In his 7th directing effort, Stephen Chow has created a exciting, moving, nostalgic ride that leaves you reeling from beginning to end. One of Chow's primary objectives in this film seems visually stun the audiences. Filled to the brim with exciting action, dramatic violence, sophisticated camera-work, and some of the best sight gags I've seen, Kung Fu Hustle is no doubt a feast for the eyes. So much visual action seems to be possible because at its core this film tells a very simple story. It is deep and emotional, but simple nonetheless. The only part I found visually inadequate were the CGI sight gags. Their comic timing was right on, but the quality wasn't as good as it could be, pulling me out of my engagement with the story.

If visual beauty was Chow's primary objective in this film, his secondary certainly seems to be to pay homage to his favorite films. Kung Fu Hustle contains countless references to American culture and films stretching from the 30's and 40's (Top Hat (1934) and Casablanca (1942))all the way up to blockbusters of the past few years (Spider-Man(2004) and Matrix Reloaded (2003)). This is not to mention the Roadrunner legs that Sing and landlady dawn and the assassins' striking resemblance to the Blues Brothers; this film is simultaneously like nothing I've ever seen and a highlight reel of great moments and references to movies I have seen and love. Stephen Chow loves American film and he knows we do too.

It should be said here that anyone can create a montage of their favorite movie moments, clump them together, and call it a movie. What Chow does in exemplary fashion is incorporate these moments and reference together into a story keeps us emotionally invested from beginning to end. With plans for a sequel in the works, Chow may well prove to be a master of blending comedy, action, and drama together all while maintaining artistic integrity and keeping the audience nostalgic and loving it.