Inconsistent and muddled, “The 9th Precinct” is difficult to wholeheartedly invest in. Although not entirely poor, it lacks the sort of engaging script that would help it pack a stronger punch, and it undoubtedly overstretches the mark on several occasions.
Central to proceedings is Chen Chia-hao (Roy Chui), a traffic cop who can see ghosts. It is a mixed blessing, as it does lead to some outlandish acts (he pushes an older spirit away from a car, but to common people it looks as though he willingly causes a collision), but Chen seems content enough. However, when his partner dies during a pursuit, and his boss fails to acknowledge that there was supernatural intervention to stop the protagonist from dying, there is a slight career shift inbound. Scouted by Mr. Chang (Peng Chia-chia), Chen is brought into the 9th precinct, a low key pseudo-segment of the police force which deals with those who are waiting to properly pass away.
Silly, occasionally boring and hindered by a poorly written antagonist, the majority of “The 9th Precinct” is a patient viewing. There is definitely potential amidst the unstable writing, and the moments of poignancy rife in the second half of the movie are somewhat genuinely affecting, but far too many times the narrative falls flat. A narrower focus, with more done to flesh out Madam Chen past the point of a juvenile villain, would have benefited the film greatly.
Continuing, the acting is also a fairly mixed bag. Although the charismatic Roy Chui is solid as Chen Chia-hao, allowing his depiction plenty of considered depth amongst the hit-and-miss humour, Peng Chia-chia never truly settles into his role as Mr. Chang, and Heaven Hai does not escape the pitfalls of the poor writing afforded to her.
Technically, though, the sleek visuals on show, courtesy of Stanley Liu are very impressive, giving everything an enjoyably smooth flair. Additionally, the ghosts themselves manage to look rather unsettling at times, an achievement considering how cartoonish they could have been made.
All in all, “The 9th Precinct” is a movie not unwatchable, but in the same vein not recommended. With a mid-credit scene leaving the door open for a sequel, one must hope that they can correct some of the shortcomings should it ever come to fruition.
