'Hustle' delivers weak blow
By Nick Norman
Stephen Chow's "Kung Fu Hustle" fails to deliver the right punches. Instead of a knockout performance, this film may leave one asking, "Is that the best you can do? Come on, make my day!"
"Kung Fu Hustle" is not a kung fu movie at all. It is a fantasy fueled by Hollywood stereotypes, Warner Brothers cartoon characters, and a complete disregard for the laws of physics. Musical notes transform into invisible scimitars. Chinese gangsters in zoot suits do choreographed dance numbers. Middle- aged women run like Woody the Woodpecker until flattening against billboards, sliding down with a squeegee sound.
The viewer is left with disappointment and a headache. Tragically, the film shows obvious potential, but Chow's indulgence gets in the way.
"Hustle" follows in the footsteps of Chow's riotous "Shaolin Soccer," a film about a soccer team who uses martial arts and magic to beat the competition. One may love the successfully appealing movie for its sports action and slapstick humor, subtle jibes at the kung fu genre, and the entertaining absurdity of fireballs and shock waves on a soccer field.
Chow's latest film is overly ridiculous and self-indulgent. Most of all, "Hustle" lacks the moderation that made "Shaolin Soccer" so enjoyable. Instead of building up the visual effects, Chow blows his momentum in the first fight scene.
Outside the city, amongst red dust and shriveled shrubbery, Pig Sty Alley stands in stark contrast to the city's image. Here, among the lower classes, kung fu masters live peacefully until the notorious Axe Gang shows up looking to cause trouble. The resulting whirlwind of action runs for at least an hour and leaves the viewer numb and restless.
Instead of creating a film acceptable for kids--his greatest allies in absurdity--"Hustle" features graphic violence and unnecessary cursing that earns its "R" rating. Restricting his audience to older teenagers and adults, I cannot imagine this film being nearly as successful as its predecessor.
On top of being hurt by forced character development, the film lacks a strong plot. Instead, Chow indulges in a visual binge of computer generated special effects, also appearing forced at the serious moments in the film.
Periodically, he alludes to both classic and contemporary Hollywood films. The film's climax plays like "The Matrix Trilogy," complete with the utterance: "He is the one!" References to movies such as "The Shining," and Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers' 1935 classic "Top Hat" sadly play out as a sycophant kissing up to the Hollywood machine rather than paying homage.
One of the most interesting facets of the film was the rare insight into Chinese folk culture, adding depth to the painfully shallow narrative.
In a film so infused with Hollywood imagery, moments with Chinese gods and rituals are refreshing.
Stephen Chow's "Kung Fu Hustle" is in theatres nationwide and is rated R. Grade: C
* Contact Nick Norman at (408) 554-4546 or nicknorman@gmail.com.