This is the unofficial "Part 5" of the "Mr. Vampire" film series. Vampire Buster actor Lam Ching Ying returns as the "Master" once again, along with Chin Sui-Ho and Ricky Hui reprising their roles as Chou Sheng and Man Choi from the original "Mr. Vampire" movie.
In this film, Master Lam, Chou Sheng and Man Choi must battle a horde of Chinese vampires in order to get the teeth dust needed to cure ailing General Lung (Billy Lau). Meanwhile, Lung's wife and former love interest to Lam, Lin (Suki Kwan), is pregnant and an evil spirit of an aborted baby wants to possess the unborn child's body for its resurrection. What results is an original and unique storyline of the series and one might find pretty captivating to watch.
The film is full of Taoist magic and vampire/ghost action, from the creepy yet enchanting ghost wedding procession (filmed to composer Anders Nelsson's bewitching and haunting, yet beautiful music score) to the battle between the Taoist masters/disciples and the evil child ghost. And, while the child ghost and the ailing general are the main focus of the plot, the famous hopping vampires do make an appearance in the film a number of times - an iconic nod to the series that adds onto the action and fun. To top it off, this movie is also loaded with martial arts, some sophisticated special effects and memorable direction from Director Ricky Lau.
All the horror and action elements in this film, though, are sometimes distracted by some childish and potty humor and sexual innuendos. This is mostly at the expense of Lam Ching Ying, Chin Siu-Ho, Ricky Hui, Billy Lau and Sandra Ng. And, the film also features a band of children spirits that, at times, sway this film into the kids genre. But, all these issues are not major enough to overshadow the fun and entertainment this movie serves up - it's a worthy entry in Hong Kong Cinema's Ghost/Vampire/Fantasy genre and also appears to be the final sequel in the original "Mr. Vampire" series.
Grade B
In this film, Master Lam, Chou Sheng and Man Choi must battle a horde of Chinese vampires in order to get the teeth dust needed to cure ailing General Lung (Billy Lau). Meanwhile, Lung's wife and former love interest to Lam, Lin (Suki Kwan), is pregnant and an evil spirit of an aborted baby wants to possess the unborn child's body for its resurrection. What results is an original and unique storyline of the series and one might find pretty captivating to watch.
The film is full of Taoist magic and vampire/ghost action, from the creepy yet enchanting ghost wedding procession (filmed to composer Anders Nelsson's bewitching and haunting, yet beautiful music score) to the battle between the Taoist masters/disciples and the evil child ghost. And, while the child ghost and the ailing general are the main focus of the plot, the famous hopping vampires do make an appearance in the film a number of times - an iconic nod to the series that adds onto the action and fun. To top it off, this movie is also loaded with martial arts, some sophisticated special effects and memorable direction from Director Ricky Lau.
All the horror and action elements in this film, though, are sometimes distracted by some childish and potty humor and sexual innuendos. This is mostly at the expense of Lam Ching Ying, Chin Siu-Ho, Ricky Hui, Billy Lau and Sandra Ng. And, the film also features a band of children spirits that, at times, sway this film into the kids genre. But, all these issues are not major enough to overshadow the fun and entertainment this movie serves up - it's a worthy entry in Hong Kong Cinema's Ghost/Vampire/Fantasy genre and also appears to be the final sequel in the original "Mr. Vampire" series.
Grade B