Rating: 
Summary: My new fascination with Stephen Chow
Review: While I like to think of myself as an internationalist when it comes to watching films, I had never heard of Stephen Chow before deciding to take a chance on 'Shaolin Soccer.'Shame on me. Chow turns out to be a hilarious and creative star. Who could have dreamed of something as goofy, infectious and, at the same time, as technically brilliant (the special effects are eye-popping) as Shaolin Soccer? Now, I'm reading through the comments left here by Mr. Chow's longtime fans and I realize I'm going to have to check out some of his "better works" (as judged by these aficionados) like 'God of Cookery' and 'From Beijing with Love'. Not knowing what to expect from Shaolin Soccer, I found myself delightfully convulsed with laughter at two early points in the film: - An impromptu synchronized 'street' rendition of the Kool and the Gang hit 'Celebration.' This is almost impossible to explain. When it took shape in the movie, I literally mouthed the words "What the...?" Truly inspired. - A second muscial number, in which two of the Shaolin 'brothers' take to the stage in an ill-fated cabaret act. While I'm sure this was even funnier in Cantonese, even the wonderfully descriptive subtitles demonstrated the amateur campiness of their performance (which was exactly Chow's point). Plus, for any soccer/football fan the depictions of the in-game events are a joy. All in all, Shaolin Soccer was a unexpected treat.
Rating:
Summary: grreaat
Review: This movie is funnay!It employs some great martial arts techniques and kool computer effects. It begins with a group of former Shaolin monks that have chosen to embark on different ways of life. They reunite through one student that is down on his luck poor, but still positive. Another man was once a soccer legend and loses that prestige through an injury. He takes abuse from the coach. He then meets the former shaolin monk and they decide to form a soccer team.
It sums up the sense of honor and respect that the martial arts emanate. It does this lightly and humorously. The part in which stephen chow and his other monk brethren dress up and sing and dance...very funny. I nearly choaked on my popcorn and collapsed on the floor of my room laughing. It has the contrast of the basic yin and yang of evil, hence the "evil team"(a bad soccer team that the shaolin monks must compete against)It brings the martial arts timeless ideals of honor into the 21rst century, With style and substance.
Rating: 
Summary: Great "Martial Arts" Fun
Review: For those who may be familiar with Steven Chow, the fun of watching this movie will be no surprise. For those less familiar with the Chinese superstar's films, he has been described as the heir apparent to Jackie Chan in terms of slapstickish martial arts comedy. Admittedly, for those who are looking for the sort of stunts that Chan has become famous for they might be somewhat disappointed. CGI is very apparent throughout the movie, although not overwhelmingly so. Chow's skewering of pop culture in his quest to find a way to make money out of being a Shaolin Monk in the modern world, however, by far overshadows the special effects and places this comedy firmly in a catagory of its own. And for those who can overlook the fact that CGI is used for some of the stunts and enjoy the impossible feats of Chow and his "brothers" (such as the Matrix-esque human-pinball fight scene behind the brick wall and the climactic final match), an enjoyable evening of laughs should ensue. Being an import, though, some of the translations seen in the subtitles can be, shall we say, creative. Also, don't miss the deleted scenes, particularly the huge dance number in the streets of China.
Rating:
Summary: JAPANESE ANIME COME TO LIFE!!
Review: There is something that is very important to understand before you watch this movie. The movie is based from a Japanese comic book series. Its obvious that the filmmakers strived to create a film equal to that of an action anime film. That is the reason why the action is so extremely over-the-top because its an anime come to life.
My feelings about "Shaolin Soccer" is somewhat mixed because there are times when you laugh with it and laugh at it. There are moments in the film that'll make you say "wow" but then there are moments that'll make you say "this is the stupidest thing I've ever seen" but , personally , I couldn't turn away from it because it was fun to watch this highly unusual movie. Overall it was funny and fast-paced.
Its not like "Kung Pow" because "Kung Pow" mocks the old kung fu film genre. Thats not the goal of "Shaolin Soccer" (no pun intended). I think that the filmmakers purpose was just to bring this Japanese comic strip to life....and they definitely accomplished that.
If you keep in mind that the movie is based on a Japanese comic book series then it might make the film's silliness and its extremely surreal action more understandable for the more serious movie goer.
Rating:
Summary: gonna waste ur time
Review: I first rented this movie and it was so good. I like the idea of competition and the action choreography and martial arts/kung fu acts are so amazing. A lot better than some of the american action-comedy movies. Aside from the coolest martial art moves, it was soooo funnny!Now, I have my own DVD and I have also bought several DVDs of Stephen Chow! HE ROCKS! I'm looking forward to watch his new movie, KungFu Hustle. I'll definitely watch it.
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting
Review: My impression of this movie was not a comedy, but interesting, like pictures of space from NASA. If you have ever fantasied about the ultimate sports team, this movie hits the target. Some scenes are ridiculous --- launching a soccer ball with cannon force from one's abdomen. I wished for more "real" martial arts mixed with soccer, but the extemes have a place in such a movie/fantasy. The children and I both enjoyed the movie, but after watching it twice, we skip all the talk and watch only the training and soccer scenes.
Rating:
Summary: I hate sports movies.
Review: What a wonderful sports film. STOP, read that line one more time. I ask you to do this because you will probably never see this again.
This was a sports film, for me to say that it wasn't would be a bold faced lie. This had all the characteristics of the modern Hollywood sports film, but what made it stand out and enjoyable is that it did not take itself seriously ... AND ... it had some amazing CGI action sequences. I recently watched a film called Equilibrium where it was mentioned that it could rival the popularity of The Matrix, well I would have to say that perhaps this film, Siu lam juk kau, would probably do more in toppling the king of bullet-time cinematography than Equilibrium would. I was impressed from the beginning till the end of this movie. The characters were all animated and individual in their own way. There was time used to set them up and learn about each of them. This wasn't one of those films where you spent most of your time with one of the characters then never really got to know the rest of them ... you knew them all and couldn't wait to see what they were going to bring to the table next. Hong Kong has crafted a spectacular film here. They have taken the popularity of the bullet-time effect and applied it to a genre that definitely needed a face-lift. I am surprised that America wasn't the first to do this, but we are a nation that loves the standard sports film, so why change what we love. PWFSSSST. We are so lazy sometimes.
Siu lam juk kau tells a spectacular story coupled with some amazing graphics to create a story about love, teamwork, and superpowers. I also enjoyed the fact that this film also tried to say that kung-fu is not an old topic, that it can and should still be used in society today. When we think of the martial arts films (and physical aspect), we see them as a very old and dated genre. Well, let me be the first to say that they are coming back, and coming back with a vengeance. I enjoyed the fact that this was a revenge film. So many of our kung-fu films are revenge films, I was happy to see that this one was not far off. This film used techniques that I have not seen used in any other films. They took the old, skillful ways of the dated kung-fu film, added the work of bullet-time, and added the sports flare to it to create Siu lam juk kau. It had us laughing, it kept us based in reality, and it focused my attention to the screen for the entire film (a task that no other sports film has been able to do). I think that by having your star also direct it (directed and starred Stephen Chow) it builds upon a sense of comfortability with the story. Chow is a master of slapstick, yet seldom overdoes the silliness, choosing carefully timed gags and meticulously mounted visual construction over slapdash comedy. The film is also no stranger to the bizarre, with Chow's multiple homages to Steven Spielberg, and a weird egg gag that I'm honestly shocked still remains the American cut of the picture.
Overall, Siu lam juk kau is a amazing combination of comedy, action, romance, and dazzling soccer footage, forming an irresistible package to those looking for something they haven't seen before. We see that it is a personal story that everyone is having fun being a part of. That also helped this film ... the characters really wanted to be in this film and it shined like the North Star through our screen. The dubbing (which seemed off a couple times) only added delight to this film. Chow's Siu lam juk kau, is and will always be breathtaking.
Grade: ***** out of *****
Rating: 
Summary: Just not my thing, I guess.
Review: I tried, really I did. I managed to sit through 52 minutes and 14 seconds of this movie before I just couldn't force myself to watch anymore.
It started out really promising, and I was getting into it, thinking if it started out OK it might just get better as time went on. It really had the potential to be hysterical, but it just got more and more absurd, and I was no longer amused.
Even my husband, who was certain beyond all doubt that he would love it, was begging me to turn it off.
Sorry if some of you will feel the need to slam me for this, but I'm just being honest. I hated this movie. I liked the first 10-15 minutes, and then I just HATED it. Maybe I should watch the dubbed version instead of the subtitles... or maybe I shouldn't waste any money. I rented this with a free rental coupon, and it's a good thing, 'cause I would have been pretty ticked to have lost money AND 52 minutes of my life.
Rating:
Summary: The teens AND adults in this family loved it!
Review: This movie isn't your typical family movie but wow...is it ever a hoot! Blending Kung Fu, soccer and more than a bit of mysticism into a perfect (and hilarious) action movie.
Basic plot: Former soccer champ, poor and disdained, discovers a guy with real potential. From there they form a team and try to win a championship and achieve fame and glory.
But describing the basic plot is like trying to describe the color "blue" to someone who can't see colors. It is the subtleties, humor and just plain weirdness of this one that make it a standout! Don't expect realism but a blend of fantasy and wish fulfillment...and, oh yes, soccer like it has NEVER been played before.
Rating:
Summary: LIGHTEN UP PEOPLE! THIS IS A REALLY FUNNY MOVIE!
Review: This movie is great! Yes... it's very silly, but it's supposed to be! I guess some hoity-toity reviewers are too smug to enjoy a lighthearted comedy like this. It's a shame. Why be serious all the time? Real life is so serious anyways. Thats why people enjoy these kind of movies. Oh well.
Anyways... I found myself giggling about this movie, just thinking about certain scenes, all day the very next day. This movie has some decent special effects, funny dialogues, and some crazy characters. All in all, this movie is definatley worth checking out. :)
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