Once Upon a Time a Hero in China (1992)

The first must-see film of the year.

what a terribly boring film. I'm sorry but this is absolutely not deserving of best picture and will be forgotten quickly. Entertaining and engaging cinema? No. Nothing performances with flat faces and mistaking silence for subtlety.

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

Singer/actor Alan Tam spoofs the the martial arts legend Wong Fei-Hung, giving the movie a comedic twist where Fei-Hung is being challenged to duels by the crafty Ken Shek (Tony Leung Ka Fai). However, Fei-Hung actually knows more about cooking than martian arts and, therefore, relies on his "disciples" Porky Wing (Eric Tsang), Leung Foon (Simon Yam) and So (Man Tat Ng) to train him to fight. Meanwhile, Shek has purchased opium from shady businessman Indiana Jones (Paul Fonoroff) and plans to rule the town with the drug profits.Like previous Fei-Hung movies, this film has plenty of martial arts action and breathtaking battles, including the fight between Fei-Hung's disciples and Shek. However, it is the slapstick comedy (at times nonsensical) and goofy humor that take center stage in the film, providing you with loads of fun. From So going berserk after tasting a bit of opium to the awkward chemistry between Fei-Hung and his love interest Aunt Yee (Teresa Mo), this movie is pretty captivating. The plot is also pretty solid and gains momentum as the movie progresses, and has classic good guy vs. bad guy elements. There is an all-star cast, including cameos from actors from the original classic Wong Fei-Hung series Kien Shih and Gwa-Pau Sai. Other than over indulgence in goofiness in a few scenes, this movie is a good one for a laugh.Grade B

For a Chinese movie parody, this has surprisingly high production value and a strong cast. Don't expect a coherent plot here and there are some corny jokes too. Though you won't see great acting here but you should look forward to familiar faces making arses out of themselves. Don't miss the unforgettable scene where the two main characters have their little outhouse "contest". Even though it's been years since I saw the movie, still makes me laugh thinking about it.

It isn't very often that I see a good HK parody. The main character, Wong Fei-Hung is a no-talent martial artist who's secret is kept by his 3 servants who promised Fei-Hung's father that they'd teach him in the ways of Martial Arts, Medicine, and Love Making, all of which have failed miserably. To add to this misfortune, Fei-Hung's arch nemesis "Bad Egg" Ken Shek is plotting to defeat Fei-Hung, the only thing holding him back is his fear of the "No-Shadow" kick, that has a reputation of defeating any enemy. The show itself is a blend of some western humor as well as the obvious Once Upon a Time in China references. The english title for this movie is aptly named "Once Upon a Time a Hero in China." The slapstick humor and parodies of several familiar characters made this movie worth watching over and over again. If you can get your hands on it. I'd suggest buying it.