Final Chapter Closes With Fierce Female Firepower

Read Time:4 Minute, 5 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Inspector Wears Skirts 4 (92 Ba wang hua yu Ba wang hua)
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Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy
Year Released: 1992, 2024 88 Films Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 33m
Director(s): Wellson Chin
Writer(s): Abe Kwong, Chun-Wai Lau
Cast: Cynthia Khan, Moon Lee, Sandra Kwan Yue Ng, Wan-Yee Tse, Billy Lau, Fung Woo, Jeong-il Choi, Kara Wai, Sheila Chan, Lung Chan, Pak Lam Cheng, James Tien, Wing-Cho Yip, Philip Keung, Paul Fonoroff
Where To Watch: available July 9, 2024; pre-order your copy here www.88-films.myshopify.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: As the series wraps up with its fourth installment, it brings a refreshing twist, mixing tried-and-true elements of the action from the first two films with the fresh comedic innovations of the third film. This chapter spices up the action-comedy genre and marks a significant evolution in the narrative, seamlessly blending fierce action sequences with moments of genuine humor.

Set against the INSPECTOR WEARS SKIRTS saga, the plot centers on an elite team of female officers, the SKIRTS, rallying after a diplomatic incident. Under the stern watch of old members of SKIRTS, these new officers face the daunting task of guarding a collection of invaluable jewels. Their transformation from overlooked to essential agents breathes new life into a franchise teetering on the brink of predictability.

After a mission goes awry, we revisit familiar characters now navigating drastic changes in their lives, transitioning from elite commandos to everyday civilians dealing with personal battles. The team's reformation under Madam Lee's (Moon Lee) leadership and Madam Yang’s (Cynthia Khan) rigorous training methods signify a pivotal shift from comedic escapades to gripping, action-packed drama.

Though the series' characteristic humor is toned down a bit, Sandra Ng delivers laughter through flawless comedic timing, backed by May’s (Kara Hui) spirited antics in martial arts sequences. The script cleverly integrates allusions to classic cinema, enriching the comedic elements without overshadowing the plot's core action.

The storyline navigates through a series of unlikely yet thrilling scenarios—from jet-powered boots to bomb-laden mishaps—setting the stage for breathtaking action scenes. Surprisingly, Lee transforms from a soft-spoken character to a powerhouse action hero, each scene spotlighting the formidable skills of the cast's action stalwarts.

Under Wellson Chin's adept direction, the film masterfully mixes genres, maintaining engagement with a rich blend of drama, action, and carefully placed humor. This mix not only underscores the evolving dynamics within the team but also enriches the character development, particularly highlighting the complex romantic ties that enhance both the comedic and dramatic elements of the story.

As the narrative crescendos, the SKIRTS squad's final challenge demonstrates their growth and advancements in the series' story and action choreography. The meticulous production style is evident in each carefully choreographed fight, culminating in a strategic and explosive climax that solidifies the film’s place in the action genre.

While this last installment shifts away from the comedy of the third film, it forges its identity with a robust combination of thrilling action and deeper character narratives. It might not reach the iconic status of its predecessors, yet it stands as a solid and engaging finale to a series that has bravely reinvented itself. I still stand by the fact that these four films are consistently fun and entertaining for various reasons.

Bonus Materials
Brand New 2K Restoration From the Original Camera Negatives
High Definition (1080p) Presentation in 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio
2.0 DTS-HD MA Cantonese Soundtrack with newly translated English Subtitles
2.0 DTS-HD MA English Dub Soundtrack
Audio commentary with Asian cinema expert Frank Djeng
Hong Kong Trailer

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[photo courtesy of 88 FILMS, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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