Golden Harvest roped in Hark and a bunch of Hollywood effects guys to create this impressive spectacle of a fantasy flick, boasting a great cast and groundbreaking visuals for HK circa 1983. But somewhere between the flying fairies, fireballs, lightsabre duels, and all the other bells and whistles, the story and the characters got lost.

I mean, the actors are fine, and all do a good job--Yuen Biao, Meng Hoi, Moon Lee, etc.--but I feel that they are kinda' pushed into the background by all the special effects stuff, stifling their otherwise fine performances. And the already complicated story drowns in there as well. I've watched this movie a number of times and still have absolutely no idea what it's about. Sure, it keeps throwing crazy, flashy stuff at you, but it doesn't really go anywhere.

For the international version, a whole new plotline, involving Yuen Biao as a modern day fencing champion who goes into a coma and lands in an alternate reality, was shot and tacked on. The original fantasy stuff, being that reality, was recut, and the whole thing was sold as a slightly different movie. The modern day stuff is pretty fun. And I would like to see that full version some day.

I think the movie is a bit of a letdown in the action department as well. It is certainly competent. But I'm just not a big fan of fantastique wire fu. And the fact that there is so much visual effects stuff going on around it also distracts from the physical stuff.

In the end, I can enjoy this film as more of a curiosity than a fully fledged piece of cinema. To me, this is a good example of the dangers of big effects movies: if you lose the story and the characters, then all you are left with is bright lights and big bangs. And that in itself is not filmmaking.

This is like kung fu meets James Bond, with a dash of blaxploitation. And, due to the Hollywood influence, it's the most commercially appealing film Bruce ever did. That's not necessarily a good thing though. This is very much an American martial arts movie. More western than eastern. Which is not a crime in itself. But outside of Bruce's indomitable presence, this is really a western version of an Asian phenomenon. I'm just halfway surprised that there weren't more buckteeth and Fu Manchu moustaches present here. With that said, this is still one of the most successful attempts at an east meets west action extravaganza. So think of that what you will.

I think if Bruce had been the director, this would have been a better film. But in many respects this is Robert Clouse's vision more than Bruce's, although Bruce's influence on the production does not go unnoticed. In my opinion, Clouse is a talentless hack and, as bad directors go, up there with the worst of them. He would spend the rest of his dubious career trying to recapture the success of "Enter The Dragon". But without the magic touch of Bruce to carry his ass, he was soon exposed for what he was.

The obvious clash of styles is most evident in the fight scenes. The worst offense is the way it is shot. Lots of close-ups, tight shots, and just sloppy American camerawork when people are fighting. Some of it is fairly decent though. The big fight in the underground lab is pretty cool, but I still wish that Bruce would have had full control of the action in the movie.

I do however blame Bruce for, once again, not fighting a worthy opponent in the entire flick. Not even Shek Kien as the main villain poses any kind of real threat and just gets his ass handed to him, in of the most one-sided end fights of kung fu cinema. Like I've said in the past, no one else gets to shine in the Bruce Lee show. Case in point, John Saxon and Jim Kelly. They might have been real life martial artists in their own right, and students of Bruce himself. But they couldn't screen fight to save their lives. And since this is a movie, screen fighting is what counts. The only one aside from Bruce that looks even remotely capable here is Angela Mao, in her short stint as Bruce's sister.

I know it seems like I'm slamming this movie. But I actually like it. I will, however, not be blind to its shortcomings. And I probably view it more as a cheesy 70's exploitation flick than a kung fu classic. And in that respect, it gets the job done. But at the end of the day, I would rather have seen Bruce's fully realized version of "Game Of Death" than this.

I somewhat enjoy all the magic stuff, hidden weapons, and ninjaesque trickery on display. But it just becomes too much. I mean, all the cloak and dagger, smoke and mirrors, secret identity, voodoo dolls stuff just becomes tiresome to me after a while. Some of it is of course needed in a movie about the boxer cults. But a little less David Copperfield and a little more straight up fu would have gone a long way.

Then there are the scenes with Fu Sheng. I am admittedly not his biggest fan, but have enjoyed his efforts in several films. I don't here. Every scene with him seems completely pointless and tacked on and is a real pain to get through. I could really have done without his character here. Also, the whole girl "disguised" as a guy gag, that is so prevalent, yet never believable, in so many kung fu flicks, is another annoyance of mine. Kara Hui as a man! What are these people, blind?

All the fights and weapons displays from the Lau brothers are of course a joy to watch, all culminating in a final showdown that can only be described as classic weapons galore. I realize that this is high level stuff, and the Laus' understanding of these weapons and proficiency with them is astounding. But I'm just not that into weapons fighting. So even though I appreciate the high skill level and fast, fluid choreo work, I'm just a little bored after a while.

I just have to face it. I have given this movie every chance in the book but always come to the same conclusion: this may be a great movie, it's just not for me.

There were already traces of it in earlier flicks like "Dance Of The Drunk Mantis", and again with this one. The comedy here is nothing that a lot of other kung fu comedies of the day weren't guilty of. But it is still a chore to sit through. Furthermore, it doesn't really fit with the more serious tone of the story. I mean, the ridiculous barber shop scene juxtaposed with the eerie and disturbing scene in the basement is an example. Also, weird stuff like San Kuai's ghostly hunchback character seems like he wandered in from a "Mr. Vampire" movie or something. I had the same problem with the sickly guy in the coffin in "Dance Of The Drunk Mantis". It just feels out of place, and unnecessary.

I never bought Yuen Shun Yee as a leading man. But he is one hell of a screen fighter, as is Tsui Siu Ming. And the choreo is of the usual high Yuen Clan standard. Too bad that all this awesome action has to be dispersed between all the lame gags and general weirdness that plagues the rest of the film. The end fight is so super tight, that it deserved to be in a better movie.

It sports an impressive cast, where old meets new, in the form of dynamic duo Ti Lung and David Chiang teaming up with Fu Sheng, Chi Kuan Chun, and the always lackluster Meng Fei--all playing Shaolin secular pupils on the run from the evil Chings. On the bad guys' side you have an equally impressive line up. It is a veritable Villains'R'Us with Fung Hak On, Kong Do, Choi Wang, the always conniving Wang Lung Wei, and Beardy, back in his bad guy days. Based on the cast alone, you know that this will at least be decent, and it is.

The choreo is courtesy of the Lau brothers. Moving from basher style to stylized shapes in what can almost be seen as an onscreen transition. This is one of those benchmark movies in terms of choreo evolvement, and it is fun to watch the evolution happen right before your eyes.

If viewed with critical glasses, the movie is little more than a bunch of guys running around the countryside beating each other up. But the somber mood, melancholic score, and the dusty and desolate planes of Taiwan give the whole thing a special and almost Spaghetti Western vibe that goes a long way.

This and "Shaolin Martial Arts" are probably my favorites of the Taiwan-based Chang's Film Co. movies of Chang Cheh. Recommended.

First of all, the decision to make it just another bumbling kung fu comedy, in a market that had too many of those to begin, boggles the mind--especially when the original was this brilliant, philosphical masterpiece. Second of all, to replace the already iconic character of San Te with a character pretending to be San Te, but played by the same actor, is another headscratcher. There are so many ways you could have gone with this sequel. San Te could have mentored a new pupil, like in "Disciples Of The 36th Chamber". San Te could have fought the Manchu dye mill bullies on his own. San Te could go to outer space, like James Bond in "Moonraker" for all I care. Just keep the character in the movie! Well, he actually is in the movie, just played by another actor, which I am not even gonna' go into. But the choice of having Gordon come back as another character was just a poor one. And I can't for the life of me figure out what pops was smoking when he came up with that.

With that out of the way, the movie still does have some merit. Some of the training scenes in the temple are actually pretty enjoyable. And the scaffolding kung fu is a cool idea. In the second half, the movie sort of redeems itself. And the protracted end fight is definitely something to see. Yet I'm always left rather dissatisfied and filled with thoughts of what could have been.

Gordon has stated that he, himself, regards the 1983 indie flick "Shaolin vs. Wu Tang" as the true sequel to "36th Chamber". And while I am not a huge fan of that movie myself, I can kind of see what he means. This movie could and should have been better. So pending the invention of the time machine, I guess I'm stuck watching it as is.

I think the comedy in this one took a step down, in terms of quality, from "Winners And Sinners". There are still funny bits here and there, but stuff like the gang's juvenile attempts to grope Sibelle Hu just goes on for way too long. And outside of the opening sequence, it is a full hour of pointless goofing around 'til the story gets going and the action starts rolling.

But when it finally does, it is well worth the wait. Ninjas, spooky samurai killers, gangsters and a crazy funhouse is all part of the excellent showdown. And any chance to see Jackie vs. Dick Wei and Sammo vs. Lau Kar Wing is a welcome one.

As a whole, this movie is not bad at all. And if you liked the other "Lucky Stars" flicks, you will most likely enjoy this one.

While I admit that the "Lucky Stars" brand of comedy, infantile as it may be, does have its moments, I think a little of it goes a long way. And those movies would be kind of a chore to sit through had it not been for the excellent action scenes. That is not the case with this one. I love the comedy here and find it more or less hilarious from start to finish. Sammo injects so much ingenuity, warmth, and great gags here that even without the action, the movie would still work as a straight comedy.

Sammo and the guys have great chemistry and timing. It is genuinely funny watching this gang of dimwitted misfits goofing around and getting into trouble. They are the perfect ensemble of talents, all with a specific role to play, and bringing their own personal touch to the proceedings. It also helps that they are backed by a truly impressive cast here. It is a veritable "who's who" of HK cinema, circa 1983. It is actually hard to think of anyone who wasn't in this movie.

Admittedly, it has less action and fights than the "Lucky Stars" flicks. But what there is is great and dispersed appropriately throughout the movie. Stuff like the roller-skate chase, the thirty car pile-up, and the warehouse fight just never gets old, which I think you can actually say for the movie as a whole. The comedy, as well as the action, holds up well to this day. A classic of the genre, and just a fun ride all together.

All this Chinese supernatural mythology is fraught with opportunities for action and comedy. And Sammo doesn't miss a chance for crazy fights, great gags, and funny situations here--the haunted house sleepover, the copy-catting zombie, the possessed limbs, the magic duels, and so on--all hilarious, innovative, and well executed, in true Sammo fashion. And when mixed with tight choreo, decent (if sometimes hokey) effects, and a great cast, you're hard pressed to be bored for a second when taking this weird and wonderful ride into the realm kung fu-horror-comedy.

Sammo is his usual bumbling, jovial self as "courageous Cheung", who is anything but. He does however have the kung fu skills down and puts them to good use in a multitude of crazy fights. Other great characters include Peter Chan Lung as the evil Taoist master, Chung Fat as the benevolent yet slightly off the wall wizard, and the late, great Lam Ching Ying as an upright police captain.

There is plenty of action on display. But the movie doesn't rely on it. And whenever there is no action onscreen, it is every bit as entertaining, thanks to Sammo's innovative mind. I dare suggest that at this time you could have given Sammo a phonebook and he could have turned it into a kick-ass kung fu adventure. He is one of the most influential figures in HK cinema--and don't you forget it!

This movie is just tons of fun. Great comedy, tight action, good production value. And the end fight, where Sammo and his opponents, controlled by their masters, are possessed by various mythological figures and go at it with all kinds of weapons and styles, is just so ridiculously awesome that it has to be seen to be believed. Kudos to Sammo and the gang for this one.

If you thought that you were running low on patience when watching "The Big Boss", when Bruce just kept taking it and clutching his little promise medallion, then give this one a whirl! And I'll guarantee that you will rip your hair out and scream at the screen, "FOR THE LOVE OF BUDDHA, STRAP ON A PAIR AND KICK SOME FUCKING AAAASSSSS!!!"

This guy makes Jesus look like he needs anger management. The bad guys beat, stab, rape and kill everyone that this guy cares about. They kick his ass repeatedly and stiff him out of his pay. And he just stands there and takes it, like a slab of meat with a stupid pudding bowl haircut. Aaaargh, it's so friggin' frustrating!

In the end, he finally grows some stones and wigs out on the villains. But by then, it is just too little, too late.

It also doesn't help that the actor, Chen Wo Fu, is dull as can be, and looks slightly retarded. Just a big lumbering lurch with a vacant stare, the grace of an epileptic at a laser show, and the charisma of wet cardboard. He apparently killed himself before the movie was released... yeah, no shit! He was probably embarrassed, or saw an early screening, and just couldn't take it anymore, much like I couldn't. It was like watching that one kid at the playground, who just kept getting picked on and picked on, without ever standing up for himself. Man, this was beyond aggravating.

The whole laid back Tai Chi-self restraint philosophy wasn't lost on me, but this was ridiculous. I don't wanna' see the hero (and I use the term loosely here) turn the other cheek, much less take it in the tailpipe, in my kung fu movies. If you do, then by all means, go ahead and watch this. I dare you to sit through it without grabbing your gat and shooting the TV, Elvis style, out of sheer anger and annoyance. Enjoy.

I've never bought Yuen Shun Yee as a leading man, nor did I this time. He is great as a villain, but that's about it. Yuen Siu Tin more or less reprises his role as beggar So here, and I actually find it slightly depressing and sad to see the ailing master heavily doubled in movie after movie from this era. His workload in the late 70's, was more than any man his age should have to endure, and eventually it killed him I guess.

Hwang Jang Lee as Rubberlegs is definitely the saving grace here, as he was in so many mediocre kung fu flicks from this time. He really gets to show his stuff in the end fight, that drunken mantis style is cool. I also liked Corey Yuen as Hwang's arrogant student, and Linda Lin Jing as the old lady, also seen in DRUNKEN MASTER.

But as a whole, those things combined was just not enough to redeem the movie in my mind; and in the end, I was left rather unimpressed.

Wong Yat Lung, playing the kid, has some incredible acrobatic skills and nice moves; but he is pretty damn annoying, mostly due to the awful [English] dubbing by the most nerve-grating woman's voice I have ever heard. Yet, somehow I doubt it's much better in the Cantonese version, since they also dubbed child actors with female voice artists.

Yuen Siu Tin plays the same role as always, and is doubled for more or less everything but close-ups, as usual.

Eddie Ko is a good screen fighter but doesn't have much to do as the villain of the piece. Overall, it's not a bad film per se. The sleeping fist style is cool, but you can see a better display of it in BUDDHA ASSASSINATOR, courtesy of Hwang Jang Lee.

I would say that, more or less all of the problems I have with this film were fixed in the semi sequel, THUNDERING MANTIS. So I recommend that instead.

There are tons of fights in this movie, all great. But the real showstopper is without a doubt the ferocious finalé. Where Ricky and his master tag teams the evil whitehaired general. That is hands down, one of the best two on one fights I have seen.

There is a little physical comedy here and there, but it's pretty well executed, and not as annoying as in many other flicks of this era. I also detected some brief moments of rather obvious undercranking in a few fight scenes. But again, nothing to get upset about. A great, and in my opinion, underated little old skool gem.