Horror Bites - Afterlife

THE DEAD AND THE DEADLY (1982)

Just for a change of pace after so many Mr. Vampire movies it's time for... spooky hijinks and magic rituals. While it's not the first of its kind (with films like this existing even early than Spooky Encounters) it does seem to be the genesis of Lam Ching-ying playing a priest who battles ghosts. At first it seems that he's just here as an archetypal old master, complete with wrinkle makeup and receding hair, but soon enough all the usual yellow robes and spells show up. However, this isn't really about that until the third act and most of the story is about Sammo Hung getting into slapstick situations... which is less compelling.

Review Roundup - Regeneration

GODZILLA: MINUS ZERO (2026)

After a few years (and a minor increase in budget) the big guy himself is back after apparently being obliterated in the previous movie. Which shouldn't be a big surprise given the sequel bait in Godzilla: Minus One. However, it is unusual that a sequel like this actually got the green light; the Toho franchise hasn't had one movie connect to another since 2003. It seemed that despite suggestions of what might come next (particularly Shin Godzilla) the studio was firmly set on one and done stories. But beyond delivering more monster madness can a follow up actually deliver on the characterisation that hooked audiences last time around?

Horror Bites - Hopping Mad (Bonus)

MAGIC COP (1990)

Aka Mr. Vampire 5. Not to be confused with the other part five (see Vampire vs. Vampire) or Mr. Vampire 1992. That's right; here's where the series gets confusing with numbers and enters the bizarre realm of films like the Yes, Madam! series. But while those non-sequels swapped out their lead star here Lam Ching-ying is (usually) present in some capacity. This time it's a return to the modern world for more fish out of water comedy and more black magic madness. His sidekicks are still two idiots and a pretty girl, there's another witch, and there are some familiar gadgets. But while the usual tropes are back it's also a return to things like fresh supernatural elements and good pacing.

Horror Bites - Hopping Mad Part III

MR VAMPIRE SEQUELS (1988-1989)

You'd think that given the success of a movie formula the 'same but different' approach would work the best. However, despite familiar faces and occasional nods to past instalments this is a series that often has an identity crisis. At least parts four and five include vampires this time around, but the actual quality is debatable. Once again neither film is a real sequel to anything that came along earlier. They both toy with the framework in different ways... but it seems obvious that less odd experimentation and more direct inspiration would have been simpler and more effective.

Horror Bites - Hopping Mad Part II

MR VAMPIRE SEQUELS (1986-1987)

While there are often a lot of sequels to be found in the world of Hong Kong action many of them fail to capture the lighting in a bottle of the original film. They can be weirdly thin and yet at the same time over-written and convoluted. Something like Project A: Part II might have some great set pieces but it lacks the heart and the straightforward story. But at least in that case it was a clear cut successor to the first movie that continued where things left off. With these second and third instalments neither of them is a real continuation which is a problem. However, other issues also detract from the overall experience.