Second Time Around (2002)

Director: Jeff Lau Chun-Wai

Producer: Johnnie To Kei-Fung

Cast: Ekin Cheng Yee-Kin, Cecilia Cheung Pak-Chi, Jonathan Ke Quan, Wood Lai Ming, Oliver Tan Tsung-Wai, John Wang, Alexander Fung, Johnny Koo, Lynne Langdon, Glen Pon, David Quan

Running Time: 99 min.

Plot: Ren takes out his entire savings and persuades his best friend Sing to leave for Vegas with him. They challenge the most well-respected dealer in town; and in just one round, Ren's funds are all wiped out. Ren and Sing begin their trip back to LA, but on the way their car mysteriously overturns and crashes--Sing is dead. Ren arrives home wearily to find a message on his answering machine warning him not to go to Vegas. He decides to go back to find out what really happened that killed Sing...

BEN POPPEL'S REVIEW: I can't figure it out. Usually movies of this stature are hard for me to watch. But for some reason I loved Second Time Around. This movie had a really simple premise while including complicated twists to keep the audience's attention. I enjoyed the chemistry between Ekin and Cecilia, and the supporting role by Ekin's friend (the gay guy), was also refreshing. This film kind of had a Twilight Zone meets Back to the Future feel to it. But the real letdown was the ending, which was really really bad. I was also confused at times with who was who, because both characters were wearing the same clothes. But maybe that was the point, for you to think a little. This picture definitely had an American feel to it, mostly due to the fact it was set in Las Vegas and LA. It was weird seeing all the Ford cars and American no name actors included in a Hong Kong production. But the interesting turn of events and quirky comedy made this a fun enjoyable little picture.

BEN POPPEL'S RATING: 7/10 (a point deducted for the terrible ending)