Shaolin Soccer marks the end of two long waits: the first, for a new Stephen Chow movie, and the second, and more important, the wait for a really big, really mind-blowing Hong Kong movie. Although the comedy in Shaolin Soccer is nothing groundbreaking, it's often quite funny, and contains relatively few gags too language or culture-specific for foreigners. But what really makes SS something special is the special effects, which, finally, are combined with Hong Kong's filmmakers' unparalleled aptitude for physical action. Once the film cuts loose with its ceaseless series of soccer matches in the second half, you won't know whether to laugh, gasp, or both. Although the film perhaps stretches itself a bit thin with the inclusion of a romantic subplot, it doesn't slow the pace much or harm the film particularly. This is the first film in a long time that not only was not disappointing, but completely exceeded my expectations. Although some of the local audience may end up disappointed by the low level of language-based "mo lei tau" gags, I expect this film will come near the top of the lists of many of Chow's overseas fans.