Film Review: Crypto Storm 反貪風暴之加密危機 (2024) Hong Kong 🇭🇰
Reviewed by Andrew Chan (Film Critics Circle of Australia 🇦🇺)
The highly unnecessary and unrealistic ICAC series continues in the S-P-Z-Storm / Louis Koo starring flicks in the new spin-off namely “Crypto Storm”. The film stays true to form by being just as over the top with unrealistic scenarios and ICAC interplays that exaggerates to the point of no return. Director Terry Ng showed potential in previous works including “Brotherhood of Rebel”, and whilst the direction and editing makes this an entertaining watch, it adds nothing to the already crowded craft busting genre to boot. It does however offer a chance for new generation of actors to shine and take a lead.
Ron Ng gets a rare leading action packed role that requires more physicality than acting abilities. For that Ng passes well physically, if not showcasing the star quality of Louis Koo as the ICAC investigation officer. Justin Cheung continues to chew scenery in another semi-villainous role as the chairman of the corrupted bank and Edward Ma does comfortably as the flamboyant and troublesome brother. Carrie Ng is a welcome presence as the crime boss and mother. Others like Chloe So is always natural as the cyber hacker and Shirley Chan plays Ng former lover and fellow ICAC to round out the young guns.
All in all, “Crypto Storm” is not a bad movie by all means, as it is entertaining in its on manner and rarely bore. However, the plot is so ridiculous that suspension of belief is more than required. Still, for a lesser spin off, this film goes for a smaller market with less budget and explosion than the original “Storm” series. The crypto industry is a complicated one and the film does nothing to dwell deeper on any of its inner runnings and way ICAC investigates simply puts a nail in its own coffin.
I rated it 6/10