This movie was such a huge surprise I am still in shock. Movie adaptations almost always end up shaming their namesake. This movie made that shame enjoyable and left you begging for more. Anyone who knows the real story of monkey king and has seen this movie will know what I am talking about when I say this is the greatest bastardized parody ever! I'm not sure if i should call it a parody because it has very little to do with the novel or the series it was based on. All I know is that I have never had so much fun watching a movie.

Stephen Chow was amazing. The story was compelling. This movie captured the essence of Hong Kong cinema. Those are just a few of the good points I can remember. Not without its flaws however. The action sequences could have been better in some areas. Overuse of cheap special effects (I understand and I don't blame them...It was necessary budget-wise and for humor.) Some of the smaller parts were very quirky and were played by annoying actors (Luckily, Stephen Chow is able to take control of every scene.)

Overall this movie is definitely a must-see (I wouldn't write so much if it wasn't worth it.) The first half of the movie was just a great foreplay that leads up to a great climax and eventually sets up for the sequel: "Chinese Odyssey Part Two - Cinderella", which is another great movie that you have to see. These two movies should have been realeased as one movie.

(9/10)