Shaoilin Soccer (2001)

Shaolin Soccer (2001)

Earlier today I got to see the Stephen Chow classic, Shaolin Soccer.  Directed by and starring Stephen Chow, this is a movie I have heard about for many years, but missed the first time around.  The Metrograph in NYC is playing some of the older Stephen Chow movies in anticipation of his new one, called The Mermaid.

The plot is much like so many movies, but this one revolves around soccer.  A one time soccer star who is now cripple, wants to coach a new team.  He ends up recruiting a bunch of Shaolin monks to be his soccer team.  There is also a love interest for the lead soccer guy, a not so attractive girl who makes street food.

Like many films from Hong Kong, this movie is ridiculous, funny, sad, dramatic and comical.  For some reason many films from Hong Kong do not have a specific tone, but instead try to fit all tones in one movie.  Although I can find this a bit distracting at times, it worked pretty well for this film.

This was a huge hit when it came out, and was even released in the US, in a shortened version, 3 years later.  It is no wonder, as this movie is a silly crowd pleaser with jokes for all ages.  The effects can be a bit laughable, and the CGI is not very god at all, but that is not what anyone came to see.  All in all it was a fun sorta mindless movie, perfect for a 4th of July weekend.

7 out of 10 stars.