Review of CJ7 (2008) by Bentley L — 17 May 2011

Stephen Chow's "CJ7" is like a Chinese version of a Robert Rodriguez family film. It contains many of the elements of his family movies and Chow seems to make use of them. Cartoony effects, kids with bully issues, silly parents, yup, Stephen Chow used all of these.

The film tells the story of an extremely poor single father named Ti and his son, Dicky. Trust me when I say "extremely poor". Ti can't seem to afford anything for his son even though he is employed. Dig this: they eat rotten food! *Barfs* Dicky begs his father to get the hottest new toy for him, CJ-6, which is a toy robot. Yup, he dosen't get it for him and a very awkward moment ensues. Something you wouldn't find in an American family film. However, Ti witnesses an alien landing. An alien who would make a perfect friend for his son. A little furry, cute little alien who he calls, wait for it, CJ-7. And so, silliness, and often tragedy, occurs when the alien enters their lives.

The film did not recieve the English dubbing that Chow's other films got. So we're stuck with subtitles. From the subtitles, it was a pretty funny film. It had very weird, fish-out-of-water moments and some touching dialogue.

"CJ-7" also had a good message for youngsters. It was a film that I enjoyed but it wasn't the best. However, I would've loved the film even more if it didn't take away my apetite. Despite the fact that the boy and his father eat rotten food, there is a scene involving human waste. Unpleasant.

So, if you like silly and sweet family films, seek out Stephen Chow's "CJ-7".

"I'm gonna stab you in the heart!".