Movie Review: The White Storm (NC16)

Hong Kong director Benny Chan is fond of revelling in excess. Too much, if you ask me.

His latest movie, drug-themed thriller The White Storm, boasts high-octane choreography and explosive action set pieces.

But just like Chan's previous efforts, City Under Siege (2010) and Shaolin (2011), the film is let down by ridiculous plot development, overwrought emotional scenes and a midway twist one can smell from a mile away.

Buddies Tin (Lau Ching Wan), Chow (Louis Koo) and Wai (Nick Cheung) are law enforcers with Hong Kong's narcotics bureau.

They would readily risk their lives for one another, but a dangerous mission in Thailand to capture a powerful drug lord nicknamed Eight-Faced Buddha puts their friendship to the test.

Despite compelling performances by the three leads, The White Storm is mediocre at best.

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