An action-packed DIE HARD rip-off that mixes in bits and pieces from UNDER SIEGE for good measure, RED WOLF is a thoroughly enjoyable action movie. I don't usually like Hong Kong films from the 1990s; all too often they're marred by over-done wirework and a general dated feel which works against them. Not so RED WOLF: it kicks ass from the outset and continues to do so throughout with a series of elaborately staged and completely engaging action sequences.
Okay, so it's not a perfect film: it's a little rough around the edges and cheesy in places, and some of the performances are purely laughable. The lame comic relief from the hero's female ally is unwanted, too. But the film has plenty of reasons to overlook these flaws, not least Kenny Ho's ass-kicking lead: this Jackie Chan protégé certainly holds his own in the action stakes, and comes across as a charismatic star, too.
And he needs all the skill he can muster, because up against him is uber-villain Collin Chou (FLASHPOINT), once again delivering a deep and inventive portrayal as lead villain. No superficial stuff here: Chou makes the role his own, even making you kind of like the guy on occasion, and course he's a greater fighter as well. Yuen Woo-ping's steady direction, a strong level of inventiveness throughout and those aforementioned great fight scenes combine to make RED WOLF a whole load of fun!
