Film review: Fong's 'Kung Phooey' a good kick of a spoof

By Dee Dee Chew
The Daily Aztec

SAN DIEGO (U-Wire)--When most people hear the term "Chinese-American," they either think one of two things: Panda Express or kung-fu movies, which serves as the basis for director Darryl Fong's independent film, "Kung Phooey."

Premiering this year at the fourth-annual San Diego Asian Film Festival, "Kung Phooey" tells the story of Art Chew (Michael Chow), a monk from the infamous Shur Lee Temple. Chew is sent to the big city to retrieve the ancient peach, a magical fruit that is rumored to act as a fountain of youth to whoever bites into it.

On his journey to reclaim this legendary peach, Art meets Waymon (Fong), a Chinese-American city kid and Roy Lee (Colman Domingo), a black Bruce Lee fanatic who thinks he's Chinese.

Together, the three seek refuge with their Uncle Wong (Wallace Choy), a wise Chinese restaurant owner who believes the only way he can keep his customers coming back is by putting on a thick Chinese accent and slipping white powder into their food (otherwise known as MSG).

As the two opposing sides battle for possession of the coveted peach, Art finds himself caught in a moral dilemma which forces him to decide between completing his mission and saving the love of his life.

A modern-day spoof on age-old ideas, "Kung Phooey" is one of the few films that questions the ridiculous formula that Hollywood directors often prescribe for Asian-based action films. The character of Art Chew is the direct opposite of the classic Bruce Lee-type hero: He doesn't speak with a thick Chinese accent and his role in the movie isn't centered around avenging anyone's death or fulfilling any ancient prophecies. He's just a regular guy (who was trained extensively in martial arts by legendary Chinese monks) looking for a peach.

Wallace Choy's character, Uncle Wong, serves as the Mr. Miyagi character in the film. He does his best to impart knowledge to young Art. Of course, no kung-fu movie would be complete without a bad guy. Actress Joyce Thi Brew filled the role of the evil Helen Hu perfectly.

With Hong Kong actors such as Jackie Chan and Jet Li dominating the American screen, most people have developed the idea that all Chinese action superstars speak with broken English. "Kung Phooey" utilizes common misconceptions such as these to help people see how ridiculous cliches can be.