OllieSuave-007
Stephen Chow's Saint of Gamblers has crossed over to a few of Chow Yun-Fat's God of Gamblers films; however, this film, The Top Bet, is the only true sequel to the Saint of Gamblers. It's a story about Taiwanese triad leader Chung Chan (Jeffrey Lau) who demands that the Saint of Gamblers, Chow Sing Cho (Stephen Chow), play cards for him at an upcoming gambling tournament - at the stake of his Uncle Blackie Tat's (Man Tat Ng) life. However, Sing is away traveling around the world and Tat hopes Sing's sister Mei (Anita Mui) would enter the tournament in his place. But, she refuses, which leaves leaves Tat to ask the Queen Of Gamblers (Carol 'Do Do' Cheng) to play cards instead.Lots of Hong Kong stars in this one, but much of the card playing action and plot lines are drowned out with the excessive nonsensical comedy and slapstick mess that sometimes make this film a little annoying. The plot goes too fast at times, which leaves little room for suspense built-up. The acting was OK for the most part, though.Overall, it's not a great film. Had Stephen Chow had a larger role and done more screen time with Anita Mui, the movie could have been better. It won't hurt if you give this one a pass.Grade C-
Joseph P. Ulibas
All For the Winner 2 a.k.a. Top Bet (1991) was the follow up to A.F.T.W. Anita Mui plays Stephen Chow's sister. She has come from mainland China to look for her brother. Whilst looking for him he learns that her brother and Uncle have become famous and have moved on. She comes across a shady female gambler (Carol Cheng) who learns about her power by chance and decides to exploit her.Not as great as the first film, but Anita Mui carries the movie with her comic timing and superb acting. Carol Cheng is funny as well in the "Blackie Tat' role. This film is just a reworking of the first film with the same results. I found it to be a very entertaining film. Not a classic but it's worth a watch. The action set pieces are incredible (thanks to Corey Yuen) and the dialog is pretty sharp and witty.Highly recommended!
