CJ7 Movie Review

Directed by: Stephen Chow

Starring: Stephen Chow, Jiao Xu

*repost from 04/27*

Availability: out now on dvd

Terrific endearing kids movie. Ive said it many times in the past I fucking hate kids movies mainly because of the time of my life im in plus they dont seem to make them like they used to. Anything recently match up with Gremlins, Goonies, E.T. or other masterpieces like that? Hell no. This movie doesnt come up to that level of greatness but its the closest thing ive seen in awhile. I love Stephen Chow from his older stuff like A Chinese Odyssey to his newer movies Shaolin Soccer and the awesome Kung Fu Hustle. He's one of the few directors that just "gets it." Dont get me wrong this movie is a comedy first and a dramatic heartfelt story second. Yeah the movie borrows a lot from E.T., Gremlins, Batteries Not Included and others but it doesnt matter. The over the top humor plus the subtle humor blend together perfectly.

The story is basically about a poor single dad that gives all his money so his son can go to a great private school and get an education. He and his son live a feeble live with things they find in the garbage. The kid is made fun of at school for being poor but he loves his dad even though he resents how poor they are. One day the dad searching for new shoes for his son finds a weird looking green ball that he thinks is a perfect present for his son. Lo and behold the ball is actually an alien toy that comes "alive" into a cute little alien dog. The "dog" is so cute and cuddly it could make a perfect little happy meal toy if it was marketed right here in the U.S. Its a shame that it will probably not do to well since its a foreign film but if it was a U.S. production it could be a sleeper hit.

Of course there is more than meets the eye and the alien actually has alien powers that he uses on several occasions to help out the family. There are some great interactions between the school kids that had me laughing out loud a few times. Great casting especially by the leader of the bad kids.

Its has a cliched ending but still was touching and the movie ended on a high note. I wouldnt want Stephen to keep making these types of movies but im glad he did this one. Now Im anxiously anticipating Kung Fu Hustle 2. Great movie and highly recommended by fans of Stephen Chow or if you want a solid kid movie. On a scale of 1-10 I give this a "Slo-mo lollipop grabbing" 8.3 out of 10.