If you thought the new Transformers sequel was merely an exercise in big-budget digital effects in lieu of real storytelling, perhaps you might hold out more hope for Hong Kong's answer to that blockbuster. Or maybe not.

An English-subtitled trailer for the new film due for release later this month, Metallic Attraction: Kung Fu Cyborg, has just hit cinemas and the internet. Made by director Jeffrey Lau Chun-wai, the special effects look like out-takes from Michael Bay's Hollywood hit with a romantic subplot tossed in. The sci-fi tale is about a battle of good vs evil robots (sound familiar?) set in the future. It stars teen idol Alex Fong Lik-sun as a cyborg (above) who falls for a human girl. Visually, though, the trailer doesn't even try to disguise it as a Transformers rip-off.

It seems the days of ideas-bankrupt Hong Kong filmmakers copying the formula of overseas hits are not yet behind us. Alternately, maybe you subscribe to the notion that battling robots are intrinsically Asian in origin and this is merely an attempt to reclaim the bots for ourselves. See for yourself on YouTube. The film is out on August 20.