Jackie Chan makes a brief guest appearance in this surreally goofy action comedy, a high-spirited shambles from 1982 that hovers awkwardly somewhere between Monty Python and The Three Stooges. When all else fails, cult dir... more »ector Chu Yen-ping (Island of Fire) resorts to exploding cigars, guys making funny faces, men dressed in women's clothing, even a ghost or two. The nominal star, '70s kung fu veteran Wang Yu (The One-Armed Swordsman), is an Allied agent assembling a troupe of commandos for a mission behind enemy lines during World War II. (Although the landscape is obviously Asian, there are Hogan's Heroes-style Nazis scampering through the jungle.) Every member of this movie's mismatched clown-squad seems to hail from a different planet, including one inexplicable fellow who looks like an Elvis impersonator in a kilt. Most of the exhilarating action is handled by the glorious Brigitte Lin Ching-hsia, from Peking Opera Blues and The Bride with White Hair, who kicks heads and looks smashing in a red-and-black-leather jumpsuit. --David Chute« less
"Like I said above, this movie just has to be seen to be believed. I can't really describe it, except to say that it features some of the oddest situations and visuals I've ever seen in any movie. It's supposed to take place during WWII, but features old beat up 1970's chevy's (being ridden chariot style by Nazis!), Scottish UN Troops, and references to James Bond and Rambo.Visually, the characters are almost comic book in appearance. Apart from the Scottish UN Troops in Kilts and Chrome helmets (this is a good place to point out that this film has an all chinese cast), we have a soiler, a hobo, a woman in tight black leather, and Wayne Newton.The dubbing is laughibly atrocious. At one point, they refer to prisoners being taken to Tokyo, while pointing at a map of Europe! But that's part of this films goofy charm.This is not really a Jackie Chan movie, though. He has a small supporting role and does little of his trademark fighting. It's one of those films that have been released to cash in on his name. But don't let that stop you. Overall, this movie is a total riot! It's the kind of movie that will make you miss the glory days of MST3K. Watch it with friends and have your own MST evening!NOTE: If all you like are "normal" movies, stay away."
Steev Proteus | nowhere in particular | 04/23/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Pay no attention to the naysayers here: Jackie Chan fans all. Luckily, I, who do not care a lick about the majority of Jackie Chan's movies, am able to give a completely unbiased review of this wonderful film. Truth be told, Chan's character is of almost no consequence -- indeed, his presence here seems to be something of an afterthought. The "story" (which makes zero sense) is about a "fantasy mission force", who are trying to do... something. Who really cares what this movie's about? The real point is to see one of the most bizarre films in the annals of world cinema. After James Bond, Snake Plissken, and Rocky Balboa are considered for a job having something to do with WWII (don't ask me what), a group of generals (among them Abraham Lincoln!) sends their fantasy mission force to break through enemy lines. Along the way, this fantasy mission force, which is made of thugs, robbers, and conmen, encounters Amazon warriors led by a tuxedoed playboy, a haunted house, and many other weird obstacles (mostly cribbed from other movies). The high points for me are the opening theme song and the final showdown, which is genuinely moving as each member of the fantasy mission force gallantly gives his (and her) life for the good of the Allied forces. There is little else to tell; you'll have to watch this movie to see just how weird it is. As I said before, I care not a drop about Jackie Chan, Hong Kong action cinema, or action cinema in general, but this accidental discovery has to be one of the best movies I've ever seen. I hope to make films this great someday, as it balances all the great things about movies: it's surreal, action-packed, funny, and even suspenseful. Watch it if you aren't one of those square Chan-fans who insist their films have no purpose other than to show off "fight scenes" (I'm snoring already). Keep an open mind and you will discover a true gem of world cinema; trust me!"
A CHINESE MONTY PYTHON, BUT BETTER!
Steev Proteus | 07/29/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Fantasy Mission Force isnt really much of a Wang Yu or Jackie Chan film, although they both play important roles. And though the box may make the film seem serious, it is really a comedy. The film features a sqaud of lovable misfits. I loved this film! The ending is a real bummer though, so keep a box of tissues nearby. EXHILIRATING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! By Jon Yates"
One of the best crazy HK movies!!!
Steev Proteus | 12/10/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Jackie Chan purists tend to not like this one, but I love it personally. It's one of those you have to be in the right mood for. It goes something like this: a team of commandoes, led by Jimmy Wang Yu, must rescue the allied generals (including the American commander Abraham Lincoln) from the Japanese during World War II. Wang Yu was selected for the mission because James Bond, Baldy, Snake Plissken, and Rocky were all busy. Along the way, our heroes encounter flying amazon women and a haunted house before doing battle with the Chevy driving Japanese Nazis. Yep..."