Tai fong siu sau

Aug 21

Here we have Carry On Pickpocket starring Sammo Hung and Frankie Chan playing a couple of pickpockets in this very likeable comedy martial arts action film.

Even more comedy is added in the shape of Richard Ng as a bumbling policeman.

Typically good stuff with loads of the usual faces.

Enjoy

9.5 out of 10.

The Lucky Stars movies are pretty stupid in my opinion, but this one is actually pretty funny. With the fights and action in this one I can't complain - I liked the film and was well entertained... I gave it 9/10. One of the best Sammo films. Do also watch: Warriors Two, Paper Marriage, Odd couple and Magnificent Butcher

It opens with a strange scene with Sammo and Frankie practicing their pickpocket skills. This fools the audience expectation of the opening scene showing martial arts practice or a fight. It also takes off with the concept that all hard work can be relevant to kung fu skills.

This movie was a new direction for Sammo Hung. It preceded and seemed to lay the foundation for the "Lucky Star" series. It is also a landmark movie. This is the first true "set piece" for the final fight. The set of the boat is used and the physical elements of the boat are used to mix in with the action and fights.

The martial arts is not as frequent but the quality is the best. If you are surprised to see Sammo dancing in the disco, remember the Peking Opera school also taught dance and song. Sammo can certainly dance but I've never heard him sing. On the other hand, I've never seen Jackie Chan dance but he sings in many of his movies.

Look, Hong Kong comedy can be really, really weird and awkward and hokey. In a way I've had to get used to it for the movies I watch, but in this movie it's so well done that this might be the funniest HK movie I've ever seen. It's a Sammo Hung movie all the way (star and director) and he never disappoints. This is easily one of his best movies. It's also fitting this features Richard Ng, possibly the funniest actor I've ever seen in an HK movie. This is more than a comedy though. The action is truly A-level and will not disappoint. Some really great stuff that I haven't seen before. Just as an example, for both the comedy and the action, loved the entire nightclub sequence early in the movie.

CARRY ON PICKPOCKET is a fine little action comedy teaming up Sammo Hung and Frankie Chan. They play pickpockets whose misadventures attract both the police and the attentions of a gang of robbing criminals, leading to plenty of hijinks and thrilling action as the story goes on. This was made just before Sammo hit the big time with his Jackie collaborations but it's just as good as his better-known work such as the LUCKY STARS films. The film begins off on a very funny footing and carries on from there, bringing in Richard Ng for a good supporting role and ending up with some expertly-choreographed action (featuring the welcome Dick Wei!) come the climax. Nothing to dislike here.