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Some decades are destined to come back. In these years there's one which has been resurrected to create new stylish movies and series. It's style, colourful and vibrant, is the best antidote against the contemporary cynicism of entertainment, which is focused on gritty realism and a poorness of color. It's the 80's obviously and so far we have had Guardians of the Galaxy, Stranger Things and other contents which capitalized a lot by using the trend in fresh and imaginative ways. One of them flew under the radar, creating a cult around it and prompting a sequel with a cast composed by Arnold Schwarzenegger and Michael Fassbender. It's Kung Fury, a short made in Sweden, which stormed YouTube way back in 2015.
PLOT
"In 1985, Kung Fury, the toughest martial artist cop in Miami, goes back in time to kill the worst criminal of all time - Kung Führer, a.k.a. Adolf Hitler" or "80's hints from start to end".
SCRIPT
This is bonkers. This has all the cliches of action movies and a multitude of tributes to the action stars who defined it like Van Damme, Schwarzenegger, Stallone and Hasselhoff. It isn't just about the movies because it readapts the style of cult series like Supercar, G.I. Joe, Miami Vice and Mask. Yes, the plot is nonsensical but it knows that and double down the madness. Yes, the characters have no story arch and yes, there's no resolution whatsoever but this is not the point. This flick wanted to pay homage to an era when most of the movie were dumb and fun, when the toxic masculinity was celebrated and technology wasn't understood by movie's producers. This either the best script ever realized or the worst. Sometimes geniality is disguised by insanity.
Script: 7/10
ACTING
It's bad, like really bad. It seems intended to be like that, especially the protagonist, but it's clear that there's a lack of talent (which is focused on the script). There's David Hasselhoff here but he has a minor role and he doesn't bring up the acting quality of the short. I'm going to give the benefit of the doubt to this one...but it's still pretty bad.
Acting: 3/10
PHOTOGRAPHY
The creators crafted a movie with original aesthetics and ever changing style. Everything which happens on the screen is made to keep you hooked: the sudden movie's interruptions and ads which pop out of nowhere, the flashing bright lights which bring you back to the "best period" of human civilization....this is a gold mine for everyone who looks at the 80's with admiration.
Photography: 8/10
EDITING
It's original and differs from scene to scene, to tell the story with hints to different series and videogames. You'll notice the nods to Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter and other vintage videogames. Maybe you know about them, maybe not, but people of a certain age will get them easily. So be receptive and catch'em all.
Editing: 8/10
SPECIAL EFFECTS
They're bad and cheesy but they work in this movie. The issue is that all of it is cgi and looks so fake. Some good scenes are well done and homage G.I. Joe and Dragon Ball Z, which are rigorously hand drawn, others look mediocre because it's hard to pull it off with a budget which is under a million. It's a mixed bag which annihilates the eyes and pleases them with original sceneries.
Special Effects: 6/10
SOUNDTRACK
It's syntwave and retro electric, a staple of 80's movies. You'll recognise some nods to other themes like Miami Vice's one. This is what makes this movie a rare gem and it's present from start to end. If you liked the theme, Hasselhoff has made a song which in itself deserves to be praised. It's hard to find a soundtrack which fits to perfection the movie. This is one of the few which does it perfectly.
Soundtrack: 9/10
COSTUMES
I like them because they're consistent with the movie's tone and the characters. Clearly they wanted to spoof Rambo, Conan the Barbarian and every cop movie, even the one with a T-Rex. Kung Fury's clothes are iconic in a certain way and are integral to the plot. Hackerman is largely stereotyped, spoofing every movie which didn't understand who is or what does an Hacker. There's an attention to details which is satisfactory because no one wears clothes out of place and time.
Costumes: 7/10
CONCLUSION
Script: 7/10
Acting: 3/10
Photography: 8/10
Editing: 8/10
Special Effects: 6/10
Soundtrack: 9/10
Costumes: 7/10
AVERAGE: 6,85
This is a masterpiece made by the fans and brought to the mainstream. It's flawed but it shines with his witty script, majestic soundtrack and fantastic editing. I think that a review isn't enough to describe it because there's so much to talk about, even though it's a short. See it with your friends, see it with you girl but see it now, before the sequel comes out. Experience the mastery of Kung Fury and get back in time, to revive the best years of our history. The legend began with these words:
"I'm a cop, and damn good at my job. It all began years ago, in the line of duty. Me and my partner were chasing down a mysterious kung-fu master"
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Director: David Sandberg
Screenplay: David Sandberg
Cast: David Sandberg, Jorma Taccone, Leopold Nilsson, Eleni Young, Helene Ahlson, Andreas Cahling, Per-Henrik Arvidius, Steven Chew, Magnus Betnér, Björn Gustafsson,David Hasselhoff
Soundtrack: Mitch Murder, Lost Years
Cinematography: Matias Andersson, Jonas Ernhill
Running Time: 31 minutes
Budget: $630'019
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