Movie Review: Just Another Pandora's Box/越光宝盒

Just Another Pandora's Box/越光宝盒is the latest film from Jeff Lau, who made such classics as A Chinese Odyssey 1 & 2 and a personal favorite, Haunted Cop Shop.

Then again, he also made the inexcusable A Chinese Tall Story and the execrable Kung Fu Cyborg.

Add to this knowledge the fact that only as the Gang of Film were

walking into the theatre did Kevin ' Golden Rock' Ma tells me the film is very China-friendly.

He's a smart kid, saying such inflammatory things in front of lots of potential interlocutors and witnesses. It's a good way to keep pencils out of his neck...

So I sit down just waitingto hate this film. Even though yesterday's pollution was exceptionally bad, I was without cough syrup.

The first post-producer/director title card lists Chow Yun Fat and other A-list Chinese actors, as well as Angelina Jolie.

The following title card says " All refused to be in this movie."

This movie had me at hello.

I wish they had released this film at New Year, because it is, like all good CNY films, utterly devoid of sense, story, or organization.

But it's f@#$ing hilarious.

In a good-good way, not a bad-good way.Just Another Pandora's Box/越光宝盒parodies Red Cliff, Titanic, King Kong, Kung Fu Panda, Kung Fu Hustle, and a passel of other films, Jeff Lau's included.This film deserves my hearty endorsement if for no other reason than seeing Ada Choi on the big screen as she calls someone a "tranny witch."

I was howlingwith laughter, as I had already been many times during the film.

That one was just my  favorite.

AndJust Another Pandora's Box/越光宝盒is full of that kind of stuff. I grant you, it's about all that the film has in it, but the jokes are well-executed and it's refreshing to watch established stars demean themselves in the name of humor.

Watch for Wu Jing's cameo and his ruminations on the degree of difficulty involved in different disguises.

I even enjoyed the romance subplot between Ronald ChengandBetty Sun.

Who, I am absolutely certain, knows absolutely nothing about American culture:

I expected to hateJust Another Pandora's Box/越光宝盒, but I'm glad I didn't. I'm very happy that I enjoyed it as much as I did.

I strongly encourage you to go watch this movie, especially if you speak Cantonese.  Even if you don't, you will have plenty to laugh about and enjoy.