Wheels on Meals (1984)
Director: Sammo Hung
Cast:
Plot: Thomas (Jackie Chan) and David (Yuen Biao) are a pair of Chinese street vendors living in Spain. They help a beautiful pickpocket named Sylvia (Played by former Miss Spain, Lorner Former.) unaware that she is really an heiress. An old friend, Moby (Sammo Hing) who is now a private detective is hired to find Sylvia. . Moby calls upon Thomas and David to help. Together they try to keep Sylvia safe while they fend off a greedy uncle who has sent his thugs to find her so he can steal Sylvia’s inheritance.
Review: Here is a true classic of Hong Kong cinema, and it features the three "Brothers" : Jackie Chan, Yuen Biao and Big Brother himself, Sammo Hung. This film shot in Barcelona is directed by Sammo Hung and has some of the greatest fights ever put on film. The plot is wafer thin but that doesn't mean the film is not entertaining. In fact what we get here is one set piece after the next of quality action that includes some well choreographed fights and car stunts galore, but it's the final third of the film that you just cannot miss. The one on one between Jackie Chan and Benny "The Jet" Urquidez is spectacular, with pure physical fighting without any gimmicks it looks like they are really trading blows.
Yuen Biao gets one of his most charming roles where he gets the opportunity to show a sensitive side along with a keen knack for light comedy. He also gets a final fight with Keith Vitale that may not quite be in the same league as the Jackie/Benny one, but still manages to be entertaining, with Yuen Biao called upon to do all kinds of athletic flips and kicks as he dodges and trades hits with his tough opponent.
Sammo plays his fighting skills down to a certain point in this film. Relying instead on getting bashed and bruised for added comic effect. He does excel with some nice sword fencing in the finale. One thing that Sammo does more in this film than any other is put himself down due to his build. There are probably more fat jokes that he throws at himself in this film than any other. The limelight is left for Jackie and Yuen, a sign of Sammo’s generosity as a film maker.
Like many Hong Kong action comedies the humour is not entirely successful, but there are plenty of laugh out loud moments. Nice comic performances from Richard Ng, John Sham and Wu Ma as mental patients all add to the laughs. American comedy actor Herb Edelman makes a cameo appearance as Moby's shady boss, who leaves him in charge when he has to run away from all the people he owes money to.
Shot almost entirely in Spain, the setting is a refreshing change that adds to the overall charm of the film. It was the second proper teaming of the three "Brothers" as the stars and regarded by many as their best film together. It is one that certainly holds up well to multiple viewings. Incidentally this was originally titled "Meals On Wheels", but Golden Harvest became superstitious after having a series of films starting with the letter "M" that failed at the box office, so they switched the title around . They need not have worried. This film is pure class from start to finish. A credit to all involved. I would have to say that this is one film that I would highly recommend to anyone who appreciates action cinema.
Rating: 5/5
Review by D. M.
Pics by Klara
Pics by Klara
For bigger pictures please click on thumbnails
For more photos visit the Wheels on Meals Photo Album
For more photos visit the Wheels on Meals Photo Album