Stephen Chow Movies
The hard-partying son of L.A.'s most powerful media magnate realizes his true calling as a crime-fighting vigilante after his father perishes under suspicious circumstances in this big-screen adaptation of the popular radio serial, comic book, film, and television series originated by Lone Ranger creators Fran Striker and George W. Trendle. James Reid (Tom Wilkinson) single-handedly built a media empire, but unfortunately his industrious genes weren't passed down to his son, Britt (Seth Rogen). Irresponsible, slovenly, and frequently inebriated, Britt is shaken out of his drunken stupor upon receiving word that his father has died. Shortly after Britt learns that he has inherited the family business, he forges an unlikely alliance with Kato (Jay Chou), one of his father's star employees, and together the pair hatch a plan to pose as villains in order to get close to the city's most high-powered criminals. Outfitting their indestructible custom-made car, The Black Beauty, with the absolute latest in technology and high-tech weaponry -- and arming themselves to the teeth with an array of gadgets that would make Batman blush -- the masked duo hit the streets as The Green Hornet and Kato. As the public's fascination with the mysterious crime fighters hits an all-time high, Britt's resourceful secretary, Lenore Case (Cameron Diaz), helps them to gather intelligence on notorious underworld kingpin Benjamin Chudnofsky (Christoph Waltz), a criminal who holds the entire city in the palm of his hand, and represents everything that Britt's father fought against. Little do the Green Hornet and Kato realize that Chudnofsky is already on to them, and that he's not about to go down without a fight. Rogen and frequent writing partner Evan Goldberg provide the screenplay, with visionary Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) handling directing duties. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Seth Rogen, Jay Chou, (more)
James Wong adapts the rich mythos of the Dragonball series that grew from a manga into various popular animated series with this 20th Century Fox production starring Justin Chatwin. The plot revolves around Goku (Chatwin), Earth's greatest champion, who must defend the planet against an invading race of alien warriors hell-bent on dominating the universe. Wong directs from his own script, with Kung Fu Hustle's Stephen Chow producing. Buffy the Vampire Slayer's James Marsters co-stars as the film's villain, Piccolo, with Jamie Chung playing Chi Chi and Emmy Rossum portraying Bulma. Hong Kong legend Chow Yun-Fat rounds out the cast as Master Roshi, Goku's mentor in the film. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi
- Starring:
- Justin Chatwin, James Marsters, (more)
Shaolin Soccer and Kung Fu Hustle director Stephen Chow returns to the helm for this sci-fi comedy about a struggling single father whose quest to find the perfect toy yields out-of-this-world results. Ti (Chow) is a poor construction worker who breaks his back to ensure that his young son Dicky (Xu Jiao) can stay enrolled in an exclusive private school. But while Ti does everything possible to give his son the opportunities that he never had, Dicky still feels like a classroom reject due to his tattered clothes and lack of the latest toys. Dicky's classmates all play with the coolest and most expensive gadgets that money can buy, so how is a kid who gets his toys from the local junkyard ever supposed to fit in? One day, while scrounging through the trash heap in search of a new toy, Ti discovers a mysterious orb and brings it straight back to Dicky. Though at first the "CJ7" appears to be little more than an unidentifiable oddity, it proves to be much, much more once the young boy starts to play with it. This isn't your average action figure, but a living "pet" with extraordinary powers. Realizing that his new toy may be just the thing to help him fit in with his demanding classmates, Dicky brings the CJ7 to school with him in order to show it off and have some fun. But the CJ7 has its own ideas about how to have fun, and it isn't long before the situation at school gets hopelessly out of hand. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Stephen Chow, Xu Jiao, (more)
The work of international superstar Stephen Chow, Kung Fu Hustle is a humorous, special-effects-filled, action-packed martial arts epic set in early '40s China. A bumbling thief named Sing (Stephen Chow) desires to be the toughest member of the dreaded gangster hit squad known as The Axe Gang, but to completely join the gang he has to commit murder. When Sing attempts to rob a crowded run-down apartment complex known as Pig Sty Alley, the locals begin to defend themselves with some high-flying kung fu skills, and a tiny war erupts between the local masters and the axe-wielding gang. After the gang busts the ancient kung fu king known as The Beast (Leung Siu Lung) out of jail, tensions reach a boiling point as Pig Sty Alley's landlady (Yuen Qiu) leads an all-out attack against the gang and Sing discovers his true heroic fate. Kung Fu Hustle, which set box-office records across Asia during its December 2004 release, also stars Yuen Wah and Xing Yu, and features fight choreography by legendary masters of martial arts cinema Yuen Woo Ping and Sammo Hung. ~ Jason Gibner, Rovi
- Starring:
- Stephen Chow, Yuen Wah, (more)
One of Hong Kong's top screen comics, Stephen Chow, co-wrote, co-directed, and headlines this three-way blend of sports, action, and humor. Sing (Stephen Chow) is a modern-day Shaolin monk who has become a master of traditional fighting skills, and is renowned for his "leg of steel." However, these days there isn't much call for a Shaolin warrior, and Sing and his fellow monks earn their keep working menial jobs until a soccer coach gets the bright idea of translating Sing's talent for kicking to the soccer field. Sing becomes the lynchpin of a team playing in a tournament that could net them a $1 million purse, but even with Sing's footwork, beating the steroid-fueled champions will be no easy task. Shaolin Soccer also features Man Tat Ng and Vicki Zhao. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Stephen Chow, Zhao Wei, (more)
International action star Jackie Chan shifts gears in Bolei Cheun, in which martial arts are put on the back burner and romantic comedy is in the forefront. Bu (Shu Qi), the daughter of a pair of Taiwanese restaurant owners, one day finds a bottle floating near the docks with a message inside. The note reads, "Do you know I'm waiting for you?" and is signed "Albert," with an address in Hong Kong attached. Bu, convinced this is her destiny, flies to Hong Kong to meet the mysterious Albert, only to find he's a gay cosmetologist (Tony Leung Chiu-wai) who intended for the note to be found by his ex-boyfriend. But Albert is understanding and lets Bu stay at his apartment. Albert lets Bu tag along for a photo shoot he's working and she meets multi-millionaire C.N. Chan (Jackie Chan) when she helps him ward off a gang of toughs hired by L. W. Lo (Emil Chow), who became Chan's enemy in their schooldays and is still out to make his life miserable. Chan is single and a bit lonely, and quickly finds himself attracted to Bu. Bu discovers she likes Chan as well, but things become sticky when her boyfriend flies in from Taiwan to find out what she's done -- and Lo sends an American martial arts champion out to kidnap Chan's new love. While Bolei Cheun does feature a few sequences displaying Jackie Chan's unique fighting style and acrobatic dexterity, the emphasis is on the story and characters rather than the action, with Chan in a rare romantic lead, Leung cast against type and Shu Qi dominating most of the film's first act. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Jackie Chan, Shu Qi, (more)
Wan Tin-sau (Stephen Chiau) is a struggling actor who has devoted his life to the study of his craft, but unfortunately the moment he gets on a film set, disaster usually strikes. However, Wan refuses to give up, and is busy trying to stage a traditional Asian drama, "Thunderstorm," when he gets an unusual job offer. Piu-piu (Cecilia Cheung) is a bar girl who wants to be able to feign a greater interest in her customers, so she hires Wan to give her private acting lessons. The longer they work together, the more they find they have in common, and before long Wan and Piu-Piu are in love. Heikek Chi Wong was a major box-office success in Hong Kong, where it was the top money maker for the Chinese New Year season; Jackie Chan makes a cameo appearance as an extra, and Stephen Chiau in turn had a bit part in Chan's romantic comedy Bolei Cheun, released at the same time. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Stephen Chow, Karen Mok, (more)
Superstar comedian Stephen Chow continues with his streak of successful of his courtroom-themed comedies, like Justice, My Foot and Hail to the Judge, with this yarn set in 1899. Chan (Chiau) is not only a brilliant lawyer, but also a master practical joker known far and wide as "The King of Brain-trusters." His perennial victim is the long-suffering Foon (Eric Kot), his clueless assistant. After 20 years of putting up with Chan's japing, Foon one day freaks out and flees to Hong Kong, which has just been placed under British law. When Foon winds up with a murder rap, Chan ventures down to the colony looking to free him. Unfortunately, Chan's buffoonery soon lands him jail for contempt of court and his wife, Wu-man (Karen Mok Man-wai) is forced to take over. Yau Chingmy, Bowie Lam, and Law Kar-ying also appear. ~ Jonathan Crow, Rovi
- 1996
Inept in martial arts, Fat (Stephen Chiau), the emperor's personal bodyguard, spies on agents of a rival dynasty, exposing their claim of a captured extraterrestrial as a hoax. Fat next visits a local prostitute as a possibility for the emperor, but problems arise when his wife (Carina Lau Kar-Ling), unaware that Fat is a secret agent, learns that her husband is seeing a prostitute. Surreal comedy and special effects surface amid kinetic martial arts in this fast-paced actioner, the number-two highest grossing ($4.8 million) Hong Kong flick of 1996. Shown at 1998 film festivals (Berlin, Palm Springs). ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi
- Starring:
- Stephen Chow, Carina Lau, (more)
- 1996
Fans of the Iron Chef and kung-fu films may enjoy this flamboyant and outrageous comedy starring flamboyant Hong Kong funnyman Stephen Chiau. Shifting tones from surreal to hilarious and often combining both as the film progresses, its schizophrenic sensibilities and irreverent humor lend to its bizarre kung-fu film meets master chef film story line. Though the film parodies many standard elements and characterizations present in Hong Kong films, viewers need not be familiar with these staples to enjoy the film's absurd and razor sharp humor. Chiau plays the character of the overwhelmingly despicable and weasely God of Cookery to the hilt, gaining power-mad pleasure by humiliating and embarrassing any and all whose culinary skills he sees as lesser (or greater for that matter) than his own, until his inevitable fall from grace after a shady business deal. Playing the role of a pathetic has-been with equal zeal, Chiau actually manages to mold the previous monster into a sympathetic has-been, making his efforts to regain his rightful title an amusing and hilarious uphill battle. The final exhilarating culinary face-off -- in which he struggles against his former protégé turned backstabbing adversary -- must be seen to be believed, becoming a hyper-stylized battle in which egos flare and spatulas fly. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- 1995
- R
The second part of Hong Kong filmmaker Jeff Lau's extravagant visualization of the classic novel Xi You Ji (Journey to the West), this follow-up to the same year's A Chinese Odyssey, Part One -- Pandora's Box continues the fantasy-driven story of the introduction of Buddhism to China. This installment takes up where the original left off, with Joker (Stephen Chow) stranded five centuries in the past and falling for a Spider Web immortal called Lin Zixia (Athena Chu Yun), who is actually part of Buddha's lampwick-given flesh. The other part of the wick is Zixia's evil sister, Lin Qingxia (Ada Choi), who is just one of many enemies whom Joker must face and defeat in his efforts to change the past and save the dying Pak Jing-jing (Karen Mok), who was poisoned by the 30th Madam (Lam Kit Ying) in the first film. The film's most spectacular invention, other than its zombies, giant spiders, and so forth, is King Bull, who has an army of animal-headed mutant warriors and his own personal cadre of oversized bloodsucking fleas. Superbly choreographed by Ching Siu-tung, the film also contains a number of inside jokes, including several at the expense of Asian pinup queen Brigitte Lin (whose real name is Lin Ching-hsia, thus the sound-alike Lin Qingxia character) and a delightfully flamboyant production design by James Leung. Ng Man-tat co-stars with Law Kar-ying. ~ Robert Firsching, Rovi
- 1995
The famous Chinese novel Xi You Ji (also known as Journey to the West) was the basis for Hong Kong filmmaker Jeff Lau's flamboyant and rewarding two-part fantasy about the introduction of Buddhism to China. The film, gorgeous as it is, is primarily a parody of its source material, starring comedian Stephen Chiau as both Sun the Monkey King and his later incarnation, Joker. The story begins as the Goddess of Happiness banishes the Longevity Monk (Law Kar-ying) and his followers from Heaven because the Monkey King tried to eat the Monk and gain immortality. They are all sentenced to reincarnation as mortal humans, and the Monkey King becomes Joker 500 years later. Joker doesn't know that he was once the Monkey King, and is preoccupied by his romances with two immortal females, Pak Jing-jing (Karen Mok) and the 30th Madam (Yammie Nam). Jing-jing had been rejected by the Monkey King centuries before, but falls for Joker only to get poisoned by her sister, who is extremely jealous and wants him for herself. Aware that Jing-jing may soon die, Joker uses the Pandora's Box to travel back in time, but ends up lost in the world of 500 years earlier. Ng Man-tat co-stars with director Lau (as "the Grapes") and Athena Chu Yan. The same year's A Chinese Odyssey, Part Two -- Cinderella continues the story. ~ Robert Firsching, Rovi
Superstar comedian Stephen Chiau stars in this wild and woolly yarn about a hapless young college student named Lee Chak-lee who gets blown up by a dastardly yakuza operative after dating the gangster's girlfriend. All that remains of the lad is his brain and his lips. Yet thanks to the mad creations of Professor Chang Sze (Elvis Tsui Kam-kong), Lee lives again in a body fashioned out of cheap consumer electronics and powered with a handful of D batteries. Lee soon discovers that he can turn his limbs or indeed his entire body into a dizzying sundry of household objects such as a spatula, toothpaste tube, and a microwave. These unlikely skills come in handy when he is assigned to teach biology in front of Hong Kong's worst high-schoolers. Along the way, the yakuza who tried to blow him up learns that he didn't quite finish the job and sets out to set things right. ~ Jonathan Crow, Rovi
- Starring:
- Stephen Chow, Ng Man Tat, (more)
- 1994
Hong Kong comedy icon Stephen Chiau stars in this wild and wooly parody of 007 spy thrillers. Ling Ling-chat (Chiau) leads a double life, living both as a modest street vendor in Beijing and a suave international spy. When a priceless dinosaur skull is swiped from China, a rogue criminal known only as "The Man With the Golden Gun" is the prime suspect. Ling is called away from dispensing pork products and sent to Hong Kong to investigate. There, a paid assassin named Siu-kam (Anita Yuen) has Ling in her sites. Yet Ling's utter stupidity and dumb luck makes him seeming invincible and she switches sides. When the duo return to China, Ling realizes that his real enemy is none other than his boss. ~ Jonathan Crow, Rovi
Kung Fu Hustle star Stephen Chow offers a hilarious slice of Hong Kong action in this tale of a demoted traffic cop looking to regain his reputation as the strong arm of the SDU. Despite being demoted to the equivalent of a human traffic signal, devoted cop Sing longs to win back the respect of his peers. When Sing is reassigned to an exclusive international school and uncovers a lucrative arms smuggling ring, he may have finally stumbled upon the case that will get him back on the beat and ridding the streets of the criminal element. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
When an incompetent cop continually fails to clean up the streets, it takes a little assistance from beyond the grave to ensure that justice is served in this action comedy featuring Shaolin Soccer and Kung Fu Hustle star Stephen Chow. A police officer has been murdered in the line of duty, and it will take more than mere death to come between him and the man who took his life. Between a cop who couldn't catch a criminal to save his life and a vengeful entity from the afterlife, there may be some hope for the citizens of Hong Kong after all. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Stephen Chow
At one time there was a special genre of Hong Kong entertainment films which focused on gamblers and their like. In 1989, that genre was decisively revived thanks to the very successful release God of Gamblers. In that earlier film, among his other accomplishments, the master gambler played by Chow Yun Fat managed to pass on many of his skills and abilities to a younger associate, played by Andy Lau. In this one, Lau's character, now a master gambler in his own right, is being pestered by a young man (Stephen Chow) with intermittently available psychokinetic powers (the ability to move objects with the mind). However, not only is that ability only available to the boy when he's in love, but there's a lot more to the gambling business than the ability to cheat occasionally. They get into enough trouble to keep the story moving briskly, and this comic action film did well enough to warrant a sequel. ~ Clarke Fountain, Rovi
- Starring:
- Andy Lau, Stephen Chow, (more)
Stephen Chow's prodigious skills with guns and martial arts take center stage once again in this successful action film from Hong Kong filmmaker Gordon Chan. Chow stars as Star Chow, a cop who plays by his own rules, often endangering the other members of his team as well as the success of their missions. When a practice drill goes awry, Star is punished by the commissioner (Barry Wong) by being reassigned as an undercover agent at the local high school, his task being to locate the student who stole the commissioner's favorite gun. Naturally, there's a beautiful guidance counselor (Sharla Cheung) to provide some romantic interest, and -- just as naturally -- things take a downward turn when she discovers Star's true identity. In the meantime, Star locates the commissioner's gun, as well as a cache of stolen arms belonging to a triad gangster. The entire situation comes to a head during the school's open house, with a specially constructed maze serving as the backdrop for the final gun battle. Filled with action and humor, the film's success led to a pair of even more entertaining sequels. Ng Man-tat co-stars with Roy Cheung, Gabriel Wong, and Paul Chun. ~ Robert Firsching, Rovi
- Starring:
- Stephen Chow, Sharla Cheung, (more)
This low-budget knockoff of God of Gamblers succeeds primarily due to an exuberant star-making turn from Stephen Chiau as Shing, a rube from the Chinese mainland who comes to Hong Kong to visit his uncle, Blackie Tat (Ng Man-tat). Blackie isn't thrilled about his nephew's visit until he learns that Shing has the ability to see through things, a sort of X-ray vision. As a gambler, it doesn't take Blackie long to realize that Shing's abilities could make him a great deal of money, but news travels quickly and Shing is soon torn between two powerful gamblers who want him to be their proxy in a big competition. Taiwanese kingpin Chan Chung gets Shing first, so his Hong Kong rival, Hung Kong (Paul Chun), tries to kill him. Shing survives the attempt, but Hung manages to stop him from competing by kidnapping Chan's pretty bodyguard, Yee-mong (Sharla Cheung), who has won the young man's heart. The film is filled with action as well as humorous takeoffs on everything from Fist of Fury to A Better Tomorrow. In an amusing twist of fate, this knockoff actually made more money than its model, and was followed by a sequel audaciously titled God of Gamblers II. Sandra Ng co-stars with co-director Corey Yuen and Sheila Chan. ~ Robert Firsching, Rovi
- Starring:
- Stephen Chow, Ng Man Tat, (more)
Legend of the Dragon was also released as Legend of Dragon. Either way, the title seemed to suggest that Bruce Lee was in some way involved in the proceedings. While there's plenty of martial arts action, the late Mr. Lee does not participate. We suspect that the most fervent fans of chop socky will be satisfied all the same, as it does feature the talents of Stephen Chow. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Hong Kong comedy star Stephen Chiau stars in this period piece about Beggar So, a Chinese folk hero. After he's banished from the Army for illiteracy, So becomes a member of the Society of Beggars, eventually being named their king, and in time he becomes respected enough that he's called on to help save the Emperor's life when danger calls. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
Hong Kong filmmaker-stunt man Blackie Ko directed and starred in this standard buddy comedy with Jacky Cheung and Stephen Chiau as Curry and Pepper, two cops who, despite being almost constant embarrassments to the department, are very good at what they do. Trouble begins when a pretty TV reporter named Joey Law (Ann Bridgewater) convinces the men's superior to let her join them on patrol for a few days to research a story about police work in the high-crime Tsimshatsui region. Naturally, both of them fall in love with her, but the fact that she likes Curry more than Pepper begins to affect the longtime partners' friendship. Their strained relations must take a back seat to police work, however, as the officers investigate an arms-dealing ring and find themselves targeted for murder by its evil kingpin, Abalone (Ko). Eric Tsang co-stars with Barry Wong and Michael Dinga. ~ Robert Firsching, Rovi
Rating Systems
Blockbuster
BLOCKBUSTER name, design and related marks are trademarks of Blockbuster L.L.C.
2013 Blockbuster L.L.C. All rights reserved.
Portions of Content Provided by Rovi Corporation. 2013 Rovi Corporation.