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
Featured image: Old Abbey Taphouse Wandering through Hulme in the south of Manchester, you once may have been intrigued to see students and party-ready punters being allured to a science park of all places. A strange place to congregate, but those familiar with the city’s best spots would tell you they were on route to…
Featured image and gallery: Sally Stretch Hungry, Cutscene and Funeralcare take centre stage for Manchester and Liverpool-based BOOT Magazine’s 14th issue launch, showcasing some of the most exciting emerging music from the North West. Manchester band Funeralcare open the night at The Rat & Pigeon, drenched in deep red lighting in the small yet lively…
Featured image: FX / Disney Press Following the premiere of the limited anthology series Love Story (directed by Ryan Murphy) on Disney+ earlier this February, show protagonists John F Kennedy Jr and Carolyn Bessette have become favourites for a new generation. Almost 30 years after their real-life untimely passing, the show’s popularity has unleashed a…
By Holly Lindsay and Amelie FalconerFeatured image: Jamie Taylor Remember nestling into your parents as they read you the worlds of Harry Potter, The Faraway Tree and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? Unfortunately, not all children get the opportunity to create a lifelong love of reading, as 1 in 8 children in the UK currently…
Leave a reply