Weekend in Taipei (2024 Full HD)
Weekend in Taipei (2024): A High-Octane Action Romp Through Taiwan’s Capital
"Weekend in Taipei" (2024) is a French-Taiwanese action thriller that delivers a fast-paced, if formulaic, blend of car chases, fistfights, and rekindled romance. Directed by George Huang and co-written with Luc Besson, the film stars Luke Evans, Gwei Lun-mei, and Sung Kang. Produced by EuropaCorp with support from the Taipei Film Commission, it showcases Taipei’s vibrant cityscape while leaning heavily on Besson’s signature style of glossy, adrenaline-fueled entertainment. Despite a predictable plot and uneven character development, its energetic action and charismatic leads make it a fun, disposable B-movie. Here’s a breakdown of what works, what doesn’t, and why it’s worth a watch for action fans.
The Plot: A Familiar Action Template
The story follows John Lawlor (Luke Evans), a DEA agent whose undercover operation in a Minneapolis Chinese restaurant goes up in flames after his partner’s mistake. Ordered to take a weekend off, John defies his boss, Charlotte Fields (Pernell Walker), and heads to Taipei to pursue billionaire drug kingpin Kwang (Sung Kang). There, he reunites with Joey Kwang (Gwei Lun-mei), a skilled mercenary driver and his former lover from 15 years ago, now married to Kwang. Their teenage son, Raymond (Wyatt Yang), unwittingly steals Kwang’s incriminating ledger, sparking a chaotic weekend of chases, shootouts, and family revelations. The narrative, while predictable, is packed with action clichés that fans of Besson’s Taken or The Transporter will recognize and enjoy.
Action and Visuals: Taipei as a Star
The film’s strength lies in its action sequences and Taipei’s dynamic backdrop. From a frenetic kitchen brawl involving woks to a climactic shootout in a movie theater screening House of Flying Daggers, the choreography is slick and engaging. Car chases, featuring Joey’s red Ferrari 488 Pista Spider tearing through Taipei’s neon-lit streets, evoke Fast & Furious energy, though they lack the tension of a true pursuit. Locations like Taipei 101, Shezi Bridge, and Luoyang Car Park add authenticity and vibrancy, enhanced by cinematographer Colin Wandersman’s glossy sheen. However, some scenes feel restrained, possibly due to budget limitations, and fail to match the spectacle of Besson’s best works.
Performances: Charisma Over Depth
Luke Evans brings roguish charm to John Lawlor, balancing tough-guy action with cheesy humor, though his inconsistent New York accent draws mixed reactions. Gwei Lun-mei shines as Joey, a tough yet glamorous driver whose car skills steal the show, even if her romantic chemistry with Evans feels forced. Sung Kang’s Kwang is a serviceable villain, but critics note his miscasting as a menacing drug lord, with some calling his performance underwhelming. Young Wyatt Yang adds a precocious spark as Raymond, though his role leans into clichéd “smart kid” tropes. The cast’s energy elevates the thin script, but shallow character development limits emotional impact.
Strengths: Fun and Unpretentious
"Weekend in Taipei" knows exactly what it is: a throwback to 1990s B-movies with a light-hearted, meta tone. Its humor, often absurd—like Raymond’s line, “All this time I’ve been taking cooking lessons to get close to my dead pastry chef dad, and he’s not even dead!”—lands well for those who embrace the cheese. The film’s pacing is brisk, and its action, while not groundbreaking, delivers enough thrills to keep viewers engaged. Taipei’s stunning locations and nods to classics like Breakfast at Tiffany’s add a playful charm, making it a guilty pleasure for action fans.
Weaknesses: Clichés and Missed Opportunities
The screenplay, co-written by Besson and Huang, is a major weak point, criticized for its lack of originality and excessive backstory. A protracted climax bogged down by flashbacks disrupts the momentum, explaining John and Joey’s past in unnecessary detail. The romantic subplot feels underdeveloped, with critics noting a lack of chemistry between the leads. The decision to have the primarily Asian cast speak English throughout, likely to appeal to Western audiences, feels jarring and inauthentic. Additionally, some X posts and reviews have raised concerns about the film’s portrayal of Asian characters, particularly Kwang, with accusations of stereotyping and narrative tropes that vilify Asian men.
Reception and Cultural Context
Released on September 25, 2024, in France and Taiwan, and November 8 in North America, the film grossed NTD$40.58 million (US$1.25 million) in Taiwan but underperformed in the U.S. with $360,000. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 55% approval rating from 22 reviews, averaging 5.8/10, with critics praising its action but slamming its predictable plot. On X, sentiments range from enthusiasm for its “crazily good” action to disappointment over its lack of depth, with some calling it a “competent but forgettable” streaming filler. The film’s production, supported by Taipei’s government, showcases the city’s beauty but has sparked debate over its cultural portrayals.
Final Verdict
"Weekend in Taipei" is a slick, unpretentious action thriller that delivers on high-energy stunts and Taipei’s visual appeal but stumbles with a clichéd script and uneven execution. Perfect for fans of Luc Besson’s brand of escapist fun, it’s a solid weekend watch if you’re craving car chases and fistfights without deep introspection. Stream it on Prime Video or rent it on Fandango at Home, but don’t expect a genre-defining classic. For a quick, adrenaline-fueled escape, it gets the job done—just don’t linger too long on the plot holes.