Tai Chi Zero (2012)

Don't Believe the Hype

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

This is a gorgeous movie made by a gorgeous spirit.

The movie starts well (for a few minutes only) but it quickly becomes an accumulation of short sequences which leave no place to any serious story/ carachter development, while the action scenes are shoot with what I'd call a below average skill level (the camera shake, turn quickly into many directions but you get no feeling of actually watching peoples fighting together).also, if you didn't watch yet the first episode, Tai Chi Hero, be aware the the directors and producers had no concern at all about you, as the story line is unfolding hectically without any serious recall of what happens in the previous movie, even if these previous events do affect the plot from the start of this new episode.the concept looked interesting on the paper, but the outcome is weak, below average and headache to watch kung fu movie.

When I saw the trailer for this movie I thought it had the potential to be the next "Kung Fu Hustle". Another cool and entertaining wacky/cartoony fighting movie. While the premise is similar to "Kung Fu Hustle" the narrative and build up is just so darn boring. It just constantly just tries to rely on gimmicks instead of it being well crafted and entertaining movie. In fact there is hardly any fighting in this movie. Yeah, the main protagonist hardly has any good fight scenes. It just constantly relies on pop ups which makes references to comic books, video games and other kung fu references. Which could have worked, but felt more like a random gimmick in order to make this crappy movie hip and cool. Which isn't the case, it just comes off corny and lame. And heavily relies on the 3D aspects of this movie when it hit theaters in China. I managed to sit through the build up, because I was anxious to at least see some cool climatic fight sequences. But that doesn't even happen. Instead it goes in a "to be continued" which is fine. But just about nothing about this movie is satisfying. I think it's okay to leave room for a sequel. As long as the movie itself is satisfying but makes you crave for more. That isn't the case here, this flick is far from being satisfying. And by the end you felt cheated.3/10

Watching this movie reminded me to Bunraku, or Scott Pilgrim where there are comic elements fused in, but better. After a while I lost interest in watching Bunraku or Scott Pilgrim, they became boring and dull while Tai Chi 0 still has lots of things to offer till the end.This is the 1st Stephen Fung's movie that I watched and he surely does a good jobs. The fight choreography by Sammo Hung, visual (and comical)& sound effects, scores, some camera works, the acting from Tony Leung and Angelababy (gosh, she's so fresh n pretty) are the good part of this movie.However, the acting of both leading male and that British woman are wooden, even the village people give better performance. While Angelababy delivers decent acting but her moves as a fighter is not convincing. The pace drags a bit in the middle of the movie, the camera work inside that giant machine are dull/not creative, the story is quite thin - without any elements add in, it may only make half of a movie. I should give '8' to this movie, but considering these lacks, I can only give 6.Kudos especially to Stephen Fung and Sammo Hung, which from this poor script and resources still can make an enjoyable flick. And I still want to see the sequel "Tai Chi Hero", hopefully it will be better.

Saw this at the Toronto International Film Festival. Actually I didn't really known what to expect when coming to this film. My friend was the one who invited me and didn't tell me much.I have to say I was rather surprised by this movie, even though I went into the movie expecting to have a good time -- I had an AWESOME time.Industrial revolution in China, mixed with kung fu and comic book elements, what more can you ask for!? One part of the story reminded me a lot of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, others of Kung Fu Hustle with hints of Wild Wild West - good movies (well, the first two :D) in my opinion that actually blend together really well! Comic book style, great art direction, funny, clever pop culture references, fast-paced (subtitles were a blur), and just overall fantastic.I am already really excited for the second and third movies in this series. Can't wait till those arrive in Canada!