Undercover Punch and Gun 潜行者

Philip Ng fails to make an impression in this low budget action affair.

Directed by Frankie Tam Gong Yuen and Philip Koon Nam Liu

Starring: Philip Ng, Andy On, Vaness Wu, Jiang Luxia, Lam Suet

Hong Kong, Cantonese

2018

Philip Ng has really been struggling to establish himself as an important figure in the martial arts actor community. His filmography despite being extensive the quality has always been questionable. Having signed with Wong Jing’s company he has had the opportunity to play bigger roles in misguided efforts such as Once Upon a Time in Shanghai (2014), Sifu vs Vampire (2014), Naked Soldier (2012) and the heavily derided Bruce Lee “Biopic” Birth of the Dragon (2016).

Formerly known as Undercover vs Undercover, which was a bad title to begin with, Undercover Punch and Gun sees Philip Ng taking leading man status along with real life friends Andy On, Vaness Wu and Nicholas Tse all lending their names to this feature. There is a reason for why the film was such a low key release, it’s not a good film. Undercover Punch and Gun marks screenwriters Frankie Tam Gong Yuen and Philip Koon Nam Liu directional debut, whose combined talents of screenwriting demonstrates a deft ability of storytelling; Ringo Lam’s Wild City (2015), Wong Jing’s Chasing the Dragon (2017), Gordan Chan’s God of War (2017) and Fire Lee’s Robbery (2016). Oddly enough Undercover Punch and Gun is absent of any coherency, logic and plotting.

The laughably bad story sees undercover officer King Wu (Philip Ng) in a triad organization lead by Bob (Lam Suet). Bob likes King Wu because King is in love with his daughter Dawnie (Aka Chio), so he whole heartedly trusts King. During a drug bust gone wrong crime boss Bob dies and King is made leader of the syndicate. Bob’s old collaborator Madame Tung (Carrie Ng) is suspicious of King but enlists in his help to locate The Chemist (Susan Shaw) and at the same time King is entangled with rouge agent / meth boss boss Ha (Andy On) who wants King to deliver The Chemist to him. Enlisting in his old buddies help Tiger (Vaness Wu) he locates The Chemist but King cross path with special force agent Eva (Joyce Feng Wenjuan) who has a grudge with Ha. Dawnie is kidnapped and Wu along with Eva and Tiger infiltrates the freighter ship / meth lab of Ha and fights to save the day.

With up to seven scriptwriters involved its weird that the film is so bland and devoid of any emotional impact. The so called story is a string of events to hold together the action sequences. The uninvolving characters don’t help matters and are archetypes of other generic films. There is a case of too many needless characters and the lack of real motivation for anything that is happening on display. The half-baked romance should have been the main driving tool but audience will have trouble caring for the outcome and journey. Exorcising some of the pointless characters would have helped in streamlining the film, there was no need for Madame Tung’s inclusion and the side plot of Eva just adds additional baggage to the film. The budgetary constraints are also very apparent with some very bland looking sets, most environments are empty lots and warehouses refurbished to look the part. Costumes are also very simplistic.

Philip Ng’s makes for a boring lead, his performance is flat, the dramactic beats that he is called upon to emote are cringeworthy. Vaness Wu spends most of the time adopting childish antics which not as endearing as it sounds, his light hearted performance feels forced and the comedic beats that are given to him fails to resonate. Andy On is menacing and provides a fine foe to Ng but role is very one note. Nicholas Tse provides an extend cameo appearance and easily sleepwalks through his role. Lam Suet provides an oddly comforting crime boss feeling more loveable rather than intimidating. Susan Shaw plays the ill fitted and cringe inducing hip chemist, coming off as cartoonish rather than funny.

Action are plentiful and are choreographed by Philip Ng, which is by no means his first foray as action director having choreographed Sifu vs Vampire (2014), Zombie Fight Club (2014) as well as providing assisting duties on Star Runner(2003) and Dragon Squad (2005). They are occasionally well staged and there are hints of creativity but they are short lived. Philip Ng knows how to high light his abilities and he delivers some impressive kicking combinations. Sadly fights rarely builds upon one another with each subsequent throw down seeming samey. Andy On has little opportunity to showcase his fighting skills with a final encounter being rather mundane and repetitive. Vaness Wu fares better with him throwing himself in the action full on, he demonstrates a knack for impressive leaps and flips especially during a foot and car chase. Jiang Luxia makes an appearance for a final showdown but is sadly wasted in her minor role. The employment of Hong Kong’s younger stunt players is a welcome addition with the likes Rodney Wong and Jason Li lending some stunting duties.

If you approach as a low budget fight film then there is some fun to be had with this film. Depending on your action requirements there is enough action on display here that can elevate the nonsensical plot and satiate fans.