We see a lot of different action films. For them to work, you need a decent story, some good performances, and a hook that pulls you in. A new film opening this Friday—Weekend in Taipei—has that, offering a fun time at theaters.

The film comes from director George Huang, who co-wrote the script with Luc Besson. We meet Kwang (Sung Kang), who is facing some minor legal trouble, clearly runs a major criminal empire, and is losing his mind about a missing ledger. Soon, we move to Joey (Lun-Mei Gwei), Kwang’s wife who is a talented driver and seems to have an icy relationship with her husband.

Her son—Raymond (Wyatt Yang)—also has an icy relationship with his stepfather Kwang. When it turns out Raymond took the ledger, things go from bad to worse. Narrowly escaping a violent fate, Joey and Raymond go on the run. They land with John Lawlor (Luke Evans), a U.S. DEA agent who is after Kwang but in Taipei without the knowledge of his agency.

John and Joey have a history. With the journal taken by Raymond, John might finally have the silver bullet he needs to bring Kwang down. But can he keep himself, Joey, and Raymond safe long enough to accomplish the mission?

This film has some good action, a decent cast, and a decent story. I like Evans in the lead role and his work in this film. His introductory sequence is fun. I also liked the blend of humor and some of the twists in the narrative.

This film goes in a few unexpected directions. I like Kang as an actor, though I wasn’t taken with his character here. I had fun with Yang, who has some fun sequences in the film. It wasn’t totally what I expected, but I thought that made the ride more interesting.

We’re in a season with a lot of deep and heavy films. If you’re looking for something a little lighter with some good action and some interesting characters, Weekend in Taipei will hit the spot. The film opens in theaters on Friday, November 8.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.