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Review
by Kozo: |
Screwy
all-star silliness which exemplifies eighties Hong Kong
comedy. The film is a diverting time, but given its
comedic excess it might qualify to some as Wong Jing
for the eighties. Not surprisingly, Carry on Hotel was directed by Jeff Lau, who brings Mo Lei Tau to new
heights (or lows, depending on who you ask).
The story is thus: in a five-star
Singapore hotel, many stories happen with little or
no relation. Some are good, some are bad. All feature
big stars. Kent Cheng is a seedy detective who attempts
to record an illicit affair, and installs numerous video
cameras to get the job done. Meanwhile, a couple tries to conduct an affair, not realizing
that their room is the one that's been hacked. Cheng's
room has since been rented out to a Hong Kong glam rock
band, and they attempt to enjoy the free show. Then
Richard Ng shows up as a wacky thief, who engages in
ninjitsu to fool the locals. Womanizing tour guide Eric
Tsang gets stalked by not one, but two pretty women
(Cherie Chung and Pat Ha) who seem to like carrying
knives. And finally, Jacky Cheung is a lowly mechanic
at the hotel who lusts after gorgeous executive Sunflower
(Joey Wong). However, his tomboy buddy Boy George (Cecilia
Yip) secretly pines for him. Whew!
As most of the stories
are unrelated, the film goes through its paces without
pausing for much undue reflection or even explication
of what's going on. We're merely supposed to follow
these numerous unimportant plotlines and find some form
of entertainment in it. It's like the presence of big
stars and nonsensical comedy is supposed to make everything
all right. Well...it does! Unlike bigger and more ponderous
all-star comedies, Carry on Hotel never attempts
anything other than strange comedy and brief, amusing
asides. The only saccarine plotline would be Jacky Cheung's,
as he must choose between the glamourous Joey Wong and
the not-so-glamourous (but still quite winning) Cecilia
Yip. To call the plotline touching would probably be
a stretch, but considering the overall lack of pretentiousness
here, that moment of sappiness can easily be forgiven.
Ultimately, Carry on
Hotel proves to be pleasant and inconsequential.
Nothing earth-shattering or even sofa-shaking occurs
here. However, the film is ideal for spending a mellow
afternoon with HK Cinema pals Eric Tsang, Cherie Chung,
Joey Wong, Richard Ng, Cecilia Yip and Jacky Cheung
- if watching these likable stars engage in silly pratfalls
is your idea of a good time. If it isn't, then you should
probably skip this and catch another movie. If you prefer,
there's always something with killing or massive explosions
instead. (Kozo 1998/2002) |
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