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THE
WESLEY'S MYSTERIOUS FILE (2002)
A.K.A.
- The Welsey's Mysterious Story
Reviewed
by Andrew Saroch
After
numerous other outings in differing productions, popular
fictional character Wisely (here Wesley) is given a big-budget
adventure to feature in. Once again Wesley is plunged into a
extraordinary scenario exploring the usual science-fiction
trends and the intrigue surrounding the authorities. Here
though, the character is given the familiar Hong Kong
blockbuster treatment of the past few years with an all-star
cast and an abundance of computer effects.
With
a reputation known throughout the world as an expert in all
things extraterrestrial, Wesley is asked by his U.N. employers
to look into a series of alien sightings in San Francisco.
During a near-death skirmish with a monstrous alien, Wesley is
saved by a mysterious woman who possesses incredible powers.
Closer investigation with the help of the F.B.I. reveals that
this saviour is in fact Fong - an alien from the planet Dark
Blue, a so-called 'Blue Blood person'. A reunion with Fong
gives Wesley a chance to unite his mind with hers and
understand her past and her current plight. Unfortunately, hot
on their heels are two destructive aliens who have followed
Fong to find the location of the sacred 'Blue Blood Bible'.
With duplicitous superiors to contend with as well, the
adventurer and the few colleagues he can trust decide to help
the beautiful alien and help her get back to Dark Blue.
However, first they must think of a way to defeat the hunters
on the trail.
As
is to be expected from the director/screenwriting team of
Andrew Lau and Wong Jing, 'The Wesley's Mysterious File' is an
exercise in style over substance. The title isn't the only
baffling thing about this convoluted science fiction film.
With jargon thrown in at every opportunity, director Lau
attempts to create an intelligent blockbuster, but blatantly
fails to do so. What should have been an enjoyable caper in
the mould of 'Legend Of Wisely' instead falls into the trap of
taking itself too seriously. As is becoming an increasing
problem with recent Hong Kong hits, the makers have forgotten
to make this film as entertaining as it promises to be.
Therefore the strength that made the Jade screen so unique is
slowly ebbing away and is being replaced by the desire to
mimic Hollywood without embracing the qualities that made us
all gravitate towards the East.
'The
Wesley's Mysterious File' has its qualities though and it is
perhaps the fact that these exist that make the film an
overall disappointment. The opening twenty minutes gradually
develops quite an exciting narrative with some good computer
effects thrown into the blend. Andy Lau also seems quite at
home as the self-confident Wesley and looks to add some
tongue-in-cheek flavour to the production. Unfortunately this
proves to be a brief period of invention in an otherwise
standard flick. A cast of real stars has been assembled and
coupled with effects that range from the good to the poor, but
overall this is still a cold film with very little heart.
Three stars, but hardly a good recommendation.
Rating:
 
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