Los buscapleitos

Cousins Thomas and David are the premier skateboarding, food-van operating team in Barcelona. One day, the two visit David's father at the local asylum, where they meet the attractive and charming Sylvia, the daughter of David's father's girlfriend. David is smitten, but doesn't act upon his desires. Later, they run into Sylvia again, inviting her back to their apartment. She stays the night, robs them, and disappears the next morning onto the streets of Spain. Moby is a bumbling private detective searching in vain for the heiress of a vast fortune. The lives of the four intertwine in ways both unexpected and entertaining in this vastly enjoyable cinematic extravaganza, 'Wheels on Meals.'

Also known as 'Spartan X,' the film is a brilliant roller-coaster-ride of amusement on every level. Edward Tang and Johnny Lee's story and screenplay is filled to the brim with action, witty banter and clever set-pieces. The film rockets along at a brisk pace towards an explosive finale that is as ridiculous as it is technically impressive. It's the kind of film that will leave you shaking your head in amazement at the abilities and energy of the performers- not to mention the fact that no-one died while making it.

Directed by Sammo Hung- who plays Moby- the film is guaranteed to please any fan of Hong Kong cinema. The cinematography is crisp and inventive, while Peter Cheung's remarkably astute editing keeps the somewhat frantic proceedings both cohesive and compelling. Chris Babida and Siu-Lam Tang's musical score is catchy and atmospheric, making especially good use of songs by Toshiyuki Kimori, working under the name Kirth Morrison. Kimori's main theme (used for years without Larry Johnston's lyrics by the wrestling legend Mitsuharu Misawa) is one of the snappiest and most memorable of any martial arts film to date.

The choreography of the stunts and fight scenes in 'Wheels on Meals' is consummate work that is incredible to behold. Graceful but deadly, the fight sequences are some of the best ever seen in a film. It is, after all, the work of the master of action-comedy, Jackie Chan (along with his trusty JC Stunt Team), so one shouldn't be too surprised. There are few whose on screen presence is as charming, as magnetic and as likable as Jackie's, and he proves that notion once again here. Starring as Thomas, he, Sammo and Yuen Biao- playing David- share a great chemistry, giving strong performances both in terms of acting and martial arts.

Lola Forner co-stars as the mysterious Sylvia, and brings much energy and life to the character which- to be frank- is a little underwritten. She performs admirably though, leaving an indelible impression on the viewer with her wit, poise and beauty. Fans of the 'Three Brothers'- as the trio of Jackie, Sammo and Yuen are known- will delight in the small but memorable cameos from Richard Ng and John Shum, and the great Benny Urquidez makes an unforgettable appearance opposite Jackie that is breath-taking and- quite rightly- considered one of the best fight sequences of all time.

'Wheels on Meals' is a funny, frenetic and fantastic action-comedy that will keep you glued to the screen for the whole of its' runtime. The story may be simple, but it's filled with easy humor and impressive displays of martial arts prowess. The cast all give good performances too, and most audiences should find the film an unmitigated pleasure. 'Wheels on Meals' is- to make a long story short- a martial arts masterpiece that mustn't be missed.

I first heard of this when TNT was showing it after the TV premiere of Rumble In The Bronx. I couldn't make it through the first 10 minutes because of the bad dubbing and the mixing around of scenes (The very first scene was Jackie and Yuen skateboarding in Spain, rather than them waking up and getting into their morning routine). A couple of months ago, I got the Hong Kong DVD and loved it.

The movie is about Thomas (Chan) and David (Biao), two Chinese guys who run a successful food truck business in Spain. They get caught up in wannabe detective Moby's (Hung) case to find a Spanish heiress, and the fun goes from there. The chemistry is great between the three brothers, and Lola Forner is a great distraction. The writing is funny, and Sammo's direction is right on target. The fight scenes are great. If you want to watch vintage Jackie, watch this film as he can move quick. The much talked about fight between Chan and Benny "The Jet" Urquidez does not disappoint. Want a lesson in how to do a fight scene? Watch these two guys go at it (They would have a rematch a few years later in Dragons Forever).

For all of you fans of JC credit outtakes, there is none (JC didn't start using them until Police Story). But in a funny, action packed movie like this, you won't care. It is one of The 3 Brothers best, and it will leave you wanting more.

What a fun movie! All the fast-paced action, brilliant stunts and slapstick humor that make Jackie's work great. Jackie and Sammo are terrific and the scenes set in elaborately catered parties give new meaning to the term "food fight". A movie that will have you laughing all the way thru.

I like this, more so than any other Chan+Sammo collaboration. Most of it is a bit weird, but the sense of humor, essential to all martial arts movies, is right there with the skills of Sammo and Jackie. Sweet and sour plum!

The basic synopsis of Wheels on Meals is as follows: Jackie Chan and Yuen Baio are two Chinese immigrants who run a mobile snack van business in Barcelona. Sammo Hung, also a chinese immigrant living in Barcelona, works as a very badly dressed PI. Sammo is hired by a dubious looking gentleman in a bowler hat to track down a Spanish girl, who it just so happens is the daughter of Yuen Baios dad's girlfriend. This sets the scene for, amongst other things, a bizarre retro skateboarding sequence, a ludicrous car/van chase and a top class fight at the end.

For me, Wheels on Meals represents the ultimate combination of comedy kung fu and naive slapstick humor. It's worth pointing out that this film isn't as good a Martial Arts flick as some of the earlier works that it's three main stars were involved in (Young Master, Magnificent Butcher, Prodigal Son, etc). However, the main strength of Wheels on Wheels is it's ability to get new mileage out of some very old gags, and it also proves once and for all that unusual hats can be very funny.

I give it nine out of ten.