Enter the Eagles (1998)

Set in the Czech Republic, where everyone speaks in amusing dubbed American accents, a fun little plot involves two sets of thieves and a big diamond. Marty (Wong) and his dead wife's sister Mandy (Lee) are professional thieves, aided by a small troupe of assistants (also dubbed). On contract for a buyer (Benny Urquidez), the diamond is in their sights. Complicating their plans are lovebirds Tommy and Lucy (Chan and Yuen), two small-timers from Hong Kong in Praque because "picking pockets in Europe is so peaceful". They too have their eyes on the rock and when the two robberies, unknowingly planned for the same hour, fall apart, the buyer is far from amused...

The picturesque and well-used settings are not always complemented by the slim plot and acting. By far the best in the movie is the pairing of Anita Yuen and Jordan Chan. Their characters are the most expanded in the film, and their scenes together were my favourite parts of the movie. They also stand out as the only main Cantonese speakers in the film, with some nice lines said between the two. Shannon Lee's role leans more toward action, and this she does in short bursts. Her martial arts skills are shown in her first scene, when she finishes off Mike Lambert with her fists and a thresher. Unfortunately, like Michael Wong, she has a shallow role to play in a plot that doesn't lend itself to character development. And their cohorts are more like a bunch of cheesy impromptu comedians than contract professionals. As a whole I enjoyed this no-brainer, not taking the film too seriously. But without Anita and Jordan, my opinion might have been different.

Credits:

Directed by Yuen Kwai
Starring Michael Wong, Jordan Chan, Anita Yuen and Shannon Lee