The Top Bet (1991) User Reviews

Too much slapstick and nonsensical stuff.

[OllieSuave-007 · 5/10 · 9 May 2015]

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-

Such a wonderful comedy...

[paul_haakonsen · 7/10 · 2 February 2021]

I had the chance to sit down to watch the 1991 Hong Kong comedy here in 2021. I must say that I didn't even know about this movie, so when the chance presented itself to watch it, of course I took that chance.

First of all, I must admit that I was relieved to see that this was not just another "God of Gamblers" movie. But instead, this was a nice parody on those movies, so it was a much welcomed movie for my preference. And I will say that writer Jeffrey Lau actually managed to churn out a story that held equal parts of comedy and seriousness to it, and the combination of "God of Gamblers" meeting traditional early 1990s Hong Kong slapstick comedy definitely worked out so quite well.

The storyline told in "The Top Bet" (aka "Dou baa") was an enjoyable one. Though I must admit having Stephen Chow appear in the beginning of the movie and end of the movie was sort of dangling the carrot on a string in front of the audience. It was a shame that he was no in the movie more, because he could have added so much more enjoyment to the movie. But the story told here, is a very straight forward one, and director Jeffrey Lau and Corey Yuen brought it to life on the screen in a funny and fulfilling manner.

"The Top Bet" has a pretty good ensemble of cast members, with the likes of Anita Mui, Stephen Chow, Man-Tat Ng, Paul Chun, Wah Yuen, Corey Yuen, Sandra Kwan Yue Ng, Fui-On Shing and Carol 'Do Do' Cheng. So if you have a health interest in the Hong Kong cinema, then you are definitely in for quite a treat here in terms of familiar faces and names.

I enjoyed "The Top Bet" quite a lot, and the laughs provided here were bountiful and plenty. So if you enjoy Hong Kong comedies, then "The Top Bet" is a movie that is well-worth the time and effort.

My rating of "The Top Bet" lands on a well-deserved seven out of ten stars.

Crazy comedy sequel

[Leofwine_draca · 6/10 · 12 May 2020]

Two gambling movies, GOD OF GAMBLERS and ALL FOR THE WINNER, came out around the same time in Hong Kong and propelled a wave of similar gambling-themed comedies in the early 1990s. This one's a sequel to the latter Stephen Chow hit, although Chow only returns for a brief cameo; the good news is that he's been replaced by the double duo of Anita Mui and Carol 'Do Do' Cheng, and the winsome pair are certainly up to the job.

The ladies play rivals getting involved in an international gambling competition, where Paul Chun is once again the bad guy who needs beating. Political fish-out-of-water comedy features alongside crazy supernatural superpowers, rival fights, robberies, gender changing and all manner of typical Hong Kong wackiness. The cast is what lifts this above the ordinary, with 'Do Do' Cheng in particular a delight as the sneaky card sharp; the supporting players, including the underrated Lowell Lo and Yuen Wah, also add to the experience. It's not fantastic, but it is funny.

All For the Winner 2

[Captain_Couth · 8/10 · 9 January 2005]

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!