Mr. Vampire IV

This is the unofficial "Part 4" of the "Mr. Vampire" film series. Vampire Buster actor Lam Ching Ying does not appear in this film; however, two veteran actors, Anthony Chan and Wu Ma, appear and star as the dueling Taoist and Buddhist priests. The first half of the film start off with them feuding with each other and tricking one another with magic spells, with their disciples played by Chin Kar Lok and Loletta Lee caught in the crossfires. I find the dueling scenes pretty funny and, while it does not involve any Kung-Fu or horror action, it does provide you with some great entertainment. Vampire action does not begin until the middle of the film, where you see the protagonists putting their differences aside and do battle with the menacing creatures.

The horror in this film is sometimes dwarfed by some kiddie-like jokes and the overly light-hearted and whimsical music score, which, in addition with Lam Ching Ying's absence, distances this film somewhat from the other "Mr. Vampire movies." However, the saving grace of this film are the Kung-Fu action and that the main Vampire was executive very well - very creepy and menacing looking.

If you are a fan of Hong Kong horror/fantasy movies, give this film a watch by all means.

Grade B

The original MR. VAMPIRE is considered the best Chinese horror/comedy ever and it's no surprise that it inspired so many sequels and copycat imitations back in the 80s. The first sequel was gentler and more family-oriented while the second sequel really pumped up the horror elements. This third sequel is a return to the style of the original with a perfect balance of the scary and the silly. I've seen this movie four times now and it's still as entertaining as it was the first time. A real treat for HK action movie fans is seeing Yuen Wah (usually typecast as the ultra-tough bad guy) playing a VERY effeminate character. Another unique element to the movie is its comedic take on the differences between Taoism and Buddhism as the two masters try to outdo each other, especially funny during the "voodoo" doll sequence. Another profoundly silly moment has the two masters throwing food at each other which ends up with Wu Ma blowing beans out of his nose into the mouth of the Taoist. There's comedy, action and horror! Something for everybody!

Lam Ching Ying, the original Mr. Vampire, has left the building. The comedic duo in this movie are fellow veteran actors, Wu Ma and Anthony Chan, who play rivalling Buddhist and Taoist priests respectfully. That is, until a big ol' vampire shows up and they have to join forces to defeat it.

There is an unfortunate gay stereotype in the form of a sissy eunuch played by stuntman/actor Yuen Wah who pursues Chan's nubile (male) apprentice. I imagine it must've been pretty funny to the clueless audience back in the day but it's just cringey to me now. Otherwise, the humor and fighting in this movie aren't half bad.

April 2021

Wow wow wow.. Mr Vampire saga IV (Mr Vampire 4) , so despite the initial dissapointment of no Lam Ching Ying, this is still one of my 3 favourite Mr Vampire style films along with Mr Vampire 3 and Musical Vampire.

This one focuses heavy on the comedy, in fact you forget the fact that vampires don't really figure in the film until halfway through.

Some truly amazing stuff here.

Fantabulous

10 out of 10.

A Taoist Priest isn't too happy when his Buddhist Priest colleague moves in next door. They are subject to constant feuds, but soon must overcome their odds towards each other when a vampire breaks loose from his coffin in a nearby procession and threatens to wreak havoc to the countryside.

Absolutely fun horror comedy which has the usual elements - hopping vampires, ghosts etc - but that's in the second half. The first half is quite enjoyable, introducing the characters ( a Taoist priest rivalry with a monk, the lovelorn assistant setting his cap for the monk's niece). It's a cosy 45 minutes with some good humour, the "battle" between priest and Taoist is fun. Then of course, the scary looking vampire gets resurrected and the priest and the monk got to work together. What you gets is some energetic kungfu, dazzling special effects and humour.