Writer: Loong Wai Ting

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Watch this if you liked: "The Mask of Zorro," "Batman"

First and foremost, "K-20" is not a sequel to Jim Carrey's "The Mask" nor a remake of any other similar title. Instead, "K-20: Legend of the Mask" is a rather amusing and entertaining superhero movie for the family to watch. It's like "K-20" is the Japanese alternate to the usual American Marvel superhero.

No doubt "K-20" will work to some extent because of Takeshi Kaneshiro's watchable performance. This is also where the movie finds its comfortable footing and manages to spill some fun in between scenes. The movie is very much surrounded by Takeshi's ridiculous, yet sad and passionate vibe, which quickly imbues a live-action plus anime feel to it.

Action aside, the humour is sometimes flat on delivery. Often, it looks like the actors are trying too hard to please the crowd. While trying hard to deliver her storyline, director Shimako Sato hits a few suspensions on the way and the movie muddles itself up into a confusing plot.

The theme in "K-20" is about society and class division. Set in 1949, the story assumes that World War II never happened and the thing that bothers society is good and evil. If not because of Yoko's (Takako Matsu) corny and straightforward well-meaning dialogue, this movie would be even more confusing.

All in all "K-20" can be anyone's general favourite, which means the story is somewhat expected and felt a little less challenging. Cynical audiences on the other hand, should at least give this movie a try. Even if "K-20" faces a hard buy from cynical moviegoers, it's actually quite easy to like.

Cinema Online, 10 April 2009