Kung Fu Cult Master

THE EVIL CULT is a typically over the top effort from director Wong Jing. What this guy's films lack in precision and technical merit they certainly make up for in endless madcap action sequences which are invariably heavy on the wirework. The plots tend to make little sense and yet it's all so bizarre and hilarious that you can't help but be caught up in the journey.

Apparently this is based on a historical novel of some kind which may account for the complex and confusing nature of the storyline. There are various warring cults in search of a mystical sword, but Jet Li is the central character, searching for the villains who killed his parents and orphaned him as a child thanks to some mystic palm technique. He joins forces with fellow questers and must strive to put an end to the endless treachery and war around him.

Li isn't bad here but his presence is overshadowed by the supporting actors. Chingmy Yau is a particular pleasure as the beautiful young warrior woman who accompanies him on his journey, while Sammo Hung bookends the production as a fatherly monk. Francis Ng and Collin Chou have supporting roles, there are cameos from Ekin Cheng and Lam Ching-ying, but most apparent of the bunch is Richard Ng who to my delight is playing a vampire master. As usual, goofy comedy ensues.

With Wong Jing at the helm there are the usual scenes of questionable taste, such as the sub-plot involving the two rapists whose perverted desires are played for laughs. But for the most part this is about the action, which is loud, mad, and scenery-destroying. Watch out for the other bizarre moments sprinkled throughout the production, like the guy with the broken spine who's strapped himself to a massive boulder as a way of getting around. Novel, to say the least.