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Incohesive
is probably the best word to describe Steve Oedekerk's
parody of old Asian films. As original the idea for this film
might be, it just cannot be denied how bad it was. This comes
from the director of funny films such as Ace Ventura 2
and Nothing To Lose, so you can imagine what a departure
Kung Pow is.
Oedekerk
is the "Chosen One", and accompanied by an unusual
friend, "tonguey," he seeks to avenge the death of his
parents. Gifted even as an infant, he was able to fight off
Master Pain and escape the ruins of his burning shack. After a
long and painful fall down a rocky hill, we are soon introduced
to the adult "chosen one." His quest seems obvious,
but his journey is confusing, or in a simpler sense, ridiculous.
On
a grand scale, Kung Pow lacks consistent laughs. Occasional
laughs and weird happenings do not quality for a comedy. It
still is a comedy, but the ingredients within seem to have
expired.
On
a positive note, Oedekerk's idea is very much original. He took
it upon himself to dub every character on-screen. Even before
the film starts, a disclaimer informs of two late 1970s Asian
movies that will serve most of its time in within Kung Pow.
Oedekerk
incorporates his story of the "chosen one" and
combines it with the two Asian movies. As a writer, I'm sure he
wrote all the dialogue for the dubbing, yet I have a feeling
more was improvised than it was scripted. As a director, I fail
to comprehend his duties. Most of the time is spent behind blue
screen, because he's incorporated into the Asian films. It's an
interesting idea and works quite well, but when you just have
that, something is bound to go wrong.
Kung
Pow seemed like a very interesting concept, but as a film it
feels like a very bad idea. I can see why Oedekerk wanted to
make this film, and one reason is possibly because it hasn't
been done before. I give him kudos for taking a step in unknown
territory, but I think he short-changed the audience.
Oedekerk's
"tonguey" friend was a funny addition, and might have
come off of his "thumb-people" idea. He's made
"Thumbtanic" and "Thumb Wars," but I have
not had the chance to see them. I hear they are good, but Kung
Pow doesn't inspire me to watch them.
This
film was originally called Dubbed Action Movie, but the
title really is too generic. With limited publicity, I doubt it
will make a profit, but considering the low-budget feel of Kung
Pow, it's sure to make an acceptable amount.
As
odd as Kung Pow was, its score is quite good. Robert Folk
uses many familiar sounds, but at times it feels original and
fun. A disappointment on many levels, and even though its
original idea, Kung Pow nevertheless is likely to become a
contender for "worst movie of 2002."
Note:
If 4/10 seems too big of a rating, well, I do have to give
"thumbs up" to Oedekerk for at least
"trying" to be original.
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