This buddy-cop comedy was produced to push Sammo Hung back into the big time after experiencing a dip in box office sales in the late ‘80s. It’s full of slapstick, great fights, and ladyboy hitmen (welcome to 1990’s Hong Kong!). It’s showcased for the first time on Blu-ray, packed with extras. Lucky us!
Sammo plays a policeman (a rarity in his career) and Bruce Lee enthusiast, who constantly bickers with his partner, played by comedian Karl Maka. Imagine Riggs and Hurtaugh on steroids. They are tasked with taking down some big-time drug dealers while being accused of sexual harassment and assorted silliness. Surprisingly, unlike many films in this genre, the relationship between the characters is genuinely funny and an extended sequence where they crash their bosses’ wedding is hilarious. It goes without saying that the action is top class and abundant, featuring Sammo doing his best Bruce Lee impression, complete with a final nunchaku showdown.
The standout extra is a documentary about English stunt man and actor Mark Houghton. It features some strange setups, including him relaying a story about being stabbed under a swinging lightbulb, however, it’s a fascinating look into the unique life of a man born in a small town, working in Hong Kong cinema, and becoming a student of the legendary Lau Kar-leung. We also get an audio interview with him, where he talks about the film directly. We are then treated to an archival interview with director Lau Kar-wing and stunt coordinator Ridley Tsui. The disc has two commentaries, one featuring Frank Djeng and Bobby Samuels, the other with the always entertaining Mike Leeder, alongside Arne Venema. Finally, an extended version of the final fight is featured for good measure. The film maybe a little too esoteric for casual viewers but Sammo fans will be bowled over with this offering. Keep it up, Eureka.
Skinny Tiger and Fatty Dragon is out now on Blu-ray from Eureka Entertainment.
