Kung Fu Hustle

20:13.21 - Tuesday 28th June 2005   (Link to This Entry)

Every now and again a film is released in the US and for some reason or other never makes it over to the UK until months later. Shaolin Soccer was just such a movie, and it seems odd that Kung Fu Hustle should be another film starring Stephen Chow, but there you go. There are at least three other Shaolin Soccer actors in there.

Kung Fu Hustle's premise is fairly straightforward - Sing (Chow) is a loser who wants to join the notorious Axe Gang. Being a bit of a wuss he opts to pretend he's a member instead, and tried to extort money from the residents of Pig Sty Alley - a run-down are so poor that the various gangs don't bother with it. The real Axe Gang are soon involved, however, after an incident with a firecracker.

The film almost seems to be a reworking of The Matrix, with Chow playing 'The One' discovering his true potential. There are even fights between a yard full of black-suit-clad baddies and a single opponent, reminiscent of 'Burly Brawl' fight scene. There's also a nice one-scene gag at the start of the film with a football - possibly a nod to Shaolin Soccer - and numerous one-offs throughout.

Chinese cinema has discovered computer graphics and stylish camera angles just lately, and puts them to use in a good way. Although this is mostly comedy, there are scenes of great beauty scattered throughout the film. Most of the acting is dodgy B-Movie fare, but it's and enjoyable romp all the same. If you liked Shaolin Soccer, you'll like this.

First "This boy ain't right" moment... and rating:
Sing is badly hurt, but heals suspiciously quickly. Ah-Ha! - 7/10.