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The Shaolin Temple 2: Kids from Shaolin
"Most of the film consist mainly of demonstration of martial art skill and training sequences..." - Kenneth T.
The Shaolin Temple 2: Kids from Shaolin (1984) Literally: Shaolin Kids Director: Cheung Hsin Yen Cast: Jet Lee, Wong Chiu Yin, Hu Chien Chiang, Yu Hai, Yu Cheng Wai, Din Nan, Ji Chuan Wah, Sun Jien Hwu, Liu Huai Liang Running Time: ? Plot: The cast and crew of the 1981 classic THE SHAOLIN TEMPLE reunite for this awe-inspiring action comedy sequel. The incredible Jet Lee plays the eldest son of the Dragon family, descendants of Shaolin, who live near the Phoenix family, descendants of the Wu Tang Clan. The two factions are separated by a wide river and their mistrust of each other, but when a gang of robbers from Hell arrive to cause trouble Shaolin and Wu Tang must unite to protect their families and possessions.Yet another showcase for the agility of Wu Shu superstar Jet Lee, who captivates the audience with his unique and unparalleled martial arts skills. Reviews NUMSKULL'S REVIEW: This is a sequel to Shaolin Temple in name only; there is no continuation of the first film. In fact, it barely has anything to do with the Shaolin temple. It would probably be better off, were this not the case. The film is about two families, one of which consists of a bunch of boys (Jet Li being the eldest) cared for by their uncle, the other of which just can't seem to produce a male heir; each newborn daughter is valued at 10 cows. Wonder what the legions of soccer moms would say to that? The story may not be garden variety chop socky fare, but it still doesn't warrant a whole lot of elaboration. The characters are subject to some of the wildest mood swings you've ever seen, and the villains are a gang of bandits that are so laughably "opposite of badass" that it's impossible to imagine them winning (it takes them a whole decade to come up with the awe-inspiring plan of getting revenge on the Dragon family by turning the Phoenix family against them. What, exactly, were they doing in the meantime...working for Miramax?). Sloppy writing rears its ugly head in other ways, like Jet and San Feng apparently gaining the temporary power of either invisibility or teleportation to escape an execution. Also, when the Phoenix patriarch finally gets a son, he's so overjoyed that he kisses and plays with the newborn kid's penis. Next stop for him: the Catholic priesthood (oh, man, that was low, even for me. See you in Hell). Despite these shortcomings, you just gotta appreciate a movie where a whole shitload of characters fight like hell for 20 minutes or so at the end, partially making up for the lack of serious action in the rest of the film. You can skip ahead to that part without missing anything really entertaining; most of the brats will just annoy you. NUMSKULL'S RATING: 5/10
YATE'S REVIEW: Another kick ass Shaolin Temple movie. Not as good as the absolutely classic #1, but a really great film in it's own right. Great fights, Jet Li, crazy little kung fu kids with mad skills........I can't recommend this film enough. If you enjoyed the first Shaolin Temple, this is a must. Not as serious, though, that's for sure. This is more of a comedy (though not a comedy in the usual stupid HK way) , and just because it concerns kids dosen't mean it is a kid's film. Those kids have mad talent! Recommended. YATE'S RATING: 8.5/10
KENNETH T'S REVIEW: I really enjoyed this movie about the rivalry of two families. These aren't no ordinary kids though. I think most of these kids are from the place Jet Li studied. Most of the film consist mainly of demonstration of martial art skill and training sequences - such as duck, snake, Shaolin pole, and Wu-tang sword, but no real fighting 'till the end. There are little fights here and there, like the ones between Jet Li and the head Wu-tang girl. The finale is crazy like 'Shaolin Temple 3' but in my opinion, crazier. Also, like in 'Shaolin Temple 2' they use a lot of weapons like 3 sectional staff, staff, I think rope dart, broadswords, and Wu-tang swords. Yu Hai doesn't have the mantis showcasing he usually has. Bottom line: It sets the pace for 'Shaolin Temple 3'. And if you like part one go get this one. KENNETH T'S RATING: 7.5/10 |
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