Languid entry in the horror-comedy series is the first without usual director Herman Yau. Producer/writer Nam Yin steps in for the seventh installment in three years and manages to put together a serviceable entry into the series.

Like the last one, the triple-feature story is gone. Instead we have one plot, and for some reason the plot never requires it to be night. Yes, this Troublesome Night movie takes place entirely in the daytime. Plot: A music video shoot (including director Lai Yiu-Cheung and star Amanda Lee) lands on a small HK island, but find themselves haunted by two dead lovers (Louis Koo and Nadia Chan). Also, a mysterious figure runs around the island scaring people.

To discuss the overall impact of the plot is useless - these films work on tone and performance. With that in mind, this is a worthy (though lesser) entry in the series, as the comedy and solid performances make things work. As a standalone film, this movie would be automatic drivel, but it works in light of the series’ eclectic nature. The Troublesome Night movies are like episodes of a TV series - which is just fine by me. Soon there will be so many of these movies that comparison will prove fruitless. (Kozo 2000)

image courtesy of Universe Laser & Video Co., Ltd.