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Starring
:
Michael
Hui
Eric
Kot
Jerry
Lamb
Lo
Kar Ying
Anthony
Wong
Director
:
Steven
Lo
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WORLD
OF TREASURE (1995)
A.K.A.
- Land Of Treasure
Reviewed
by Andrew Saroch
Anticipation
arises within an extended Hong Kong family when a long lost
uncle decides to travel back from Africa for a visit. The
usual sentimental reasons are not the main reason for the
family's excitement, however, as the uncle has amassed quite a
fortune since his time away. Therefore each of the relatives
has their sights set on a share of the wealth he has accrued
from diamond mining; one of the uncle's dopey brothers wants a
significant investment in his lame-brained schemes while one
of the nephews hopes to open a sushi restaurant. On arrival,
the uncle brings with him the young daughter of his closest
friend and laps up all of the attention. In between vying for
the money, two of the gold-diggers take an interest in the
other visitor and devote a fair portion of their time
impressing her too. Eventually the motives of each of the
characters becomes obvious to all around them, but the uncle
has a surprise of his own that is finally revealed.
'World
Of Treasure' is another New Year comedy that follows the usual
pattern for such films: a star-studded cast, full of those who
are currently popular with the public (hence the appearance of
'The Hard And Soft Team' - Eric Kot and Jerry Lamb); a
harmless, farce-filled storyline; cameos by other big stars
(here provided by Lau Ching Wan). While New Year films are
rarely classics, 'World Of Treasure' is especially
disappointing. Michael Hui's name dominates the credits, but
his role offers none of the comic excellence associated with
his name. The great Hui films work to his strengths and
clearly show the hallmarks of his input; here his role is so
poorly defined that any actor could have played it without
much of an effect on the overall result. Michael's obvious
lack of control means that much of the comedy flounders while
uninteresting sub-plots take centre stage. 'The Hard And Soft
Team' take up most of running time between and, while they're
less annoying than expected, fail to conjure up anything of
note.
'World
Of Treasure' notches up the odd moment of entertainment during
its course and arouses sporadic interest. However, as a
Michael Hui film, or even a general Hong Kong comedy it is
found wanting.
Rating:
  
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