|
Cast:
Anthony
Wong
Stephen
Fung
Gillian
Chung
Michael
Wong
Wu
Ma
Charlene
Choi
Action:
Yuen
Clan
Producer:
Willie
Chan
Solon
So
Director:
Stephen
Fung
Score:
  
|
HOUSE
OF FURY
AKA:
N/A
Year:
2005 Reviewer: Tony
Ryan
Anthony
Wong stars here as widowed father Yue Siu-bo, an ex-secret
agent who is now retired and alone, looking after his 2
children Nicky (Stephen Fung) and Natalie (Gillian Chung). His
relationship with his children is noticeably strained as his
constant stories about his illustrious former career come
across more as the fanciful tales of a mid-life crisis,
constantly causing them embarrassment. However, little do they
know that their father’s supposed penchant for Jackanory
should actually turn out to be true, when an enemy from his
past resurfaces and takes Siu-bo hostage. It is inevitably
left up to the 2 teen idols to save the day, in what is
essentially another popcorn blockbuster from the current crop
of HK movie talent.
'House
of Fury' is clearly a lightweight adventure, and makes no
pretences at being a grand dramatic exercise. An hour and a
half of over the top action, less than subtle comedy and a
fair sprinkling of in-jokes and parody are what is on offer.
Ultimately, it delivers on this promise.
First
and foremost this is a modern day actioner, and as such, there
are a number of fight scenes peppered throughout the running
time. Most of these are solidly choreographed by (the now
world-famous) Yuen Woo Ping, along with his less well-known
associates Yuen Shun Yi and Ku Huen Chiu. The execution of
their typically tight stylings is pretty good considering the
cast are not stunt people of the 80's mould. Wirework is used
to enhance spins and kicks, as well as some of the more OTT
moves, but otherwise the fisticuffs are grounded and
realistic. In terms of comparing the action to other
contemporary films, it holds up well, and anyone familiar with
the current trends will know what to expect. Overall the
fights are good, and sometimes impressive, but not
revolutionary.
The
comedy in this feature is less broad than I expected it to be
from an overt HK parody. There are moments when it is truly
silly (such as seeing Wu Ma flying across the rooftops or
Anthony Wong's impression of Bruce Lee complete with skeleton
nunchaku) but otherwise the comedic element is restrained,
taking a backseat to the fast moving, but simple plot.
Away
from the action and comedy elements, almost all of the cast
still perform well. "Almost" being the operative
word here. As in 99% of his roles Michael Wong has yet again
managed to confuse me. I am confused because I just do not
understand why he is ever cast in any film. Here, he is
typically stilted with his dialogue, and has no action to
perform at all. He speaks English, even when being spoken to
in Chinese, and no-one has a problem understanding him at
all?! Anyone could have played his role in this film, and I
fail to believe that anyone could do a worse job.
Aside
from the usual Michael Wong grumbles, 'House of Fury' does an
excellent job of distracting you for 100 minutes. It doesn't
rank up there with the best of any genre but for a lightweight
action-comedy it is worth a watch. After his full directorial
debut with 'Enter the Phoenix', Stephen Fung has shown a lot
of promise and I'm surprisingly looking forward to his next
attempt behind the camera.
|
