King of Comedy (1999)
Reviewed by: shelly on 2001-02-07
I loved this movie. Stephen Chiau is back in form, after the mixed success of LAWYER LAWYER [1997] and THE LUCKY GUY [1998]. Here's something new and daring: a satiric comedy, constructed largely as a series of parodies,
that is somehow, at the same time, full of feeling. You can enjoy the brilliant set pieces that send up The Killer, A Better Tomorrow 2, Long Vacation, Excreman the dollop of celebrity pig poo (thanks, Tim!)... But Chiau (and long time collaborator Lee Lik-chi) have done this sort of extended parody-film to brilliant effect already (Flirting Scholar [1993], From Beijing with Love [1994], Love on Delivery [1994]). What's new (or, rather, what picks up on more substantial Chiau vehicles like God of Cookery [1996] and A Chinese Odyssey [1995]) is a belief in *something, underneath: romance, authenticity, loyalty. This film deserves a more extended review that I can give here: but I'll just signal some highlights: Chiau works beautifully with a superb cast: Karen Mok is brilliant, hilarious, glamourous: one only wishes that her part hadn't been cut down so drastically. Ng Man-tat is a revelation: no clowning, no tearing up the scenery: just smooth, powerful energy, completely in character,
unforgettable. But the revelation of the film (as others have already noted) is the gifted Cecilia Cheung Pak-chi as Lau Piu-piu the club girl. What a voice, and what sure comic timing and confident screen presence, for a first-time actress. She and Chiau have a fascinating chemistry: their
scenes together click perfectly. KING OF COMEDY was not without problems: why does Chiau feel he needs such a young romantic co-star? The ending: I
still haven't figured out any way to account for its abruptness, other than
sloppiness. And, as alluded to above, inside this film is an even richer one trying to get out, I'll bet, with a more fully realized romantic triangle that gives space and time to Karen Mok. Nevertheless, warmly recommended: not just for Chiau fans.
Reviewer Score: 9