By Jack Holmes
Studio intervention has doomed so many potentially iconic movies by filling them with obvious narrative choices, minimising any risks taken with the films simply to maximise profits. Kung Fury, however, is a Swedish martial arts comedy entirely funded by fans through Crowdfunding, therefore leaving director David Sandberg free to explore just about any artistic direction.
The $630,000 raised was put to excellent use with this martial arts epic following hero Kung Fury as he sets out to defeat the greatest Kung Fu criminal of all, Hitler. From hacking through time, riding T-Rexes, firing pistols through phone lines and battling living arcade machines, the movie doesn’t ever seem willing to back down or pull punches. It’s all out from start to finish.
With a cast including Jorma Taccone, one of The Lonely Island members and a cameo and soundtrack from David Hasselhoff (yes, you did read that right), there’s never long to wait between “What the hell?” moments.
It’s clear that the movie was made on a low budget, but it also exhibits a 1980s police and martial arts film feel, meaning the corny CGI tricks feel like they add to the film, rather than take anything away. There’s definitely no aspect of Kung Fury that’s trying to make you believe it’s in any way realistic.
With a relatively short run time, it’s easy to feel like a longer version may have become a more stale affair. Although perhaps the creators would simply find new ways to hold the attention of an audience expecting nothing short of a freight train of retro kung fu fun. With a sequel recently confirmed, we might not have too long to wait to find out but, in the meantime, Kung Fury works wonders as a simple, entertaining piece of film, made by the people, for the people.
Want to write up your own cinema classic review? Have your own opinion on Kung Fury? Let us know @Holmesblogs and @HumanityHallows
Following the passing of iconic Stone Roses and Primal Scream Bassist Gary ‘Mani’ Mountfield, there have been growing calls for him to be immortalised in a way that reflects both his cultural impact and the deep affection shared between the musician and his home city. GRIT Studios has answered the calls from fans, announcing plans…
Featured image: Evie Peattie Often overshadowed in popular narratives by the heritage houses of Paris or Milan, London’s fashion ecosystem has long traded on creative freedom. As London Fashion Week prepares for its 42nd year, running from the 19 to 23 February, the British capital is poised to reaffirm its reputation not simply as a…
Featured image: Sebastian Garraway Beats vibrate through a polished floor. Bodies move with a swinging grace, surrendering to the rhythm without hesitation. An instinctual sliding jig sways wide-legged jeans cut just above the ankle. Sweat drips from sharp scissor-cut hairstyles onto porous Fred Perry polos. You’ve guessed it: Northern Soul. The late 1960s phenomenon is…
Featured image: Evangeline Causton Local lad Harry Styles will take to the stage at Manchester’s Co-op Live for the city’s first-ever Brit Awards, before returning for his one-night-only show on March 6 to celebrate the arrival of his fourth album, Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally. When cryptic billboards bearing the words “WE BELONG TOGETHER” appeared across Manchester city…
Leave a reply