If the insanely inventive and entertaining Mad Detective weren't so weird -- and in Cantonese -- hordes of action geeks would be lining the block to see it.
Fleeting confusion and bizarre literalization aside, though, Mad Detective is an effective mystery story, with an oddball hero--like TV's Monk, but far crazier--and some moments of visceral violence that raise the stakes.
75
New York PostV.A. Musetto
New York PostV.A. Musetto
Doesn't always make sense, and you cannot always tell what is real and what is imaginary, but viewers will be having too much zonked-out fun to care.
75
Boston GlobeTy Burr
Boston GlobeTy Burr
Mad Detective is equal parts gonzo inspiration and overwrought indecision. It could be called "The Lunatic From Kowloon."
60
Empire
Empire
Director Johnny To's previous flicks are slicker affairs, but there's still plenty here to please the fans.
60
Village Voice
Village Voice
Apart from its inventive depiction of the weaknesses that tough guys try to hide, Mad Detective is a slight work from the wildly prolific To.
50
VarietyDerek Elley
VarietyDerek Elley
A neat idea that doesn't quite hit the bull's-eye.