That’s because, according to GlobalTimes.cn, “Comedic films, a staple for the New Year season, are set to entertain audiences during the New Year’s Day holiday with titles such as domestic films Honey Money Phony and Hot Pot Artist, and British animated film Paddington in Peru.”
But when I have my list on what to see, I have to begin by looking back. Here, Huang Bo is the star, and unlike his other works which received limited release in America (He loved his work in Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms as Jing Ziya), I needed more! This jack of all trades in the Chinese film industry is a talent to pay attention to, and when he’s partnered with Shen Teng in this comedy, I see good things. They’re not like any traditional comedic double act. In China, the word used is Xiangsheng–a genre of its own!
In the first act, negotiations in neutral space looked good, but then events unfolded suddenly, mistakes get made, and something forced the alien ambassador to eject from his ship, crash-landing somewhere in China, where he meets monkey trainer Hao (Bo) and his wine merchant buddy Shen (Teng). Because of this invader’s height, they mistake him for a simian and train him alongside Huan Huan, their pet. They want this Grey to be their next act. Technically, the little guy is looking a lot more green. Meanwhile, the allied forces that make up Armenia’s secret society are searching for him.
Honestly, I was more interested in seeing how bad this group is at searching for the aliens. The fact they have to cover their tracks and aren’t effective made for some good laughs, and as for how well they get along, I’m sure not everyone is on good terms!
By the time they catch up, the film gets tense, and I’m worried this world will get blown up. This diplomat’s annoyance is apparent. I’m rather impressed with the CGI since to get it right over doing the scary James Cameron style alien thing is tough. I’m rather surprised that even in a comedy, the narrative takes the alien conspiracy story seriously. Whether that’s with a secret superpower attempting to secure the peace or just two guys with no diplomatic skills at all, the irony is that these handlers convince the Men in Black that Huan Huan is one of them!
As for the hijinks, I recommend viewing this film when the seriousness takes a dive when the true alien believes these two numb nuts are his point of contact and promises to return. But it’s not after he leaves with their store’s supply of alcohol! This moment deserves an explanation when the sequel arrives.
3 Stars out of 5
Crazy Alien Trailer
