Breaking News

HONG KONG ACTION

Now that John Woo has pretty much gone full-throttle Hollywood (see his slate of upcoming projects, which includes a video game adaptation, a film with the Rock, and He-Man and Masters of the Universe), Hong Kong action fans must turn to other speed-and-stunt demons: Stephen Chow (Kung Fu Hustle 2 is due later this year), Andrew Lau (his Infernal Affairs is being remade by Martin Scorsese as The Departed), and Johnnie To, whose latest codirecting effort (with Wai Ka-fai), the comedy Shopaholics, just hit the Four Star Theatre in honor of Chinese New Year. Also new to Bay Area theaters is 2004's Breaking News, which is more in the style of To's PTU or Fulltime Killer. A crime drama where the bad guys are far more compelling than the good guys (aren't they always?), Breaking News opens with an extremely long take showcasing an elaborate cops 'n' robbers gun battle. With a potential PR disaster on their hands, the police department — guided by prissy Inspector Fong (Kelly Chen, working some take-me-seriously eyebrows) — decides to turn the gang's capture into a media circus. Complications arise (don't they always?), especially when the gang of robbers led by Yeun (Richie Jen) encounters a gang of hired killers who happen to be using the same hideout. The story's not the important thing, though — what matters is how many bullets are exchanged. Answer: a hell of a lot. (Cheryl Eddy)

BREAKING NEWS Balboa Theatre. Feb. 10–16

3630 Balboa, SF. $6–$8.50, (415) 221-8184, www.balboamovies.com