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[Lamma-Gung]

Many of you might have seen the first part of "The Monkey King" on ATV last night (Sep 1, 2002).

I've always liked the "Journey to the West" stories and I've looked forward to this movie, released quite some time ago in the US. There was a pretty good TVB series a few years back.

But there's quite a lot disturbing me with this movie so far:

1. Why a Western face as the "Scholar from Above"? This was always a traditional Buddhist monk, it's totally jarring and weird to accept a pretty-boy actor in this role. I know, it's a "contemporary adaptation" and an American movie where they think they need to have a Caucasian face...
   
   Gibson's poor characterisation and boring, un-funny dialogue are not helping either. What's his motivation, besides a crush on Bai Ling? Ah, yes, "saving the world as we know it", as usual...
   
   
2. Bai Ling is playing her usual, charming, alluring, mysterious, conflicted role. But why is she, playing a revered goddess, dressed like a Thai temple dancer? Ah yes, it's the Western cliché of "Asian, exotic, sexy love-interest", incl. the push-up bra...
   As always, this type of role just can't resist the "gorgeous Caucasian hunk", even though she knows she'll get into so much trouble for it...
   
   
3. Russell Wong as the Monkey King:
   Yes, why not, not a bad choice, I thought. But in this movie he's just not crazy, mischievous and funny enough, the most attractive qualities of the Monkey King. He's been an impressive, sneering villain in past movies. Remember the final scene of "Romeo Must Die", fighting Jet Li?
   
   We've also seen him in so much more impressive fight scenes before. He's proven that he can fight with style and grace on film, but the poor martial arts choreography was so boring and repetitive. Always the same kicks and moves, baddies jumping into walls every few seconds... Were Corey Yuen and friends on vacation or too expensive?
   

Yeah, I know I should lighten up and it's only a TV fairy tale movie, but maybe I was expecting a bit more...

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In fact, I shouldn't complain at all and praise the movie over the moon instead! I've just won one of five Wine Sets from Hallmark, the movie's sponsor. I only had to answer their e-mail Lucky Draw yesterday for the names and roles of the three lead actors...

I'm an ungrateful twit and not worthy of accepting this great prize...
Or, even better, maybe I should share the Wine Set with somebody here on My Lamma?

Yes, let's do it! For the best (good, bad or neutral, but preferably entertaining) review of The Monkey King you can get my entire Wine Set! I'm serious!

[Lamma-Gung]

The prize has arrived by registered mail yesterday:
A pretty nice Hallmark-branded premium Sterling Silver Wine Set.

The 2nd part of The Monkey King will be shown on ATV tomorrow night, Sep 8.

I hope to get some short reviews posted here?
The best one will receive the entire Wine Set as a prize.

Deadline: end of Sep.

[Lamma-Gung]

OK, so nobody loved or hated "The Monkey King" on TVB Pearl enough to write a quick review.

No entries for this competition means no winner!

So I'll keep my sponsored prize, the Wine Set I won from Hallmark!

We'll think of an easier, less challenging competition with bigger prizes next time, nothing too creative or demanding...

Lucky Draw for cash anyone?