← Back to Reviews
in
He also told me of its significance ("It will be significant"), but "significant" is also how I would describe this stupid film. I think I was in my mid-20s when this opened, so there I went with a mixed group of 10-15 friends. That was clearly a recipe for disaster of the good kind, cause I still think that was some of the hardest I've laughed while watching a film. Hence, its significance.
For the sake of this written review, I'll try to summarize its plot. Kung Pow! Enter the Fist follows "The Chosen One" (Steve Oedekerk) as he tries to master his powers while seeking revenge against the killer of his parents, Master Betty. What sets it apart is the fact that Oedekerk (who also wrote, produced, and directed the film) takes the footage of a 1970s martial arts film and digitally inserts himself as a character, while also humorously dubbing all the voices.
If that sounds crazy, wacky, silly, or stupid, it's because it is all of those. The thing is that that's exactly what it is aiming for, which is precisely what I needed when I rewatched it last month. I've been going through some rough personal issues lately, so at the time I was looking for something light and/or funny. So when I stumbled upon this film, which I hadn't seen in a good while, I knew there was no better choice.
I suppose that the effectiveness of the film will depend on everyone's latitude with it, but I believe that if you're able to get on its wavelength, you will have a hell of a time with it. It goes beyond the silliness of Oedekerk's dubbing, but also the way that he manages to mold and shape this existing story to fit his comedic goals is hilariously impressive. Ironically, the moments that were filmed originally for the film – most notably, the cow fight and the meeting with Whoa – are probably the least effective.
But those are just brief sputters in what is otherwise a stupidly unique and hysterically funny movie. Like I said, it was the perfect theater experience 23 years ago, and it was the perfect antidote to my woes a couple of weeks ago. After finishing it, I remembered the words of Master Doe when he told me of its significance [flashback] "It will be significant" [flashforward] Damn right it was.
Grade:
KUNG POW! ENTER THE FIST
(2002, Oedekerk)
(2002, Oedekerk)
Master Tang: "I remember a long time ago, when a friend told me there would be a chosen one."
[flashback to a younger Tang talking to Master Doe]
Master Doe: "There will be a chosen one."
[flashback to a younger Tang talking to Master Doe]
Master Doe: "There will be a chosen one."
He also told me of its significance ("It will be significant"), but "significant" is also how I would describe this stupid film. I think I was in my mid-20s when this opened, so there I went with a mixed group of 10-15 friends. That was clearly a recipe for disaster of the good kind, cause I still think that was some of the hardest I've laughed while watching a film. Hence, its significance.
For the sake of this written review, I'll try to summarize its plot. Kung Pow! Enter the Fist follows "The Chosen One" (Steve Oedekerk) as he tries to master his powers while seeking revenge against the killer of his parents, Master Betty. What sets it apart is the fact that Oedekerk (who also wrote, produced, and directed the film) takes the footage of a 1970s martial arts film and digitally inserts himself as a character, while also humorously dubbing all the voices.
If that sounds crazy, wacky, silly, or stupid, it's because it is all of those. The thing is that that's exactly what it is aiming for, which is precisely what I needed when I rewatched it last month. I've been going through some rough personal issues lately, so at the time I was looking for something light and/or funny. So when I stumbled upon this film, which I hadn't seen in a good while, I knew there was no better choice.
I suppose that the effectiveness of the film will depend on everyone's latitude with it, but I believe that if you're able to get on its wavelength, you will have a hell of a time with it. It goes beyond the silliness of Oedekerk's dubbing, but also the way that he manages to mold and shape this existing story to fit his comedic goals is hilariously impressive. Ironically, the moments that were filmed originally for the film – most notably, the cow fight and the meeting with Whoa – are probably the least effective.
But those are just brief sputters in what is otherwise a stupidly unique and hysterically funny movie. Like I said, it was the perfect theater experience 23 years ago, and it was the perfect antidote to my woes a couple of weeks ago. After finishing it, I remembered the words of Master Doe when he told me of its significance [flashback] "It will be significant" [flashforward] Damn right it was.
Grade: