plot: Shi Qi is a stressed out Hong Kong policewoman on vacation with her friend in Malaysia. But it seems she can't escape her job no matter how hard she tries, as the resort is the target of some serious criminal activity... 

Availability: This title is available at HKflix.com

RAGING GAIJIN'S  REVIEW: In between his collaborations with the Muscles from Brussels (AKA Jean Claude Van Damme), director Ringo Lam returned home to Hong Kong to helm this 2003 Shu Qi vehicle, a silly romantic-action-comedy set in Malaysia. Wait a minute ? are we talking about the same Ringo Lam, the director responsible for gritty and violent mood pieces like "City on Fire" and "Full Alert"? Believe it or not, we are. So why is Ringo Lam behind the camera for a movie that wouldn't be out of place in Wong Jing's filmography? The answer is beyond me but I've got a strong suspicion that "Looking for Mr. Perfect" wouldn't be nearly as good if Ringo wasn't involved. His name brings instant credibility and one thing is for certain: the man knows how to direct action. So even if the idea of Shu Qi running around Malaysia in search of the ideal man doesn't exactly excite you...rest assured, there are a few good action sequences that will please die-hard Ringo Lam fans. 

The plot is fairly inconsequential as Shu Qi's character, a Hong Kong cop, accompanies her gal pal to Malaysia. Shu Qi is there for vacation, her friend for a modeling gig, and the two stay together at a lavish hotel which serves as the setting for the majority of the movie. The painfully cute duo get caught up in a far-fetched scheme involving a shady criminal played by Simon Yam, who is after some kind of missile guidance system, and the government agent dogging him (played by Andy On of "Black Mask 2"). Perhaps the film's greatest flaw is that Shu Qi - despite being the main star - does very little the entire movie besides frolic around in her pajamas and pine for her dream man. Okay, so maybe the whole 'frolicking in her pajamas' thing isn't so bad (who wears short shorts? Shu Qi wears short shorts!). But those who have her seen her in "So Close" know she is a more than capable action heroine, so it comes as a big disappointment that she doesn't even get to throw a punch the entire movie. 

Ringo Lam reserves the action for Andy On, who, after two lackluster performances in "Black Mask 2" and "The White Dragon", finally gets to show what he's capable of. Okay, the guy is still stiff as a board and has absolutely no charisma ? but he does get to take part in several thrilling set pieces here, which are the highlights of "Looking for Mr. Perfect". Ringo Lam could direct action in his sleep he's so good, and here he gives us a high speed chase involving some jet skis and a speed boat, then later a chase between a dirt bike and a van; as well as some well-choreographed (if a little over-the-top) fights between Andy and Simon Yam. 

Special mention must be made of Simon Yam, who gives his most flamboyant performance since "Full Contact", as the villainous Mr. Poon. He wears obnoxiously bright pink and purple suits as well as snakeskin boots; and he's prone to breaking out into dance before attacking his victims. Whenever Yam is on screen, the movie just gets better because the man is so entertaining to watch. He is obviously having a fun time hamming it up and his sense of enjoyment is infectious. His career as of late has seemed like an endless series of cameos but here he steals the entire movie. 

That said, at 101 minutes this film nearly out-wears the viewer's good will. At least ten minutes could have been edited out for a more taut running time. Specifically, I'm thinking of the aimless scenes in which Shu Qi is romanced by two bumbling suitors (one of which is played by Raymond Wong, in a thankless role). In Hong Kong, "Looking for Mr. Perfect" didn't fare too well due to poor timing, as it was released in the midst of the SARS outbreak. It's a shame; although it isn't worth catching a disease for, it's still entertaining. I'm sure the producers were counting on the bankability of Shu Qi and the appeal of watching beautiful people in beautiful locations. If that's your thing, then be sure to check this out. 

Overall, "Looking for Mr. Perfect" is light-weight fluff but the skilled direction of Ringo Lam and the charisma of Simon Yam make it worth watching for HK fans seeking a mild diversion. 

RAGING GAIJIN'S RATING: 6.5/10

BEN POPPEL'S REVIEW: If you are in the mood to watch a movie where you basically throw out the plot and just want to have fun, this is the movie for you. Yeah, it is shallow, cheesy, campy, ridiculous, crazy, annoying and superficial; but a hell lot of fun. The production values and star power are at full notch. But don't expect quality acting or fighting for that matter - instead goofy, over the top performances are abundant all over this film. That is what makes it so enjoyable. Okay, the Jet Ski chase was a little too long, and some of the characters started to get annoying after a while; but this is not a serious film by any means and should be watched with a light and kind heart - otherwise you will probably hate this movie. It seems like the main selling point of this film was Shu Qi. But her part in the movie was one of the worst; instead Mr. Simon Yam stole every scene he was in. The snapping of the fingers got old towards the end, but watching his character's demeanor and charisma unfold on the screen was worth the price of admission alone. 

What surprised me the most was who directed this film. When the movie was over I was watching the behind the scenes footage and noticed that was not Wong Jing. For some reason I assumed he would have been the director of this crazy mess, but instead I read the box and it was Ringo Lam... Anyway if you are wanting a serious movie with realistic action, stay clear of Looking For Mister Perfect. But if you are in the mood for an outrageous crazy-fun flick, then check this out. Don't get me wrong though, I am not completely saying this movie is great, a lot of the gags are stale and boring, but I feel the overall package is somewhat fun to watch.

BEN POPPEL'S RATING: 7/10