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Rediscovering the thrill of the VCR era with ‘Weekend in Taipei’
Have you ever felt the nostalgia for the no-nonsense action flicks of the VCR era? If so, Weekend in Taipei might just be the retreat you’ve been craving. Directed by George Huang, co-written and produced by Luc Besson, this French-Taiwanese collaboration thrusts us back into the predictably chaotic, yet guilt-free enjoyment of ’80s and ’90s action movies.
A throwback to classic action
Released in 1982, Prince’s song “1999” celebrated parties of a bygone era. Following a similar timeline, Weekend in Taipei reintroduces us to the unapologetically simple pleasures of boilerplate action movies. But does it live up to the hype?
Star-studded lineup
The film stars Luke Evans and Sung Kang, alums of the Fast & Furious franchise. They bring serious star power to the movie, painting a vivid tableau of high-octane narratives. Evans plays John Lawlor, a DEA agent heading east to take down a notorious crime syndicate. The premise sets the stage for some eye-popping chase scenes and high-energy fight sequences, punctuated by Huang and Besson’s sometimes flimsy, yet serviceable script.
Opening montage
The film kicks off with an energetic montage of daily life in Taipei, setting the chaotic tone for what’s to come. We quickly meet Kwang, portrayed by Kang, CEO of the sprawling Kwang Enterprises. Kwang faces legal scrutiny over environmental and drug trafficking violations. This sets the stage for a tumultuous family dynamic that contributes to the overall storyline.
Balancing action with humor
After an explosive kitchen fight scene that promises an engaging blend of over-the-top violence and humor, viewers are locked in. Similar setups have been employed before, but the unique blend here stands out.
John Lawlor’s journey
John Lawlor, still committed to his mission, heads to Taipei on an unauthorized leave, lured by an anonymous tipster with damning evidence against Kwang. The journey intensifies as Lawlor collides with Kwang’s estranged family—wife Josephine (Gwei Lun Mei) and son Raymond (Wyatt Yang)—complicating his mission further.
The family complexities
The family complications provide a lull in the action but add a layer of depth. Family reunions and flashback scenes enrich the narrative while maintaining a light, almost tongue-in-cheek element. The film never demands to be taken seriously, yet it keeps viewers engrossed with its B-movie charm.
Winking at itself
One of the film’s distinct features is its self-aware humor. Scenes such as a homage to “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and theatrical fight sequences backed by iconic music, show Weekend in Taipei winking at its audience. The blend of traditional regional instruments with Rolling Stones’ “Paint It Black” serves as an interesting musical overture.
Joey’s role
Another character worthy of mention is Joey, a seemingly multifaceted personality from a fishing village turned into a trophy wife. Portrayed as a mechanic, engineer, and stunt driver, Joey adds a flavorful twist to the narrative.
Technical brilliance
The film’s pacing is mostly brisk, although it takes a breather for expositional and family bonding scenes around the midpoint. Action reignites towards the climax, albeit lacking in a definitive mano-a-mano showdown. Kang portrays Kwang convincingly, yet the script could better serve his character to make him more menacing or flamboyant.
Visual spectacle
The production design by Hwarng Wern-ying and cinematography by Colin Wandersman enhance the film’s visual appeal, transforming routine content into engaging material. The meticulous execution makes viewers appreciate the aesthetic and technical prowess behind the camera.
In essence, Weekend in Taipei isn’t groundbreaking but offers a confident and polished surface shine. It serves as disposable entertainment, perfect for when you want to unwind and indulge in a light escape.
For fans of nostalgic action movies and high-paced narratives, Weekend in Taipei delivers just the right mix of thrills and spills. Share this review on social media or follow us for more updates on the latest in film and TV.
Watch Trailer Here: Weekend in Taipei
