By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4 cats
Director: Stephen Chow
Starring: Man Tat Ng | Stephen Chow | Wei Zhao | Yin Tse
Original language title: Siu lam juk kau
Country: hong_kong, united_states
Year: 2004
Running time: 87
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0286112/combined
Michael says: “This hilarious spoof on kung fu films blends the art of Shaolin kung fu and soccer! If that sounds wacky, then you’ve got a good idea what SHAOLIN SOCCER will give you. It’s also incredibly sweet, and awfully clever as well, as director/writer/star Stephen Chow takes back all that THE MATRIX stole from the Chinese kung fu films (Thanks Bob.) It also surprises by dropping in a lot of styles stolen from Hollywood films, including the war film and the musical, in hysterical moments. (There’s an delightful dance sequence to Kool & the Gang’s ‘Celebration’ that had me weeping.)
“All the ‘misfits overcoming adversity’ cliches are present in a big way, but twisted just enough to make them seem fresh and fun. But let’s be serious, we’re there to see the wild and crazy kung fu special effects, and they’re spectacular, in a goofy way that still makes you cheer. 4 cats”