Chris J
MOVIE REVIEW
Hopping Mad: The Mr. Vampire Sequels (and the Original)
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Genre: Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Horror
Year Released: 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 2023 Eureka Video Blu-ray releases
Runtime: 1h 36m, 1h 29m, 1h 28m, 1h 36m, 1h 26m
Director(s): Ricky Lau, Ching-Ying Lam
Writer(s): Ricky Lau, Cheuk-Hon Szeto, Barry Wong, Ying Wong, Wing-Keung Lo, Cheuk-Hon Szeto, Kam Cheong Chan, Chi-Leung Shum, Mei-Yee Sze
Cast: Various
Where To Watch: Mr. Vampire is available now from www.eurekavideo.co.uk, Hopping Mad: The Mr Vampire Sequels available now from www.eurekavideo.co.uk
RAVING REVIEW: So this review is about HOPPING MAD: THE MR. VAMPIRE SEQUELS, but what type of reviewer would I be if I didn't cover all of the films (well, kind of) from this franchise? It's a complex history with an even more complex timeline and canon. Cue the laughter and brace yourself for a bloodsucking adventure as we delve into the world of HOPPING MAD: THE MR. VAMPIRE SEQUELS. A five-part (plus) saga, these films march to the beat of their drum, the first as a solo act, while the following four band together like a supernatural quartet. Each narrative stands tall on its own, yet together they form an enticing compilation, irresistible to those yearning for a unique cinematic experience.
Let's begin with Mr. Vampire, which holds a prominent position in the Hong Kong film industry, akin to a crown jewel in the comedy-horror genre. The audience, mesmerized by the laughter-inducing encounters with the undead, desired more, and the creators didn't disappoint. The subsequent four films are like remixes of a hit track, replete with a star-studded cast featuring the likes of Lam Ching-Ying, Yuen Biao, Wu Ma, Richard Ng, and Yuen Wah.
This humor-filled journey into the vampire world begins with Mr. Vampire. Undeniably, this film shares the comedy-horror limelight with Sammo Hung's ENCOUNTER OF THE SPOOKY KIND. Our protagonist, Gau, and his inventive anti-vampire tricks provide comical elements. Though some humor might feel excessive or overly specific, the slapstick comedy emerges triumphant. Some may argue that a few more action scenes would've been a cherry on top, but the focus here is the innovative combat against vampires – a diverse arsenal that includes sticky rice, stacks of papers, and a special sword.
Following closely on the heels of its predecessor, Mr. Vampire II shines with a different glow. The narrative might not be as tightly knit as one would like, but it showcases physical comedy in its most charming form. The unusual customs and superstitions further enrich the appeal of the Mr. Vampire series. This entry takes a much more comedic approach which is still fun but is missing some of the darker charms of the first.
Switching gears, Mr. Vampire III channels its inner Dracula, bringing back a darker, more violent ambiance without losing its comedic edge. This installment has borrowed its formula more from the original than the second, yet it creates a mixed version of the two that land perfectly. The fast-paced narrative might rush the character arcs a bit, but Lam Ching-Ying's captivating performance is a silver lining that makes it a must-watch.
Mr. Vampire IV takes center stags while its charm lies in its comedy sketches and the intriguing anticipation of the royal convoy's entrance. Though a few gags might border on the cringe-worthy, the film's perfect blend of humor and action keeps it from slipping too far off—another enjoyable entry.
Breaking away from the series' continuity, Vampire vs. Vampire introduces a fresh antagonist, breathing new life into the narrative with unique comedic elements and action sequences. The humor warms the heart, and the action scenes, executed admirably by Chin Siu Ho under Stephen Tung's direction, are impressive. Even though it steers away from the traditional kung-fu genre, it keeps up with the standards for stunts and fights.
HOPPING MAD: THE MR. VAMPIRE SEQUELS did stir up some bewilderment among viewers due to recurrent actors playing different roles and a narrative that strayed from the original's path. Despite featuring Lam Ching-Ying and carrying parallel themes, films such as ENCOUNTERS OF THE SPOOKY KIND II (1990) and MAGIC COP (1990) are not directly connected to the Mr. Vampire franchise. Nevertheless, these films and the TV series VAMPIRE EXPERT have left an indelible mark on the vampire-comedy category. Lam Ching-Ying's untimely death while filming the TV series's third season was a significant loss, but his contributions to vampire-themed cinema will always be remembered.
In conclusion, while each film in the HOPPING MAD: THE MR. VAMPIRE SEQUELS has its unique narrative; together, they weave a colorful tapestry of comedic vampire combat that continually mesmerizes viewers. Despite the occasional slip-ups, their priceless contributions to the comedy-horror genre make them a delightful feast for any cinema-goer. Honestly, I would love to see a modern-day reboot where there was more effort put into connecting the new films, or even more interesting would be if an excellent writing room could somehow combine all the previous entries making them all work as canon.
SPECIAL FEATURES
– Limited Edition O-Card slipcase featuring new artwork by Darren Wheeling [2000 copies]
– Mr. Vampire II and Mr. Vampire III are presented in 1080p HD from brand new 2K restorations.
– Mr. Vampire IV and Vampire vs. Vampire are presented in 1080p HD from brand-new HD restorations.
– Cantonese audio (original mono presentations) on all films
– Alternate English dubbed audio track for Mr. Vampire II
– Optional English Subtitles for all movies, newly translated for this release
– Brand new feature-length audio commentaries on Mr. Vampire II and Vampire vs. Vampire by Asian film expert Frank Djeng (NY Asian Film Festival)
– Brand new feature-length audio commentaries on Mr. Vampire III and Mr. Vampire IV by action cinema experts Mike Leeder & Arne Venema
– Brand new feature-length audio commentary on Mr. Vampire III by Asian film expert Frank Djeng and film writer John Charles (The Hong Kong Filmography, 1977–1997)
– Brand new video piece on the history and the resurgent popularity of the jiangshi genre, featuring an interview with a real Taoist priest
– Brand new video piece which examines the rituals portrayed in the Mr. Vampire series and how some are still practiced in modern-day Hong Kong
– Reversible sleeve featuring original poster art
– Trailers
– A Limited Edition collector's booklet featuring new writing on the films and the Jiangshi genre by James Oliver [2000 copies]
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Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
07/14/23
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