Unexpected Humor and Eccentric Plot Twist

Read Time:4 Minute, 13 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Inspector Wears Skirts 3 (Huang Jia du Chuan)
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Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy
Year Released: 1989, 2024 88 Films Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 36m
Director(s): Wellson Chin
Writer(s): Man Choi Lee
Cast: Amy Yip, Sandra Kwan Yue Ng, Sibelle Hu, Kara Wai, Stanley Sui-Fan Fung, Billy Lau, Fui-On Shing, San Yip, Fung Woo, Barry Wong, Kei Mai
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: INSPECTOR WEARS SKIRTS 3, also known as RAID ON ROYAL CASINO MARINE, marks its territory as the third segment in THE INSPECTOR WEARS SKIRTS saga. Branching into a fresh blend of comedic sequences and dynamic action scenes, it crafts a distinct spot in the history of Hong Kong cinema. This entry steps away from the familiar path trodden by its predecessors, embarking on a narrative enriched with unpredictable humor and inventive story shifts. This is one of the most consistent series of films that I can think of.

As the curtains rise on this journey, we see the return of Stanley Fung as Inspector Kan, who, now united in matrimony with the indomitable Madam Wu, portrayed by Sibelle Hu, undertakes the task of reassembling the disbanded SKIRTS squad. Their mission is clear: to stealthily board a casino ship and dismantle an underworld syndicate. The cast sees the return of stalwarts Sandra Ng as Amy, Amy Yip portraying Susanna, and Kara Hui as May, complemented by fresh faces of Judy (San Yip) and Wong Wai Kei, weaving a tale of action, wit, and romantic entanglements.

Early in the film, the squad undergoes a series of training exercises reminiscent of the POLICE ACADEMY films, filled with slapstick comedy and impulsive pranks, setting a lively mood before the plot thickens. Yet, the storyline soon veers into a gamble-heavy narrative where extended casino sequences stretch too long, leaning further into the cliche territory.

A pivotal narrative shift is observed as Hu’s character takes a back seat, allowing Inspector Kan to spearhead the squad’s rigorous training regimen. This alteration introduces new dynamics and slightly skews the narrative’s equilibrium, leading to a plot that occasionally feels disjointed.

While hit-or-miss, the humor of INSPECTOR WEARS SKIRTS 3 brings a few genuinely laughable moments, mainly through the romantic blunders of Ng's character and Amy Yip’s notorious comedic antics. However, the comedy often oscillates between raw and peculiar, underscoring the film’s audacious take on humor and pointing out its struggle with consistency.

Among the memorable scenes is when Wu confronts the hijackers armed with nothing but standard kitchen gear. This scene highlights the film’s quirky, creative spirit and effort to flip conventional action narratives.

While the film may not have the same sparkle as its forerunners, it is seen as a sequel that still offers plenty for the series. Despite these hurdles, the film maintains a quirky appeal, especially among enthusiasts of Hong Kong’s distinctive flavor. It is enriched with a nostalgic salute to pop culture and earlier series entries, though it occasionally stumbles in execution.

In sum, while INSPECTOR WEARS SKIRTS 3 may not recapture its antecedents' entire allure and dynamism, it is a notable, albeit quirky, chapter in THE INSPECTOR WEARS SKIRTS anthology. With its mix of slapstick humor, odd plot twists, and intermittent action sequences, the film delivers a mixed yet engaging viewing experience. For viewers inclined towards its eccentricities, it offers a whimsical stroll through the more playful side of Hong Kong cinema.

Bonus Materials
Brand New 2K Restoration From a 4K Scan of 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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