Today’s quick review: Luck-Key. When wealthy hitman Hyung-Wook Choi (Hae-jin Yoo) slips and falls in a bathhouse, leaving him with amnesia, struggling actor Jae-seong Yoon (Joon Lee) takes the opportunity to switch locker keys with him. Yoon goes home to Choi’s luxury apartment, while Choi tries to pick up the pieces of Yoon’s shabby life. The ruse works for a while, but Yoon soon realizes he’s in over his head when one of Choi’s contracts comes due.
Luck-Key is a Korean crime comedy in which a born loser and a cold-blooded killer trade places. The killer builds up a wholesome life for himself with the help of Lee-na (Yun-hie Jo), a kindly EMT, while the actor learns that money can’t solve all his problems. Luck-Key takes a familiar premise and turns it into a clean hit, a satisfying comedy with an upbeat tone, inventive situations, and subtle comedic acting that transcends the language barrier.
Luck-Key is pure joy. The humor is simple but effective, a steady stream of awkward situations and goofs as Choi and Yoon settle into each other’s lives. The romance between Choi and Lee-na is sweet and endearing, and it helps Choi grow as a person. The story is light, silly, and predictable, but it’s executed with skill and sneaks in a couple of fun twists. The whole thing is tied together by colorful characters who are easy to like.
Watch Luck-Key when you’re in need of a palate cleanser. Its innocent comedy and heartwarming characters make it a refreshing watch for anyone willing to accept the premise. Those looking for sharper humor, a more convoluted plot, or a more original premise should look elsewhere. For a martial arts comedy with a similar premise, check out Twin Dragons. For a more cerebral crime comedy about mistaken identity, check out Lucky Number Slevin.
6.9 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for enjoyable comedy and a pleasant tone.