Master Q 2001 (2001)Master Q needs no introduction for most Hongkongers -- this spindly old man has starred in comics since the early 1960s, with news-stand books and older film incarnations satisfying generations charmed by the character. But while the past film works are hard to find come early 2001, the Tsui Hark-produced Master Q 2001 has returned the lively character to the big screen in a lively blend of animation and live-action farce. The film title and brief James Bond-like opening credits suggest a grand adventure for our animated hero. But Master Q and his mate Potato hardly seem exceptional once audiences set eyes on them. The pair are a couple of out of work comic stars, seeking jobs or scrounging food in parks. They even try to claim rights from their artist (Alphonso Wong, as himself), but he's heading off to the Wudang Mountains with their mate Mr Nobody for a holiday. Later, as Master Q and Potato hunt birds in a park, their slingshot pellet goes astray. Local gang boss Don Kam (Philip Chan) is hit and the ensuing scenario leaves nearby lovebirds Mandy (Cecilia Cheung) and Fred (Nicholas Tse) in hospital with amnesia. It's no coincidence that Mandy, Fred and the gangster are in the same place at the same time. Fred's a cop and his intervention in a triad kids recruitment event early in the piece got on the ire of Don Kam. A killer (Tats Lau) was immediately sent out to get rid of Fred but the situation changed when a monk and a mishap revealed Fred as Don Kam's lucky charm. With Fred now without a memory or identity, Don Kam uses the situation to his advantage, branding the young cop as his godson Howard and taking him under his wing. Mandy's amnesia also comes in handy for nefarious souls. Her mother, Councilor Rachel Tam of the Demonic Party (Law Koon-lan), immediately cons her into signing marriage papers. Mandy, however, suspects that she already has a lover and she even has the keys to the mystery man's flat. Master Q and Potato, now feeling guilt for helping cause Mandy's injury, return to the scene and set about making amends to help refresh Mandy's memory and find her forgotten man. Master Q 2001 combines computer animation against a live-action backdrop, sending its curious lead characters bumbling across Hong Kong in their lightweight caper. Surprisingly, the integration of the animated characters scripted matter-of-factly, with folks on screen treating the comic characters as everyday people, or as minor celebrities at best. Still, the cartoon leads are as much caricatures as the people and action scenarios that surround them, and the pace they run on is often speedy. The script delivers an enjoyable sequence of events once the film gets rolling after slower beginnings and comic asides are dotted throughout. These come as both visual (a football scene) and spoken (amusing references to HKSAR Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa), while a musical number and a brief moment reminiscent of a Zu: Warriors of the Magic Mountain scene are thrown in too. Diversions aside, the main story is appealing to watch and the script they're applied to even provides a unique take on the Hong Kong gangster movie genre. Production standards are high, with the production seemingly benefiting from the lengthy schedule beginning about year before theatrical release -- be sure to sit through the end credits to check out the filmmakers' behind-the-scenes efforts. Master Q 2001 also benefits from an impressive list of actors in support roles to the animated main attractions and leads Cecilia Cheung and Nicholas Tse. Philip Chan is a highlight as the main nasty, given an amusing character to play with. Other notables in the cast, including Tats Lau, Wayne Lai, Law Koon-lan, Joe Lee and '60s rocker Joe Junior, play similarly distinctive roles that consistently enliven the playful production. |
Credits: Directed by Herman Yau Lai-to |
| Main | Movies | DVDs | Extras | Links |