Today’s quick review: Bulletproof Monk. For sixty years, a nameless Buddhist monk (Chow Yun-Fat) has guarded a mystical scroll that contains unfathomable power. As the time approaches to pick his successor, he meets an unlikely candidate in Kar (Seann William Scott), a pickpocket and amateur martial artist. But Struker (Karel Roden), an aging Nazi war criminal, has his sights set on the scroll, and he wills top at nothing to get it.
Bulletproof Monk is a martial arts action comedy that pairs a jovial monk with an overconfident thief. The film features martial arts wire stunts, a decent lead duo, and a light tone throughout. Much of the comedy comes from the monk’s attempts to make Kar a better person, while the action makes heavy use of the monk’s physics-defying skills. However, a mediocre script limits the film’s potential, keeping it from being anything more than a popcorn watch.
How much you get out of Bulletproof Monk will depend on how much you like its two leads. Neither one is all that deep a character, and neither is especially well-acted, but both Chow Yun-Fat and Seann William Scott are easy to like, and their banter is charming enough. The stunts are enough to give the film some excitement, but there’s nothing all that surprising or technically impressive, and Kar comes off as a mid-rate fighter at best.
Watch Bulletproof Monk when you’re in the mood for an uncomplicated popcorn flick. The movie has little in the way of plot or drama, and neither its comedy nor its action hold any special appeal. But those looking to relax in front of something light could do worse. Bulletproof Monk lacks the quality to win over skeptical viewers, but there’s fun to be had for those who are willing to roll with the punches.
For a martial arts film that plays with similar ideas, try The Forbidden Kingdom or The Medallion. For a superhero take on a similar premise, try Captain America: The First Avenger or Doctor Strange.
5.5 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.0 to 6.5 for decent fun but shaky craftsmanship.