Chung Shu-Kai and Eric Tsang's 2011 Lunar New Year comedy I Love Hong Kong isn't something that's likely to translate well to viewers that aren't locals, or don't at least have a decent knowledge of the territory's history and culture. There also isn't much in the way of actual storytelling here, with the film having the cinematic weight of a down-filled pillow. But, taken on its' base elements as a light and breezy comedy, this is an enjoyable movie that will give you a few chuckles and a warm feeling.

Though I Love Hong Kong has a very large cast featuring most of the actors under contract to the TVB network (something which the movie has no problems self-referencing several times) the story, for the most part, concentrates on a family led by Tony Leung Ka-Fai and Sandra Ng, who have been forced to move back into Tony's childhood home in an "estate" (large apartment building) due to the latest recession. Even though the family has a hard time adjusting at first, they soon find themselves right at home. But their new life becomes threatened when a business conglomerate comes in to buy out the building with wishes to replace the family apartments with condos and street stalls and kisoks with chain stores.

The anti-commercial sentiment in I Love Hong Kong feels more than a bit hollow and pandering to the local audience. Blatant product placement in Hong Kong movies has been occurring for years, such as every character using the same brand of cell phone (Sony in this case). I Love Hong Kong takes things to another level, with numerous digs at TVB's main rival, ATV, and even the title card having an accompanying advertisement.

Also, like many Lunar New Year comedies, I Love Hong Kong is a bit too bloated for its' own good. Not in its' running time, but more from the fact that there's just way too many characters thrown into the mix for only one or two scenes. While this method is great for getting a few cheap pops, as a story-telling method, it threatens to derail the film at times, as it seems to run about like a sugar-addled child, having no real focus, yet still talking loudly about any and every thing.

But most of the complaints one might level against I Love Hong Kong are ultimately alleviated via the movie's underlying charms. The actors look to be having a good time, and that feeling definitely translates on to the audience. Any moments of annoyance or beleagurement that the film generates are soon smoothed over by the bubbily infectious overall tone, which should make even the biggest grump feel a little better after watching it.

RATING: 7