Bulletproof Monk

Bulletproof Monk 2003
Director: Paul Hunter
Writers: Ethan Reiff and Cyrus Voris
Starring Chow Yun Fat, Seann William Scott, Jamie King, Karel Roden, Victoria Smurfit, Mako and Marcus Jean Pirae

Chow Yun Fat in a martial arts centric film makes it a given that I will see it. I was a little wary of this one though, since I don't connect martial arts action with Seann William Scott. Thankfully though, this film combines high octane fights with some great comedic elements, and they could not have got anyone better than Scott for this kind of role. The film is fast paced, but has just the right amounts of down time that a action film like this needs. Fat is a great mentor to the burgeoning talent of Scott's character and it is a hoot to watch their interactions. The plot is something reminiscent of the likes of Indiana Jones and it fits really well in the fantastic world of this film. This is a film that meshes all its ingredients together well and at the end you have a fun as hell action film.
The plot basics are this. the film opens at the end of World War II where a Tibetan monk (Fat) has passed the final tests to guard a ancient scroll that can either help or hinder mankind. Suddenly, the temple is attacked by a group of Nazis led by Strucker (Roden). The monk escapes and is adept at evading the Nazi for 60 years. Flash forward to the present day, where the monk is till being chased by the Nazi and his goons and he runs into Karl (Scott) a pickpocket that the monk sees much potential in and he decides to stick with him and see how he develops. This leads to Karl allying himself up with another street person, Jade (King). It all leads to the Monk being captured by Strucker and getting superpowers and youth from the scrolls, and now it is up to the Monk and Karl to put a stop to Strucker once and for all, but will Karl be up to the task?
This is a damn good action film. The direction by Hunter is very fast paced and frenetic, which really works in tandem with the story. Hunter's past work is in music videos and that really works to his benefit on this film. The script is good too, very funny when needed and moving the plot quickly as needed too. The characterization of the 3 main characters is quite believable. The cast is great too, Fat as the monk is very believable and charming. Scott as Karl, the flawed hero, does a expert job, balancing humor and action very deftly. King as the romantic interest is very good too and she holds her own in the fight scenes as well. Roden, as the Nazi heavy is quite despicable and very fun to watch. The action sequences in the film are great, my personal favorite was Karl's fight with Mr. Funktastic, was very well staged and a delight to watch. This is definitely recommended to martial arts fans and specifically to fans of Jackie Chan or Sammo Hung, as the film is very similar to some of their more comedic films.
This one gets 3 out of 5