Mr. Wong

I first started watching Mr. Wong when it was available in weekly installments on Icebox.com. I was thrilled when I saw the collection of one to two minute flash films made available on DVD from National Lampoon. It is too funny to be lost in cyberspace. Most people who have seen the DVD seem too focused on the offensive stereotyping of a Chinese houseboy and his wealthy socialite boss, Miss Pam. (Voiced by Pam Brady of South Park.) What the DVD doesn't explain is that the site has a broad collection of other politically incorrect stereotypes; suck as Queer Duck, Zombie College and Hidden Celebrity Webcam…

Mister Wong is the story of spoiled socialite, Miss Pam and an 85 year old Chinese houseboy, Mr. Wong, who came as part of the estate left by the late great Bing Crosby. The short stories set in silly premises, reveal the turbulent yet loving relationship between the two main characters. The theme song is sung by non other than Davey Jones and includes a longer version of the song to which Miss Pam and Mister Wong provide the video for.

This single DVD collection is not for the easily offended or for children. There is animated nudity, cursing and a heavy dose of offensive stereotyping. The flash film animation is choppy and the humor crude, but that is ultimately where the story gets its charm and its cult following. You will either LOVE it or HATE it. Personally, I love it.

Mr. Wong is a series of Flash cartoons made for the internet (and straight up National Lampoon magazine's alley). Mr. Wong himself is an 85-year old Asian fella. He's Miss Pam's servant, and "came with the estate," as the opening song states. The episodes run in the 3-4 minute range, but with the warning, intro, closing theme, and recap/preview, I'm probably seeing 2 minutes of original, new material per episode (the DVD packaging states the disc runs 80 minutes).

Am I supposed to be offended by Mr. Wong's portrayal? The show was unfunny, politically incorrect or not, although I've gotta say I loved the song "Hockey Monkey" by The Zambonis. Had nothing to do with the episode, of course. Also, there was a DVD documentary extra about a Canadian guy who built a suit of armor (again, nothing to do with anything), which I found more entertainment value in, than the show.