When Hong Kong cinema became international phenomenon in 1970s, its films were, at least for most filmgoers, associated with martial arts. It took some time for genre variety to get noticed and when it happened, it happened thanks to Hong Kong films that mixed comedy with broader action. One such example was Aces Go Places, popular 1980s series of films starring Sam Hui and Karl Maka, also known as Mad Mission. The fourth instalment of the series was Aces Goes Places IV, 1986 film directed by Ringo Lam, also known under title Mad Mission IV: You Never Die Twice.
The plot begins when reformed thief Sam a.k.a. King Kong (played by Sam Hui) agrees to become guinea pig in an experiment that is supposed to turn him into superhuman being. During the experiment the laboratory becomes target of the attack and King Kong is forced to run for his life together with Sally Bright (played by Sally Yeh), daughter of the professor (played by Roy Chiao) who conducted the experiment. Sally is supposed to go to Hong Kong and turn over the laser prism – the crucial component of the experiment – to King Kong’s best friend, policeman Albert Au “Baldy” (played by Karl Maka). Attackers, however, track her down and kidnap Baldy’s wife, police Superindenant Nancy Ho (played by Sylvia Chang). Baldy, King Kong, Sally and Baldy’s little son Baldy Jr. (played by Cyrus Wong) decide to travel to New Zealand to get her back. There they would have to confront evil hordes led by Boss/Bad Guy (played by Ronald Lacey).
Aces Go Places IV is one of those films that require little intellectual effort from the audience, and someone less charitable would say that it doesn’t require intellectual effort at all. The bare bones plot, apart from the segment in mid section showing sports rivalry between Hong Police and Interpol, is just an excuse for the series of non-stop action scenes. Director Ringo Lam keeps frenetic pace, trying to make such action as diverse as possible, so the viewers can opportunity to watch plenty of car chases, boat chases, aerial footage, gun fights and martial arts action, including some impressive stunt work. The most spectacular scenes take place at New Zealand, where the locations, at the time undiscovered by Hollywood, are put to good use. The comedy part of the formula leaves much to be desired and some of the scenes in which little Baldy Jr. gets in danger might be too disturbing for more sensitive audience. Creators apparently tried to parody James Bond films, and this is most evident in spectacular finale. The only recognisable actor from Ronald Lacey who looks exactly like the character of Arnold Thot who even directly introduces himself as “the man from Raiders of the Lost Ark. With its short running time, Aces Go Places IV provides enough entertainment for undemanding audience. Ringo Lam would later direct much better and important films, ultimately becoming one of the rare Hong Kong film makers to work in Hollywood.
RATING: 5/10 (++)
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