Kung Fu Hustle

Ok. Holy shit – go see Kung Fu Hustle. I guarantee that you’ve seen nothing like it. Hysterically funny in a whole different way that you’re probably not used to. If I had to categorize it, I’d say it’s a slapstick Chinese comedy, with a hell of a lot of action thrown in.

I haven’t laughed this hard at a movie in I don’t know how long. Stephen Chow directs this (some of you may remember him from my entry about Shaolin Soccer). Whereas that movie moved (I felt) somewhat slowly, this one is a lot faster in terms of pace. It’s quirkier, and the transitions between genres (going from martial arts fight scene to Road Runner-esque chase scene) is almost as fast as the punching.

A big group of us headed to the Loews theater downtown, all due to Andy giving us the hookup. It was me, Ben, Justin, Stu, Chris, Eric, Mel, and Ben and Jess. This was a special Q101/Loop screening, and we were able to see it both early and free. Thank you Andy!

It’s been a long while since I’ve laughed this hard watching a movie in a theatre. Initially, there was this jackhole sitting next to Justin and Stu who kept talking back to the movie. But after about 30 minutes, having a lot of audience reaction almost made the movie better (thankfully, his inane comments got drowned out by the crowd as a whole). The scene in this movie where Stephen Chow tries to kill the landlady had me (and the crowd) literally howling in hysterics. I think that was my favorite part of the movie right there.

Seriously – if you get a chance, go catch this movie with some friends. It’s totally weird and unlike any western movie you’re used to seeing. In addition to the amazing special effects, the nods to such movies as The Shining and The Untouchables, the slapstick comedy… this is one movie that’s as much of a comedy as it is an action film. Go check out Kung Fu Hustle – I guarantee it’s nothing you’ve ever seen before.