Rick Pang (Portrayed by the late Cantopop star and John Woo veteran Leslie Cheung) is a gunsmith and a highly skilled practical shooter. During a shooting match, a depressed day trader threatens the safety of innocents, and Rick his forced to kill him, using the titular double tap technique. After this, Rick
discovers that he actually likes killing, loses his sanity, and goes on a killing spree (mainly focusing on members of Hong Kong's finest). Miu, the reigning pistol champ, is also the detective in charge of Rick's case. Technically, the film is fairly well made. There are some choppy edits, and the score is a tad questionable, but nothing that isn't easily looked past. It is apparent that much research went into the shooting aspect of the film. That being said, the gunplay is some of the most realistic I've ever seen. This give the films action scenes a high level of polish (though some of this is ruined with a few cheesy CGI bits). On the acting side of things, most of the performances are fairly average, with the exception of Leslie Cheung. As Rick Pang, he easily slips between arrogantly taunting his nemesis and gunning down his pursuers with a cold detachment the likes I haven't since the police station massacre in the the first Terminator movie. While far from perfect, Double tap is a fun and engaging movie that any HK movie enthusiast can enjoy along with anybody who just happens to enjoy some good gun porn.
May 16, 2011
