In a Nutshell. Mini reviews of movies old and new. No fuss. No spoilers. And often no sleep.

Sunday 13 January 2019

Kung Fu: The Movie (1986)

A belated continuation of the Kung Fu TV series (1972-75) set still in the American Old West, with Kwai Chang Caine (David Carradine) the wandering Shaolin monk. It was Brandon Lee's first credited role, which, given his father's contested place in the original show's genesis, may be considered slightly ironic or something of a balance being properly adjusted.
Set in 1865 the story involves murder, opium and a shady cover-up. The usual memory/flashbacks to Master Po (Keye Luke) are in place, but there's an additional mystical slant that might have been a step too far.
Viewers unfamiliar with the series may not care about any of it, whereas those of us that followed the original TV journey may be upset that it often fails to meet its progenitor's standards. It's merely okay, at best.

2½ golden illusions out of 5

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