SHANGHAI FORTRESS is another big bucks science fiction blockbuster from mainland China, but as with many such films it's a definite case of style over substance. The limited storyline sees Earth attacked and partly destroyed by an alien mothership which along with bombing sends out humanoid robots to kill people. The survivors fight back with drones and advanced technology. In a twist to the usual Hollywood blockbuster, Los Angeles and the UN are initially destroyed, with China and to a lesser degree Russia the last bastions of hope.
Cast-wise, we get the reliable Shu Qi in support, although the main role is taken by some kid from the Korean pop group EXO. Let's just say he's no actor, instead a big bland presence right in the middle of the movie. The CGI effects are serviceable but the direction is unimaginative and that combined with the over-long running time means that this becomes repetitive and boring before long. It feels like China are trying to imitate a Marvel movie, but they need to try harder on the evidence of this.
Cast-wise, we get the reliable Shu Qi in support, although the main role is taken by some kid from the Korean pop group EXO. Let's just say he's no actor, instead a big bland presence right in the middle of the movie. The CGI effects are serviceable but the direction is unimaginative and that combined with the over-long running time means that this becomes repetitive and boring before long. It feels like China are trying to imitate a Marvel movie, but they need to try harder on the evidence of this.