Stephen Chow’s new series criticized for silly comedy and poor acting

Hong Kong filmmaker Stephen Chow. Photo from Chow's fanpage's Facebook

According to Tuoi Tre newspaper, Sohu reports that the film received considerable negative feedback from Chinese viewers upon its release, even though expectations for its script and special effects were not high, given its status as a brief web series with a modest production budget. Many commented that despite efforts by Chow and the producers to incorporate numerous humorous lines and clever situations into the film, not all viewers appreciate or agree with his comedic approach.

Additionally, the two main actors, China’s Jiang Long and Zhang Tian Ai, are relatively unknown, and their performances have further diminished the film’s appeal. Xiang has been criticized for his subpar acting and exaggerated portrayal. Meanwhile, although Zhang is talented, she struggles to surpass the allure and expressiveness of actress Athena Chu, who starred in the original film.

Even when not compared to the original, "Da Hua Da Hua Xi You" is still deemed low quality due to its tedious content and predictable storyline. The comedic elements, previously strengths in Chow’s works, were not well-utilized, resulting in a film that lacks charm.

Prior to its release, many viewers were already skeptical about Chow’s decision to remake "A Chinese Odyssey Part Two: Cinderella," criticizing him for not creating new content but simply rehashing classic pieces.

Chow’s recent projects have primarily involved reinterpreting themes from his earlier films, including a 2019 remake of his 1999 movie "The King of Comedy" and the 2017 sequel "Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons 2," which is part of his "A Chinese Odyssey" series.

A remake of his 1996 movie "God of Cookery" was also released in early September, generating a modest 6 million yuan (US$845,845) in revenue. Reports indicate that he is planning an animated version of "God of Cookery."

According to Sina Finance, these remakes have led to numerous criticisms of his creativity, with comments ranging from "lacking innovation" to "clinging to the past" and being "outdated." On Weibo, many fans have expressed their desire for Chow to either return to acting or to engage in more original projects.

Chow has recognized his tendency to revisit past themes. At a 2019 promotional event for "The King of Comedy" remake, he stated: "I have experienced both the bitterness and sweetness of life, but actually, my time has passed."

Chow, 62, began his career as an extra for Hong Kong broadcast station Rediffusion Television. He later joined TVB in 1982 and made his acting debut in 1988 with "Final Justice," which earned him the Golden Horse Award for Best Supporting Actor.

He ventured into directing films in 1994. His most notable works include "Shaolin Soccer," "Kungfu Hustle," and "Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons," which was the highest-grossing Chinese film of all time at its release, according to The Hollywood Reporter.