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MR.
BOO MEETS POM POM (1985)
A.K.A.
- Mister Boo Meets Pom Pom
Reviewed
by Andrew Saroch
The
continuing success of the Pom Pom series meant that the
inevitable third part quickly followed the second. This time
it seemed necessary to up the ante and add a star to the cast
who would bring in an even greater audience. Enter Michael Hui
as Mr. Boo - a character who had only been created by the
Japanese versions of Hui's popular films. All the ingredients
were therefore present to make this the best Pom Pom film of
all.
Mr.
Boo is the very best forensic scientist in the Hong Kong
police force and uses his skills to forge a formidable
reputation. Unfortunately all is not so certain in his
personal life as his wife is very close to leaving him for an
affluent businessman. With no real friends or allies to rely
on, Mr. Boo puts his trust in two new acquaintances: Curly and
Beethoven. After some stubbornness on both parts, the three
manage to put aside any misunderstandings and become a team.
The first thing on the agenda is locating Boo's wife who has
subsequently been whisked off to Japan by her new suitor. In
hot pursuit, Boo, Curly and Beethoven head overseas to take on
all of their rival's forces and win back Mrs. Boo.
Although
there is a great deal of potential within the casting, 'Mr.Boo
Meets Pom Pom' is certainly the weakest of the Pom Pom
quartet. The fusion of Hui's superb talents and the
well-developed duo of Ng and Shum should have produced
something a lot more substantial. Instead there is very little
to make it stand out from the crowd. The three lead stars are
not to blame as they each play their important part in the
production. However, there isn't a great deal for them to get
their teeth into aside from a few good scenes near the
beginning. The middle section drags on and on with little
improvement in the meandering film until the very end. Only at
the climax does the viewer get the chance to really enjoy
anything like a proper Michael Hui comedy with the comic star
bringing a bit of his physical humour into the proceedings.
'Mr. Boo Meets Pom Pom' isn't a giant step down from the other
instalments, but it certainly disappoints. For that reason
viewers would be advised to lower their expectations before
watching it.
Rating:
 
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