Today’s quick review: Love on Delivery. Delivery boy He Jin Yin (Stephen Chow) is a nice guy, but he’s too much of a coward for Li (Christy Chung), a martial arts student who wants to date a man who’s brave and heroic. To win her heart, Jin Yin hires a shady shopkeeper (Ng Man-Tat) to teach him how to fight. Armed with an array of unconventional techniques, he sets out to prove himself by defending Li from Grizzly (Joe Cheng), her boorish suitor.
Love on Delivery is a martial arts comedy starring Stephen Chow. Love on Delivery pits a sweet, hapless delivery boy against his stronger, better trained romantic rival in a fight for the heart of his soulmate. The movie offers energetic comedy and a breezy tone. Its talented cast, their sharp interactions, a bevy of rapid-fire jokes, and a healthy dose of slapstick make Love on Delivery a treat for the right viewer.
Love on Delivery works humor into even its smallest moments. Hardly a second goes by without a joke of one form or another, and nearly all of them hit the mark. Stephen Chow leads a lively cast with great chemistry and impeccable comedic timing. The film is packed with vivid characters, petty scams, over-the-top situations, and martial arts-esque slapstick. Fans of absurd, goofy, and light-hearted fun will find plenty to love.
The one drawback to so much comedy is that Love on Delivery doesn’t take anything seriously. The plot is simple and breezy, a parody of countless other martial arts movies and love stories. The action is geared more towards humor than spectacle, with unconventional gimmicks but little in the way of traditional martial arts. There’s no hidden depth to the film, just a likable hero who fumbles his way through a series of setbacks and triumphs.
Love on Delivery is a strong pick for fans of the ridiculous side of the comedy genre. Its particular flavor of comedy won’t match everyone’s tastes, but those looking for something simple, pure, and joyful should give it a shot. Steer clear if you’re looking for real drama, dry humor, or harder-hitting action.
For another Stephen Chow comedy with even more action and heart, try Kung Fu Hustle. For another one in the same vein, try Shaolin Soccer or Justice, My Foot!. For the equivalent style of American comedy, try Airplane!, The Naked Gun, or Hot Shots!.
6.9 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for creative, sharply delivered comedy.