Hot Potato

I'm sorry. Maybe I just expected too much after seeing Black Belt Jones. Maybe I expected there to be less of what the filmmakers call "comedy". I could barely stand to watch it. I would have to say that I think this movie is on the top ten of my least favorite films ever.

This "sort of" a sequel to "Black Belt Jones" (Jim Kelly's character is referred to merely as "Jones") is far inferior. The comedy is lame, the acting mediocre and the dialogue often very bad. But there is a continuous stream of action running through the film, and Kelly shows once again that he had the stuff to be a martial-arts star (although his career was fairly brief). Plus, there are the colorful exotic locations that help you keep watching even the worst scenes. (**)

Try as I might, I can't think of anything positive to say about HOT POTATO. Though filmed on location, each setting looks dull to the eye. The action is slow, clunky, and poorly choreographed. Robert Clouse shows again that his acclaimed direction of ENTER THE DRAGON was either a fluke or that he got help from Bruce Lee. The worst thing of all about the movie are the attempts at comic relief, which are so slapstick and in your face, I got angry. If you ever wondered why Jim Kelly never became a star, watch this movie - which is the *only* reason it ever should be viewed. Otherwise, avoid!

This movie has little to redeem it. The fight choreography stinks the comedy stinks, the dialogue stinks. The main reason me and mine rented this was to see all of our favorite Hong Kong stunt men, who appear in this film. Not only is Billy Chan, Yuen Biao and Lam Ching Ying in it you will also see a lot of Eric Tsang, Chan Lung and Mung Hoi among others. All I can say is, they must have really needed that paycheck! Never have I seen so many great men used so shamefully! The 5 different costumes they were forced to wear have to be seen to be believed! ( The jester-like costumes were my personal favorite!) We laughed ourselves silly! So if you want to see Lam Ching Ying in a leopard print jungle outfit and short shorts, this is film for you!

After the success of "Black Belt Jones", Jim Kelly does the sequel of it called "Hot Potato". However, the result isn't what I call a follow-up success. This movie is downright corny and Jackie Chanish. The sound-effects are annoying and silly. It's like looking at a live cartoon almost. This time Jones(Kelly) is in Thailand, looking for a daughter of an US Senator. He doesn't work alone he's got a new sidekick, and a over-sized fighter named Rhino(George Memmoli). The trio work with an uncooperative inspector(Irene Tsu), but they all get the job done. They meet with the impostor who later ends up helping them ge5t the real deal back from the warlord. Everyone fights off the army with their martial arts skills, it's funny when Rhino took on the big opponent. To me, this is one bad movie that should have been improved completely. I mean ever martial art movie shouldn't be all violent, it should be fun which it is. More action and less cheese. But without the cheese factor, it would be a completely boring film. If you enjoy the Jackie Chan films, enjoy this movie on your own terms. I did! 2 out of 5 stars!