This classic Chinese literature “Journey to the West” written by Wu Cheng En, concerning the epic voyage of Tang and his disciples, proves so popular that countless of TV series, comics and movies extract it for inspirations. In this case, Buddha apparently has imprisoned Sun Wu Kong (the Monkey King) for 500 years under the Five Finger Mountain for coursing havoc in Heaven. Accordingly, Tang San Zang, a Tripitaka monk, sent by Guanyin the Goddess of Mercy no doubt, comes along and releases him on the condition that he has to follow and protect him during their journey to India to retrieve the Buddhist scriptures. Along the way, they recruit two more disciples, a pig demon Chu Ba Jie (Pigsy) and Sha Jeng (Sandy).
This latest version produced in mainland China primarily for streaming online is directed by Keung Kwok Man, whereas veteran filmmaker Wong Jing is also credited as the screenwriter who also co-directs. The plot centers around the seven evil spider demons from Pansi Cave who plan to capture and consume Tang Zeng's flesh so they can be more powerful and thereby become eternal. They actually succeed in trapping Tang and two of his disciples in their lair during the absence of the Monkey King who's being exiled due to some dispute with Tang. However, upon learning that his master is in trouble, he speedily storms the Pansi Cave and battles the boss spider.
Benny Chan Ho Man is back as the Monkey King, a character he played so many times before and one can see that he's right at home here portraying the playful demon. Although this is hardly a challenging or a breakthrough performance, he's charismatic enough and holds your attention nonetheless. Veteran Law Kar Ying also returns as the talkative monk but in a much relax mood. The pig demon Chu Ba Jie, Pigsy (Lam Tze Chung) is a less lustful character this time around; instead he's a love sick romantic with a heart of gold. Nonetheless, he still provides the much needed comic relief and goofy moments. Unfortunately, the role of disciple Sha Jeng, played by Mars Cheung, is sod underwritten, the poor actor has hardly anything tangible to contribute.
There're seven spider demons living in the Pansi Cave, Connie Man plays their boss, the Black Spider Wei Hou, a fiend so powerful that even the Monkey King has trouble defeating her alone. Interestingly, Xiao Qi, the Blue Spider (Yun Qian Qian) turns out to be a traitor who helps Tang to escape; after all, she's a vegetarian with a kind heart who's not interested in consuming him. The rest of the spider sprites are just there to look sexy as they repeatedly bath half naked in the river to seduce their victims.
The makeup and special effects in general look cheap and childish, just check out the four monsters which poke fun at the constricted Sun Wu Kong in the beginning. It looks like someone from a kindergarten has a hand in designing these laughable characters. Moreover, both Tang and Sun's traditional costumes also receive a more modern and colorful look. Besides wielding a new weapon, Pigsy even spots heart shaped chest hair. In contrast, the spider monsters wear skimpy wrap around and show lots of complexion.
Affectionately regarded as the “King of rotten movies”, Wong Jing unsurprising extracts and reworks ideas from other noteworthy moves but has given viewers nothing new here. Furthermore, the poorly choreographed action scenes are uninspired and the comedy element is bland and juvenile. Consequently, viewers interested in watching this production should approach it with caution or avoid it altogether.
