Our take
Shaolin Soccer is hilarious. It takes all the familiar elements of the sports drama and kung-fu action flicks, and uses it to create ludicrous stunts, jokes, and slapstick that poke fun at how self-serious the genres tend to be. It helps that the jagged edges of both types fit quite well– “Golden Leg” Fung may not know kung-fu, but the former athlete turned coach makes for a great unexpected mentor that Shaolin monk Sing could learn from. Likewise, Sing having learned a different craft makes him the perfect underdog Fung can teach. However, what makes Shaolin Soccer work is its heart. As the Shaolin style of kung fu has been ignored for more marketable, fighting-focused styles, and as Fung’s career has ended due to sabotage, their team-up allows them to fight for their respective passions. It just so happens to be downright hilarious.
The story
A young Shaolin follower reunites with his discouraged brothers to form a soccer team using their martial art skills to their advantage.
Elsewhere
"[Johnson's] skin looks as though it's been slathered in butter; his enjoyment is infectious and keeps the movie speeding along."
— Bruce Diones
A young Shaolin follower reunites with his discouraged brothers to form a soccer team using their martial art skills to their advantage.
Streaming arrival
Who picked it
Isabella Endrinal is a curator at A Good Movie to Watch. She's now free from the corporate night shift. Previous articles have been published in outlets such as NANG Magazine. She's currently catching up on some classic films… if she isn't coping with the fact that the Haikyu anime will end soon.
"The last 20 minutes or so of Fast Five are as immensely pleasurable as anything I've seen in a movie theater this year."
— Scott Foundas