The Spy Dad

Spy Dad (2003) is one of the latest films to come from Hong Kong. Wong Jing writes, directs and produces this odd parody of Spy Kids, The Matrix, Austin Powers, Internal Affairs, X-Men, James Bond series and Enter the Dragon. Tony Leung Ka Fai stars as Jimmy Bon, an actor who's raising two teenage girls by himself while his wife (Candace Yu) lives in the U.S. They're both actors (They split up because of there careers and Jimmy's personality) and they're constantly

trying to get permanent custody of the two children). Elvis Tsui co-stars as the evil terrorist who wants to unleash Super S.A.R.S. upon the world. Eric Kot plays his goofy henchman. Teresa Mo appears as Bon's assistant. The problem with Jimmy Bon is that he's nothing like his screen alter-ego. He's spineless and is easily bullied by others until several circumstances forces him to change his ways.

Yes, Wong Jing has made another comedy. Unlike his more recent output of romantic comedies over the past year, this one is more of a return to his earlier works. He parodies several Hollywood productions as well as a couple of Hong Kong ones. Wong Jing is one of the few film-makers in Hong Kong that still produce films. Hopefully he wont fall victim to Hollywood's bankroll.

Great stuff, highly recommended!

A

In this comedy from Wong Jing, a terrorist organization plans to blackmail the world's government with two fatal diseases. Two Interpol agents are assigned to stop the plot, but one is infected with the disease and gets himself involved in the mansion of a Hong Kong film star, where he meddles into the life of the star's ex-wife and two daughters.

This film sounds as confusing as the plot sounds, with plot lines that go every which way and the humor getting into borderline nonsensical. I think much comedies released in Hong Kong in the 2000s and beyond are too childish; however, this one I was able to get quite a few laughs, mostly due to the acting and humor of Tony Leung and Teresa Mo.

When watching this film, don't expect to find a masterfully done comedy classic. Instead, treat it like one of those so-bad-it's-good films.

Grade C