CJ7

aka: Cheung Gong 7 hou
Hong Kong 2008, 85 minutes
Dir. Stephen Chow (Chiao)
In Cantonese with English subtitles
Rating: [PG]
Genres: Foreign Cinema, Family, Science Fiction / Invaders, Fantasy

Feat. Stephen Chow (Chiao)

Aroview: Hong Kong superstar Stephen Chow turns his directing talents to the family-friendly fantasy, playing a dirt-poor father who surprises his young son with a junkyard gift that turns into an adorable creature from outer space.

Provides an emotional roller-coaster for the younger set, with Chow's magical, exhilirating set pieces sure to thrill all ages, counterpointed by moments of great pathos and one unexpected yet unforgettable plot turn that holds one's heart dangling on a precipice. Also unique to Western audiences in its approach to slapstick humour, this is indeed an antidote to the familiar Hollywood template, though it's both charming and potent enough for smart kids to wholly embrace.

NZ International Film Festival 2008