Mr Lee, an elderly gentleman, is seated in his cosy living room. He’s scrolling through his phone when a too-good-to-be-true investment opportunity pops up. “Double your money in days!” it promises. A few clicks later, his life savings vanish faster than a dodgy email attachment.
If you’ve ever heard a story like this and shaken your head in disbelief, “Money Games”, directed by Malaysian filmmaker Matt Lai, takes that jaw-dropping reality and turns it into a wildly entertaining tale with a message.
Hitting cinemas on the first day of Chinese New Year on Jan 29, “Money Games” serves up a star-studded cast with a mix of Hong Kong heavyweights like Eric Tsang, Bobby Au-yeung, and Edmond So, and Malaysian stars Jack Lim, Choo Hao Ren, Sandra Lim, and Wayne Thong.
Together, they deliver a rollercoaster of laughs, betrayals, and twists wrapped in a timely warning about the dangers of financial fraud.
The plot kicks off with Zeng Miao Zhu, the sharp leader of the Anti-Fraud Society, basking in the glory of cracking a major fraud case. But no sooner has he popped the celebratory bubble tea than he discovers a larger scam festering in the shadows.
He assigns his elite squad – Lam, Arrow, Big Mouth, and Ba Jie – to infiltrate the sinister “money game” empire controlled by Tang Gang. The mission? Play the part of conmen to expose the crooks.
From there, the film dives into a whirlpool of double-crosses and unexpected twists. Betrayals come thick and fast, like pop-ups on a website, keeping you on your toes.
However, some twists are so over-the-top you’ll spot them before they even log in. Think of it as a scam you saw coming but still clicked on the link for the thrill.
The characters in “Money Games” are vibrant and lively, each bringing their own quirks and comedic flair to the table.
From the sharp-tongued banter to the hilariously exaggerated reactions, the ensemble cast keeps the energy high and the laughs rolling.
The comedic timing is particularly noteworthy, with plenty of slapstick moments and physical humour that land perfectly, making it a fun watch even if you don’t understand the dialogue.
Bobby Au-yeung delivers a standout performance that elevates the film. Playing a villain, he opts for a subdued, calculated menace that’s both chilling and compelling.
Whether it’s his subtle smirk, a knowing glance, or a perfectly timed pause, his restrained approach speaks volumes, proving that sometimes it’s the quietest threats that linger the longest.
On the other hand, Edmond So’s portrayal of another antagonist takes a completely different route. His performance leans heavily into melodrama, complete with exaggerated gestures and over-the-top expressions.
While So’s antics can be amusing, they occasionally border on cartoonish, which might feel a bit jarring compared to the other more grounded performances.
What truly sets “Money Games” apart is its relevance. In a world where Malaysians – and people everywhere – are constantly being targeted by online scammers, this film feels timely and necessary.
Beneath the laughs and absurdity lies an important cautionary tale: don’t let greed or naivety land you in a financial trap.
So, if you’re up for some New Year cheer with a side of scam-themed shenanigans, grab your popcorn. Just don’t fall for any “Buy one ticket, get ten free” offers along the way!
‘Money Games’ will be screened in cinemas nationwide from Jan 29.