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SUNSHINE
COPS (1999)
Reviewed
by Andrew Saroch
'Sunshine
Cops' is one of those hidden gems that gets uncovered from
time to time. The title doesn't immediately conjure up images
of a fresh, funky and vibrant action comedy, but that is
certainly what is on offer here.
Stephen
Fung and Ken Chong play two young, good-looking cops who are
chosen to head a new campaign: The Sunshine Cops. This PR
driven initiative is an attempt to give the police force a
much needed new image - out go the typical stuffy
stereotypes and in come this cool new duo who represent the
future of law enforcement. All starts off very well as the
Sunshine Cops become icons in the press and role models to the
young. However, the media shows it's fickle nature as the
duo's friendship with a high school student comes into sharp
focus. In quick succession comes their humiliation at the
hands of a ruthless kidnapper and then the suspension of the
Sunshine Cops project. The dejected heroes are presented
with an opportunity to redeem themselves when an exclusive
school is targeted by the kidnapper and only the Sunshine Cops
can help.
Fung's
role in 'Gen-X Cops' was a brooding and not very sympathetic
member of the Gen-X team. Here, he plays the complete
antithesis. Fung injects his character (H20) with immense
charm and with an infectious warmth that fills the screen.
Alongside him is the more serious, yet equally charismatic
character of Sammy (Ken Chong) who is the perfect foil for his
Charming partner. The great on-screen chemistry of the two
leads help this stylish and hugely enjoyable caper move along
at a leisurely, but absorbing pace. Linked to this is the fine
mixture of accurate comedic digs at the media and eye-catching
action set-pieces.
The
ending falls slightly short of the high standard of the
previous 70 minutes and does stop 'Sunshine Cops' hitting the
very highest level. Nevertheless, this is a superb and greatly
encouraging piece of modern Hong Kong film-making.
Rating:
 
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