THE GOD OF COOKERY (1996)

 

Directed By: Stephen Chow and Lik-Chi Lee Written By: Stephen Chow, Man Sang Lo and Kan-Cheung Tsang Cinematography: Jingle Ma Editor: Ka-Fai Cheung

Cast: Stephen Chow, Karen Mok, Vincent Kok, Man-Tat Ng, Tats Lau, Chi-Shing Chan, Jung Chen

The God of Cookery, a brilliant chef who sits in judgment of those who would challenge his title, loses his title when a jealous chef reveals him to be a con-man and humiliates him publicly. As this new chef takes on the God of Cookery's role, the former God tries to pull himself back on top again, to challenge his rival and find once and for all who is the true God of Cookery.

This is a riches-to-rags story of trying to make a comeback. Where the main character actually Manages to learn something on his way trying to make a comeback.

Where he falls in with an ensemble of oddballs and low lives. Where an asshole stays an asshole but learns some depth and integrity.

Having only seen a few of Writer/Director/Star Stephen Chow’s later more popular movies such as KUNG FU HUSTLE and SHAOLIN SOCCER. Watching this movie isn’t too far off from his later material. Though here a little less polished, the same kind of humor is more broad and slapstick without the heavy reliance on CGI & special effects as much.

His films still come across as more cartoonish. Due to them seeing more like live-action cartoon animated films. Though in all of the films I have watched, the earlier films are more cynical. While his later films are more positive and open. Though this film doesn’t feel as much of a fantasy.

This film Is more of a physical comedy and seems to love to showcase the grotesque.

Though for all the comic violence, blood seems to underline that there are at least some consequences of it.

Though the film is more made for adults. The film like most of his again has a childlike look at the world making even the most dangerous things seem fun. The humor remains juvenile yet usually funny. He still manages to bring some martial arts into it 

The film flows well tighter than her harmoniously. As it comes across at times as a like note to food. Not necessarily a love note though. That showcases the evil of corruption At every turn of business.

The film has a bizarre third act which is strange even for this film. 

Again Stephen Chow is starring, writing, and directing putting himself center stage but happily not failing and managing to impress. He even uses his actual name for the character. 

GRADE: B-