First I do realize that this style of humor is not for everyone, and in fact some of the jokes fall flat on me, but I must say, for the most part I found this film to be hilarious. The young kids in this film, both the main character and his enemy at school are amazing actors for their age, the director Stephen Chow not only directs a good film but delivers a great performance as the main characters father as well. If I had any complaints at all it would be about the special effects, I do admit that they are very good at times and I'm willing to guess that they were intended to look the way they do, but I personally thought they just looked to fake. Also for this being a kids film, I sure thought there was a lot of anger coming from the main character towards CJ7 especially in a few surprisingly violent films, sure it's cartoon violence but in a kids film that doesn't work for me. I have heard many comparisons between this film and E.T. which in some ways I would agree with, but correct me if I'm wrong but I don't remember Elliot ever beating the crap out of E.T. So yes there is that small detail, but that is all easily over looked along with some of the jokes that fall flat because despite it, a great film with great acting that at times is down right laugh out loud hilarious lies beneath.
75 Reviews
A message for the Mainland
daseiyi9 March 2008
This is an unusual Stephen Chow movie in that it isn't as nonsensical as it could have been, but more touching. It reveals a lot more about Stephen Chow, who also came from a very poor background, and worked his way up to where he is. He doesn't want to lose sight of it, and wants the audience to know it's OK, he no longer has to sneak his values and disguise it in mo lei tou anymore. This movie is in line with what he wants to point out- that one may have a heart no matter what station of life, and that only the poor can rise to greatness as only they can understand the true values in life. Of course, his pick-up line at the end was hilarious as he tried to woo the pretty teacher. She asked him how he was feeling, and he says something is wrong with his body, he is far too handsome now. She said that's really funny! He said, no, not funny, I am really too handsome!! Ha ha ha.
I almost didn't like it
chipvd31 January 2008
There are so many set-ups to potentially unwatchable kid flicks within this film and yet the story somehow carves a unique path around them. Example- My first impression of the main character, the poor yet adorable little Dickie, was that of an adorable slum-born prodigy. Turns out, he's a spoiled brat and he sucks inschool. What's worse, his poor father is working his ass off so little Dickie can go to private school. Yet the story revolves around this cute little kid like he's the second coming of Macaulay Culkin. Hard to swallow if it weren't for the fact that he, like the alien, are cute as a button
There is something so great about taking an overworked Hollywood premise and handing it over to someone like Chow. It's as though he is making a tired mass-appealing movie, yet the scenes he chooses to tell the story make me think it's all tongue-in-cheek.
This damn toy alien, CJ7 is going to catch like Pokemon wildfire wherever this film is shown. Yet, within the film he's slapped, drowned, hacksawed, strangled, drilled, probed, flattened, choked, trapped in a plastic bag and stabbed with a banana- and that's just what the kids do to him!
In any event, I almost left when the cute alien arrived in the movie, but I'm glad I stayed. The movie is just too weird to pass up. If Shaolin Soccer is Chow's Bad News Bears, CJ7 is his ET. Both very entertaining films crammed into their genres like a fat-footed woman trying to wear pumps- with hilarious consequences.
There is something so great about taking an overworked Hollywood premise and handing it over to someone like Chow. It's as though he is making a tired mass-appealing movie, yet the scenes he chooses to tell the story make me think it's all tongue-in-cheek.
This damn toy alien, CJ7 is going to catch like Pokemon wildfire wherever this film is shown. Yet, within the film he's slapped, drowned, hacksawed, strangled, drilled, probed, flattened, choked, trapped in a plastic bag and stabbed with a banana- and that's just what the kids do to him!
In any event, I almost left when the cute alien arrived in the movie, but I'm glad I stayed. The movie is just too weird to pass up. If Shaolin Soccer is Chow's Bad News Bears, CJ7 is his ET. Both very entertaining films crammed into their genres like a fat-footed woman trying to wear pumps- with hilarious consequences.
Out There
JohnDeSando18 April 2008
"It can be demonstrated that the child's contact with the real world is strengthened by his periodic excursions into fantasy. It becomes easier to tolerate the frustrations of the real world and to accede to the demands of reality if one can restore himself at intervals in a world where the deepest wishes can achieve imaginary gratification." Selma H. Fraiberg, Child Psychologist
Stephen Chow is a big star in Asia, and his fantasy CJ7 is a big hit. Although I'm not sure American audiences will return a Jackie-Chan-like box office bundle for this E. T. knock off, I do know that allegorical, off-the-wall, science fictional kid flicks like this are rare and fun if you give yourself into their absurdity.
Some critics liken Chow to Jerry Lewis; Chow is much more imaginative than Lewis, relying as Chow does less on slapstick and more on the intriguing impulses of a small Chinese boy, whose poverty serves as a catalyst for his life-defining experience discovering an outer space dog-like companion and his own love for a hapless but adorable father. Overcoming the bullying about his status in the playground and finding love in a classmate, teacher, father, and alien are enough for most of us in a lifetime.
Chow handles the eccentric material with ease as he minimizes CGI and marginalizes himself for the impressive talents of young Jiao Xu (actually a girl) as the growing-up-fast Dickey. The film comes close to Lassie-like sentiment but never fully settles in that territory. The requisite moralizing, in this case about the importance of love and education, is not suffocating, and the imaginative dream sequences are just that: out-there fantasies of a boy who needs a faithful toy and loving father.
The Yangtze River is known as "Changjiang" in Mandarin, therefore the shortened "CJ," which is also the name for Chinese activities such as space probes. No matter, for these multiple references serve to emphasize the lighter than air world of a man, his boy, and a space dog.
E. T. has come home again in a different form with much less fanfare, yet every child has to love the anarchy.
Stephen Chow is a big star in Asia, and his fantasy CJ7 is a big hit. Although I'm not sure American audiences will return a Jackie-Chan-like box office bundle for this E. T. knock off, I do know that allegorical, off-the-wall, science fictional kid flicks like this are rare and fun if you give yourself into their absurdity.
Some critics liken Chow to Jerry Lewis; Chow is much more imaginative than Lewis, relying as Chow does less on slapstick and more on the intriguing impulses of a small Chinese boy, whose poverty serves as a catalyst for his life-defining experience discovering an outer space dog-like companion and his own love for a hapless but adorable father. Overcoming the bullying about his status in the playground and finding love in a classmate, teacher, father, and alien are enough for most of us in a lifetime.
Chow handles the eccentric material with ease as he minimizes CGI and marginalizes himself for the impressive talents of young Jiao Xu (actually a girl) as the growing-up-fast Dickey. The film comes close to Lassie-like sentiment but never fully settles in that territory. The requisite moralizing, in this case about the importance of love and education, is not suffocating, and the imaginative dream sequences are just that: out-there fantasies of a boy who needs a faithful toy and loving father.
The Yangtze River is known as "Changjiang" in Mandarin, therefore the shortened "CJ," which is also the name for Chinese activities such as space probes. No matter, for these multiple references serve to emphasize the lighter than air world of a man, his boy, and a space dog.
E. T. has come home again in a different form with much less fanfare, yet every child has to love the anarchy.
Despite all the flaws, it deserves a view by everyone who has a family
honorhorror9 April 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Despite all the flaws, it deserves a view by everyone who has a family. That's the point.
Yes, most of the special effects in the movie are cheesy. But, they fit the humorous atmosphere perfectly. Stephen Chow tuned down himself to tell a story of poor people and real emotions. The little son played by a young actress is very convincing, surpassing my expectation. Sometimes you can feel the story being pushed forward, but they are all honest and common just as real life. For times, I have been taken to my tears. And, after the first viewing I feel kind of released.
The ideas are simple in the movie but they all make common senses. For example, after the beginning of the film, Chow was criticized by his boss about working so hard to push the child into a upper-class school. If you really live in China you won't find these ideas ridiculous.
Overally, I was moved. 7/10 for it being too short.
Yes, most of the special effects in the movie are cheesy. But, they fit the humorous atmosphere perfectly. Stephen Chow tuned down himself to tell a story of poor people and real emotions. The little son played by a young actress is very convincing, surpassing my expectation. Sometimes you can feel the story being pushed forward, but they are all honest and common just as real life. For times, I have been taken to my tears. And, after the first viewing I feel kind of released.
The ideas are simple in the movie but they all make common senses. For example, after the beginning of the film, Chow was criticized by his boss about working so hard to push the child into a upper-class school. If you really live in China you won't find these ideas ridiculous.
Overally, I was moved. 7/10 for it being too short.
Deeper Morals
drunken_tiger_153 October 2010
Another Chow movie has intrigued me yet again. Though, a little different to his other known humour such as ,'Kung-fu Hustle' and 'Shaolin Soccer', this particular movie has portrayed more than just the random bursts of laughter.
The storyline may be somewhat average but because it's aimed at a younger audience, it mostly doesn't matter. What's most important, are the contents that are being portrayed. There's an underlying message conveyed to the audience, not only just to the children but to the adults as well and that is, you should cherish the things you already have in life, most importantly your family. Which, in this case the film has portrayed very well to the point where I almost shed a few tears.
The storyline may be somewhat average but because it's aimed at a younger audience, it mostly doesn't matter. What's most important, are the contents that are being portrayed. There's an underlying message conveyed to the audience, not only just to the children but to the adults as well and that is, you should cherish the things you already have in life, most importantly your family. Which, in this case the film has portrayed very well to the point where I almost shed a few tears.
great fun for young and old alike
Buddy-5110 August 2010
Youngsters will get a real kick out of "CJ7," a delightful sci-fi comedy from China that should satisfy any child's requirements for a wish-fulfillment fantasy.
Dicky is a grade school boy who lives in an abandoned, dilapidated and roach-infested building with his father, an uneducated laborer who works construction jobs during the day so he can afford to send his boy to a posh private school, and then scavenges the local dumpsites for throw-away items (worn-out shoes, a busted fan) at night. Due to his low class upbringing and background, as reflected in his unkempt mien and disheveled appearance, Dicky has become a constant target of bullying and ridicule at school - until, that is, he comes into possession of a mysterious "toy," or possibly an alien from outer space, that gives the lad the ability to perform feats of astonishing physical and mental dexterity, to the great amazement and amusement of his fellow students. Yet, could this little creature (whom Dicky dubs CJ7, after a similar toy made here on earth) wind up causing the boy more trouble than it saves him in the long run?
Although the sci-fi aspects can become a bit cutesy and cheesy at times, the real strength of the film lies in its beautifully observed relationship between a down-on-his-luck father who's doing all he can to instill the values of hard work and honesty into his boy, and a son who'd rather spend his time devising ways to get out of doing his schoolwork so he can spend all his time playing with his new-found friend from outer space. It's that father/son relationship that keeps the story grounded in reality and that gives plausibility and weight to the more fantastical elements of the tale. Xu Jiao (who is actually a girl in real life) and Stephen Chow (who also co-wrote and directed the film) are utterly charming, winning and appealing as Dicky and his dad, respectively, and they are matched by a whole host of wonderful supporting players, both of the full-sized and the pint-sized variety.
Like all good stories aimed at kids, "CJ7" is just chock-full of rock-solid values like tolerance, acceptance, discipline and hard work, yet it never feels the need to preach or talk down to its audience. Instead, the values filter their way through a well-told story - which, of course, is as it should be.
Sentimental in the best sense of that term - with a hint of "The Kid" here, a touch of "E.T." there - "CJ7" provides near-perfect entertainment for the young, as well as those still young enough to remember what it was like to be young.
Dicky is a grade school boy who lives in an abandoned, dilapidated and roach-infested building with his father, an uneducated laborer who works construction jobs during the day so he can afford to send his boy to a posh private school, and then scavenges the local dumpsites for throw-away items (worn-out shoes, a busted fan) at night. Due to his low class upbringing and background, as reflected in his unkempt mien and disheveled appearance, Dicky has become a constant target of bullying and ridicule at school - until, that is, he comes into possession of a mysterious "toy," or possibly an alien from outer space, that gives the lad the ability to perform feats of astonishing physical and mental dexterity, to the great amazement and amusement of his fellow students. Yet, could this little creature (whom Dicky dubs CJ7, after a similar toy made here on earth) wind up causing the boy more trouble than it saves him in the long run?
Although the sci-fi aspects can become a bit cutesy and cheesy at times, the real strength of the film lies in its beautifully observed relationship between a down-on-his-luck father who's doing all he can to instill the values of hard work and honesty into his boy, and a son who'd rather spend his time devising ways to get out of doing his schoolwork so he can spend all his time playing with his new-found friend from outer space. It's that father/son relationship that keeps the story grounded in reality and that gives plausibility and weight to the more fantastical elements of the tale. Xu Jiao (who is actually a girl in real life) and Stephen Chow (who also co-wrote and directed the film) are utterly charming, winning and appealing as Dicky and his dad, respectively, and they are matched by a whole host of wonderful supporting players, both of the full-sized and the pint-sized variety.
Like all good stories aimed at kids, "CJ7" is just chock-full of rock-solid values like tolerance, acceptance, discipline and hard work, yet it never feels the need to preach or talk down to its audience. Instead, the values filter their way through a well-told story - which, of course, is as it should be.
Sentimental in the best sense of that term - with a hint of "The Kid" here, a touch of "E.T." there - "CJ7" provides near-perfect entertainment for the young, as well as those still young enough to remember what it was like to be young.
Audio is Cantonese not Mandarin
JiSiN16 March 2008
I found a mistake here.
Original Audio in this movie is "Cantonese" not "Mandarin" In Hong Kong they usually talk Cantonese. I don't know if its possible to contact you in other ways. Would be nice if you can correct that part.
The Movie is pretty funny. Maybe not Chow Sing Chi's best movie but for sure also not the worst. I can recommend this movie to all people who would like to watch a Asian comedy movie. Humor is sometimes kinda typical Chow Sing Chi style.
Thanks
regards,
Redzepagic H.
Original Audio in this movie is "Cantonese" not "Mandarin" In Hong Kong they usually talk Cantonese. I don't know if its possible to contact you in other ways. Would be nice if you can correct that part.
The Movie is pretty funny. Maybe not Chow Sing Chi's best movie but for sure also not the worst. I can recommend this movie to all people who would like to watch a Asian comedy movie. Humor is sometimes kinda typical Chow Sing Chi style.
Thanks
regards,
Redzepagic H.
Wow!
imdb15 April 2008
This is a very good movie. I have laughed out loud and cried real tears, and that doesn't happen often! There are elements in the movie like in Shaolin Soccer, and it has some of Gremlins. Not everything that happens is possible (like in Shaolin Soccer), but that doesn't disturb the slightest, on the contrary, it's very funny. The young boy is a very good actor; amazingly so (he appears to be at most 10 years old). If anything is wrong with movie then it's that it's too short. I wish it was twice as long! I can highly recommend to watch this with children, but don't let them watch alone, as it contains a very sad scene that might need some hugging to get through.
A curio from Chow
zetes24 August 2008
Stephen Chow follows up his sensational martial arts comedies Shaolin Soccer and Kung Fu Hustle with what I can only hope will be a curio in a long and illustrious career. CJ7 is not a terrible film, per se, just a small and unsatisfying one. Kind of a rip-off of E.T. with a heavy dose of maudlin, Chaplinesque comedy. Oh, and doggy doo. The story is about a poor boy (played by a girl, Jiao Xu) and his father (Chow). Chow is a construction worker who lives in abject poverty because he spends every dime on a high-class school for his son. One might think that gigantic cockroaches and rotten apple dinners might detract from such an education, but not this father. Chow often brings stuff home he finds in the dump for his kid, and one day he finds a glowing green ball. It turns out to be an alien dog-like creature, which the kid names CJ7. The Chinese may be moving ahead of us at green technology production and cheating in gymnastics, but we can be assured that they will never surpass out ability to create CGI that doesn't totally suck. CGI always kind of sucks, but you learn to appreciate the cartoonish Incredible Hulk after you see CJ7. It's the kind of special effect that's meant to be cute, but at best looks creepy and at worst, which is most of the time, it just looks fake. Anyway, Jiao Xu soon discovers that CJ7 has magical powers, and it helps bring him and his father closer together. Pretty lame. The film does have some positive points, though. Chow is an excellent director. I have no idea what possessed him to make this movie (he is credited as a screenwriter, one of six, but I don't know to what extent this movie is "his"), but he comes up with some fine set-pieces. There are at least two sequences which include classic Chow kung fu. I really liked the scenes where Jiao Xu is at school. It would have been nicer if these had been developed even more, or maybe even if the entire movie had been about Jiao Xu's experiences at school. IMDb doesn't have the child actors credited beyond Xu, but I love the kid who plays Johnny, the school bully. There's also a giantess who falls for Xu. The goofiness of Chow's earlier films is still prevalent. Sometimes it's just weird, as in the Rube Goldberg-like climactic sequence which ends in a semi-comic tragedy, but it's as often charming.
A Very Frightening Insight into Chinese Culture
Fritz_Gerlich19 December 2008
Warning: Spoilers
If this movie provides any insight into the Chinese psyche, I'm worried. First off this is a kids movie with a cute little alien creature that a boy befriends. EXCEPT the boy doesn't befriend him. He tries use him at first to get stuff, like good grades, and when the alien fails the alien is tortured, beaten, and thrown in the trash. For some reason, the alien returns to the boys home where he is further beaten and hit and thrown around. The alien decides to stay again. I am going to reveal the ending...The movie ends with the father being killed at an accident at work and the cute fuzzy alien thing sacrificing himself to resurrect the father. The only sense of the story I can make is that the creature was so despondent at being left in such a cruel miserable country he decided to kill himself by resurrecting the father. He resurrected the father because he wanted to punish him for being such a jerk by making him live longer at his sucky life as a poverty stricken coolie.
And don't worry, the boy gets beaten too. Great kids movie. Want to know why China is one of the worst offenders when it comes to animal cruelty? Here's one reason why.
Now I am no huge fan of Disney/Pixar/Dreamworks, but at least the messages in their movies have a beautiful sentiment behind them. You know, friendship is important, love is important, etc etc. The message in this movie seems to be you can treat non-human living beings as horrible as you want, use them, dispose of them, and you will still be their master. If this is what passes for children's entertainment in China, then that is one messed up country.
I should also mention, this movie is painfully unfunny. Most American kids movies have a lot of clever things to keep adults entertained along with the young ones. Like, for example, the use of Led Zeppelin's Immigrant Song in Shriek III. There is none of that in this movie. It is extremely dumbed down. But it won't work for kids either, as it can be upsetting to sensitive children.
So, unless you are interested in a sociological examination of what constitutes a kid's movie from China, stay far away from this one. Shaolin Soccer isn't too bad though. I don't know where all the positive reviews came from either. I think it must be astroturfing by people who work for the studio.
And don't worry, the boy gets beaten too. Great kids movie. Want to know why China is one of the worst offenders when it comes to animal cruelty? Here's one reason why.
Now I am no huge fan of Disney/Pixar/Dreamworks, but at least the messages in their movies have a beautiful sentiment behind them. You know, friendship is important, love is important, etc etc. The message in this movie seems to be you can treat non-human living beings as horrible as you want, use them, dispose of them, and you will still be their master. If this is what passes for children's entertainment in China, then that is one messed up country.
I should also mention, this movie is painfully unfunny. Most American kids movies have a lot of clever things to keep adults entertained along with the young ones. Like, for example, the use of Led Zeppelin's Immigrant Song in Shriek III. There is none of that in this movie. It is extremely dumbed down. But it won't work for kids either, as it can be upsetting to sensitive children.
So, unless you are interested in a sociological examination of what constitutes a kid's movie from China, stay far away from this one. Shaolin Soccer isn't too bad though. I don't know where all the positive reviews came from either. I think it must be astroturfing by people who work for the studio.
A great film for kids and their parents!
jaffacake2k5 May 2008
Let me start by saying that this film isn't in English so make sure you watch a version dubbed into English if you happen to be watching with children.
Im 41 years old yet this film provoked me into both laughing out aloud and softly shedding a tear or two. It certainly hits the mark. Don't expect anything too sophisticated - this is a simple story told through the eyes of a child.
All of the acting is competent and Jiao Xu steals every scene he's in. CJ7 is adorable and I can only image there will be a soft toy/animatronic on the Asian market by the time you read this.
Well worth the 90mins of your life! 10/10
Im 41 years old yet this film provoked me into both laughing out aloud and softly shedding a tear or two. It certainly hits the mark. Don't expect anything too sophisticated - this is a simple story told through the eyes of a child.
All of the acting is competent and Jiao Xu steals every scene he's in. CJ7 is adorable and I can only image there will be a soft toy/animatronic on the Asian market by the time you read this.
Well worth the 90mins of your life! 10/10
A touching, cute movie for Chinese New Year
vinspoon1 February 2008
I am a huge fan of Stephen Chow, and just saw this in Hong Kong on the date of release. Audiences expecting lots of laughs may be disappointed in his new film, as the focus is on the relationship and bonding between Father and Son with many touching moments and a few laughs here and there. If I must categorize this movie, it is more of a Drama/Sci-Fi rather than a Comedy/Sci-Fi as I originally thought. But, I must say that Stephen's and the kid's acting is definitely excellent and very convincing and I saw a few girls sobbing in the theater. (And that's a first for Stephen Chow movies!!!) I guess Stephen Chow is getting more serious in acting and directing as he grows older. But, deep down inside, I am still yearning for the original "mo lei tou" type of comedy which is more fun!
Absolutely Awful
Seth18042 February 2008
Stephen Chow has an off day, takes a dump, and presents it to his fans. It is really that bad. This movie is not funny, there is no attempt at humor, nor does it make up for with any great visuals or CGIs. There is not a single funny line coming from Stephen himself, and in fact he is not even the main character in the film. The marketing for this film is deceiving, which is why I am ever more disappointed. From what I have recently heard, this film may have been made by Stephen for poor children in mainland China, but even for doing so, his idea falls face flat and it all comes off worse.
Stephen takes a more supporting role and lets the kids (who are all really just annoying brats) run the entire film. In fact I would not be surprised if it were actually the kids in the film who actually wrote, produced and directed the film. To hear stuff like the film took 3 years to make, leaves me wondering what they did this whole time, as the script could have been written in a week's time, the filming in a month, and the CGI and post-production in 3 months.
By all accounts, if you have 6-8 years olds, let them watch this film (that is only if you don't have a good Pixar films around, or ET), but steer yourself clear, as any expectation that you may have for a Stephen Chow film would leave you pulling your hair off your head and throwing up. Steer clear off this junk.
Stephen takes a more supporting role and lets the kids (who are all really just annoying brats) run the entire film. In fact I would not be surprised if it were actually the kids in the film who actually wrote, produced and directed the film. To hear stuff like the film took 3 years to make, leaves me wondering what they did this whole time, as the script could have been written in a week's time, the filming in a month, and the CGI and post-production in 3 months.
By all accounts, if you have 6-8 years olds, let them watch this film (that is only if you don't have a good Pixar films around, or ET), but steer yourself clear, as any expectation that you may have for a Stephen Chow film would leave you pulling your hair off your head and throwing up. Steer clear off this junk.
Fun Movie
bechtf31 August 2008
This was a totally entertaining movie. A movie from a different culture. The winer about brutality to CJ7 needs to view the movie completely, without the sappy American insights. Hey, the kid thought it was a toy - we don't all have the insight of the movie viewer. This was like a revised E.T. without the Spielberg sermonizing. Lots of fun. Interesting in the similarities in the father's workplace, and his boss to our culture. Rent it, don't buy it as once is enough... but once is enjoyable. I loved Kung Fu Hustle, and this movie shows another side of Stephen Chow. Of course, I can't wait for Kung Fu Hustle 2! Watch this one forthe fun of it... kids should enjoy it immensely.
Good
pnlvijay23 August 2008
This is my first comment.
The first part that you will like in the movie is the boy who comes as Dicky. His expressions are really good. Especially when he sees CJ7 first time in the cupboard, you cant stop laughing.
I am not sure whether the film has been inspired from the Hindi film "Koi Mil Gaya", but its far better than that. Don't expect anything serious from the movie. Just spend few minutes to see the superb performance of the boy and the super dog.
Finally i give 6/10 of which the boy takes 4 and the dog takes 2. Thank you.
The first part that you will like in the movie is the boy who comes as Dicky. His expressions are really good. Especially when he sees CJ7 first time in the cupboard, you cant stop laughing.
I am not sure whether the film has been inspired from the Hindi film "Koi Mil Gaya", but its far better than that. Don't expect anything serious from the movie. Just spend few minutes to see the superb performance of the boy and the super dog.
Finally i give 6/10 of which the boy takes 4 and the dog takes 2. Thank you.
Lucks For The Poor
shady_lanem2 March 2008
There're many good and highly budgeted films released same time with the release of CJ7. Knowing its Stephen Chow movie, I don't hesitate to watch it first of all other newly released films. When the movie started, I notice one thing in common with all of his movies, Stephen Chow = poor person. Well, at least in his acting roles for the past 3 or more movies he has starred in.
This movie is more kiddish like, very different from his previous roles. However, even though it's mostly for kids viewing pleasure with that cute little alien dog or what it's called CJ7, there are some points in the movie that might fright you out of the blue. It got me pretty good with that red cloth hanging on the ceiling (I'm pretty sure the 1st time it appears to be really scary and 'real' than it's revealed what its supposed to be h'm...for kids?) Anyway, if you like cute little animal, this movie is definitely worth watching. Don't expect goofs and funny acts, not in this one.
This movie is more kiddish like, very different from his previous roles. However, even though it's mostly for kids viewing pleasure with that cute little alien dog or what it's called CJ7, there are some points in the movie that might fright you out of the blue. It got me pretty good with that red cloth hanging on the ceiling (I'm pretty sure the 1st time it appears to be really scary and 'real' than it's revealed what its supposed to be h'm...for kids?) Anyway, if you like cute little animal, this movie is definitely worth watching. Don't expect goofs and funny acts, not in this one.
CJ7 (2008) is a very enjoyable creative piece. It is full of lighthearted events, though behind every scene there is also a preponderance of sobriety. The ridicule of the scho
tejasjio12 January 2022
CJ7 (2008) is a very enjoyable creative piece. It is full of lighthearted events, though behind every scene there is also a preponderance of sobriety. The ridicule of the school bully, for example, is effective. No school is more worthy than the one that can quickly extinguish the school-yard bully. What makes this movie special are the many dual interactions that are at play. The dominant one, of course, is the father-son relationship. But also challenging are those between employer and employee, between teacher and student, and between the student from a well-off family and the poor, single parent student. All these dynamic interactions are brought together in a meaningful way by a most lightweight yet intricate visitor from outer space. Watching CJ7 (2008) is like going back to the future using simple technology that cannot be understood by scientists and engineers. Nevertheless, viewers can relate to the conflicts, sorrows, and emotions that are rendered trivial by the powers of CJ7.
Disappointing but still had some humor
RubyWinged7 March 2008
I got to watch this film as a preview in NYC. As a big fan of Kung Fu Hustle and Shaolin Soccer I was really looking forward to this film. I came away a bit disappointed. I tried to be open-minded since the film was rated PG and was obviously set up to sell cute stuffed imitations of the title character to children, but a major scene in the film involving the father's relationship with his son really bothered me. It serves only to take the film down a notch. It would have been better if this scene was done differently, and also if the film had ended at a different point than it did. Perhaps it's just a difference in cultures though, and the scene in question is archetypal of Chinese films, but as an American, I find it unappealing.
The son's acting could have been better, or perhaps some CGI could have been used to make his negative emotions appear more realistic for a child.
Stephen Chow did deliver with numerous sight gags and physical humor, including references to the other two films I mentioned.
While his comedy was on target, the dramatic aspects did not work as well. While I don't regret getting to see the film, I don't think I would've spent money on it. Hopefully Mr. Chow will stick to comedies.
The son's acting could have been better, or perhaps some CGI could have been used to make his negative emotions appear more realistic for a child.
Stephen Chow did deliver with numerous sight gags and physical humor, including references to the other two films I mentioned.
While his comedy was on target, the dramatic aspects did not work as well. While I don't regret getting to see the film, I don't think I would've spent money on it. Hopefully Mr. Chow will stick to comedies.
It's kid movie, but a pretty good one
sun_jot3 February 2008
Stephen Chow has brought many good films and never let die hard fans down for once. Yet I find it pretty hard to comment on this new work from Chow esp. after 3 year long waiting. There was plenty of joy while watching it, but it's not what I expected. If I have to summarize , then probably tiny bit slapstick + kiddish scenes + Chinese ET + family theme = CJ7
If you love shaolin soccer and kungfu hustle, you may feel very different about CJ7, even disappointed, because it feels almost nothing like a Chow movie, except for some very funny jokes. Sure you will still laugh at few scenes where dark humor or hard jokes fly around. The story is no longer serious or ambitious, it's simply about a kid who discovered a new alien cute friend and learned the meaning of life.
After many years, I think Stephen Chow finally can sit down and build a story of his own without worrying about film market or what other people may think.This time he is not even the leading actor in this film. No Kungfu, no strange costumes, no play-like-a-fool jokes, it's pure imagination for kids, maybe one of Chow's dream when he was a child.
I don't plan to spoil any more details , but I have to warn those who haven't seen this movie but very looked forward to seeing it. It's a movie that aims for young audience and it's not any movie like shaolin soccer or kungfu hustle(well, some part still yes, same enjoyable maybe). If you don't mind watching a family/feel good movie, or specially you have children to go with, don't hesitate to see it. It will be worth the one and half hour of your life.
You will not laugh like an idiot, but I am sure you will still smile like a fool.
If you love shaolin soccer and kungfu hustle, you may feel very different about CJ7, even disappointed, because it feels almost nothing like a Chow movie, except for some very funny jokes. Sure you will still laugh at few scenes where dark humor or hard jokes fly around. The story is no longer serious or ambitious, it's simply about a kid who discovered a new alien cute friend and learned the meaning of life.
After many years, I think Stephen Chow finally can sit down and build a story of his own without worrying about film market or what other people may think.This time he is not even the leading actor in this film. No Kungfu, no strange costumes, no play-like-a-fool jokes, it's pure imagination for kids, maybe one of Chow's dream when he was a child.
I don't plan to spoil any more details , but I have to warn those who haven't seen this movie but very looked forward to seeing it. It's a movie that aims for young audience and it's not any movie like shaolin soccer or kungfu hustle(well, some part still yes, same enjoyable maybe). If you don't mind watching a family/feel good movie, or specially you have children to go with, don't hesitate to see it. It will be worth the one and half hour of your life.
You will not laugh like an idiot, but I am sure you will still smile like a fool.
Vey good and adorable movie.
Abhishek_Pandey25 August 2012
Warning: Spoilers
I watched CJ7 today. I will must say that it was one of the best children movies I have seen, I liked it, even when I am actually a grown up.
The most adorable in the movie was CJ7, who although is from another planet, doesn't have any special powers.. lol. But, he is very adorable and and proved to be the best toy.
Sadly, in the end he dies :-( and kid just wait that he will be alive again.
Watch this movie, if you love light children movies with an emotional touch.
The most adorable in the movie was CJ7, who although is from another planet, doesn't have any special powers.. lol. But, he is very adorable and and proved to be the best toy.
Sadly, in the end he dies :-( and kid just wait that he will be alive again.
Watch this movie, if you love light children movies with an emotional touch.
Chinese Values Are Different Than American's
lngarrison2 August 2009
Warning: Spoilers
I love this director, Steven Chow ("Kung Fu Hustle" and "Shaolin Soccer"), and I was expecting a better film. Watching "CJ7" was extremely painful. This film surprisingly evoked nationalistic pride in being an American and having different values. This is not the "E.T." feel good movie nor is it an interesting and beautiful, gut-wrenching movie like the Swedish movie "My Life as a Dog", although it had tried many attempts to redeem itself. The characters are mean and self-serving, promoting the value of "being useful" over common sense logic such as "self reliance".
***WARNING!!!***SPOILER ALERT***DETAILS OF MOVIE BELOW*** CJ7 starts out with a very sad tale of a mother-less child who lives in a dump with his father who is a construction worker. The father spends his hard earned money on a private school that he can't afford and forgoes basic necessities such as food, shelter, and clothing so his son can go to this school and have the opportunity to learn. The father never studied in school and constantly reminds his son that they are poor because he is uneducated and can't get a better job.
The son, Dickey, is ridiculed at school because he comes to school dirty, his shoes and school uniform is from the dumpster, and it is obvious that he is poor. Nonetheless, like all humans, we all yearn to be accepted.
One day, the child who bullies Dickey, comes to school with a very cool toy, a robotic dog named "CJ" and evokes jealous from Dickey. Later while Dickey and his father are watching cartoons in a storefront window, Dickey runs off inside to the toy store and screams for the "CJ" toy. The father feels awful for spanking the boy to let go of the toy and shame that he cannot buy the toy.
Cut to a scene where the father is in the dump looking for better shoes for the boy. In his discoveries, the father runs into a UFO that leaves a nice green ball that the father brings back to Dickie. He claims it's a better toy than CJ.
The best scene of this movie is the scene where the green ball is about to hatch and Dickey witnesses the ball hatching and has hallucinations throughout the process. After the hatching, Dickey then dreams that the friendly, magical alien (who he thinks is a toy with batteries) will create additional magical electronic devices to make him smarter, stronger, better, etc...at school.
The reality is that the green alien dog like character cannot do that..instead the dog takes a dump in his hands (is this suppose to be funny?) and then also has exploding diarrhea's out of fear (is this suppose to be funny as well?). Dickey abuses the dog, throws it away in a trash can at school, and then has regrets.
The dog only wants to please its master.
This is where the senses of culture clashes. As an Asian-American that understands Confucian philosophy, I do no value the class hierarchy that animal must obey men and that the younger generation of men must always blindly obey the older generation without question and without doubt.
It is painful to watch the dog (alien or not) to be abused by everyone until the end, when the dog sacrifices it's own life to the elder of the family (the father). In death, the dog revered and respected.
Throughout the movie, it is even more painful to watch the son suffer for his father's pride. The father's boss states that his own son goes to public school, why shouldn't Dickey? Dickey is failing and "cheating" in school and his father stubbornly wastes his money on the expensive school where Dickey is not learning. Dickey's father is too busy trying to keep up with appearances.
In the end, even if the father is brought back to life by the dog, the father is still a loser, poor, and can't get a date. Dickey is still dumb and picked on at school. However, CJ7 is self-sacrificing (another Confucian value) and dead. The earth is also invaded by CJ7s...what should be a happy ending is just awfully contrived.
Steven Chow's next movie should be a horror film called "Revenge of the CJ7s" and it would be about cute fuzzy dog aliens avenging the death of the first CJ7.
***WARNING!!!***SPOILER ALERT***DETAILS OF MOVIE BELOW*** CJ7 starts out with a very sad tale of a mother-less child who lives in a dump with his father who is a construction worker. The father spends his hard earned money on a private school that he can't afford and forgoes basic necessities such as food, shelter, and clothing so his son can go to this school and have the opportunity to learn. The father never studied in school and constantly reminds his son that they are poor because he is uneducated and can't get a better job.
The son, Dickey, is ridiculed at school because he comes to school dirty, his shoes and school uniform is from the dumpster, and it is obvious that he is poor. Nonetheless, like all humans, we all yearn to be accepted.
One day, the child who bullies Dickey, comes to school with a very cool toy, a robotic dog named "CJ" and evokes jealous from Dickey. Later while Dickey and his father are watching cartoons in a storefront window, Dickey runs off inside to the toy store and screams for the "CJ" toy. The father feels awful for spanking the boy to let go of the toy and shame that he cannot buy the toy.
Cut to a scene where the father is in the dump looking for better shoes for the boy. In his discoveries, the father runs into a UFO that leaves a nice green ball that the father brings back to Dickie. He claims it's a better toy than CJ.
The best scene of this movie is the scene where the green ball is about to hatch and Dickey witnesses the ball hatching and has hallucinations throughout the process. After the hatching, Dickey then dreams that the friendly, magical alien (who he thinks is a toy with batteries) will create additional magical electronic devices to make him smarter, stronger, better, etc...at school.
The reality is that the green alien dog like character cannot do that..instead the dog takes a dump in his hands (is this suppose to be funny?) and then also has exploding diarrhea's out of fear (is this suppose to be funny as well?). Dickey abuses the dog, throws it away in a trash can at school, and then has regrets.
The dog only wants to please its master.
This is where the senses of culture clashes. As an Asian-American that understands Confucian philosophy, I do no value the class hierarchy that animal must obey men and that the younger generation of men must always blindly obey the older generation without question and without doubt.
It is painful to watch the dog (alien or not) to be abused by everyone until the end, when the dog sacrifices it's own life to the elder of the family (the father). In death, the dog revered and respected.
Throughout the movie, it is even more painful to watch the son suffer for his father's pride. The father's boss states that his own son goes to public school, why shouldn't Dickey? Dickey is failing and "cheating" in school and his father stubbornly wastes his money on the expensive school where Dickey is not learning. Dickey's father is too busy trying to keep up with appearances.
In the end, even if the father is brought back to life by the dog, the father is still a loser, poor, and can't get a date. Dickey is still dumb and picked on at school. However, CJ7 is self-sacrificing (another Confucian value) and dead. The earth is also invaded by CJ7s...what should be a happy ending is just awfully contrived.
Steven Chow's next movie should be a horror film called "Revenge of the CJ7s" and it would be about cute fuzzy dog aliens avenging the death of the first CJ7.
Truly wonderful story, humorously narrated
ukidding2 April 2008
For someone like me, born and raised in China in a poor family, Chow's work was absolutely fantastic! CJ-7 constantly reminds me of those poorly happy times I have spent with my friends and family during my childhood, flashing to my mind those very basic and simplistic values of living to an average Chinese boy like myself. Nostalgic with a touch of humor, to me this movie is simply a 10 star hit! But, viewing it from a more literal perspective, people will see this work as "the same old stuff"... over and over again... that is true, from the use of mo lei tau comedy to computer CG, Chow has not made any improvements not to mention innovation ever since his "Shaolin Soccer" world class movie debut. This generally deducted the 2 stars from the rating.
But compared with a lot of the 3rd rated movies released in 2008 out there, this is sure worth the time!
But compared with a lot of the 3rd rated movies released in 2008 out there, this is sure worth the time!
Verges on cruel
intelearts3 April 2008
Look, this may be cultural but through my Western eyes this is ruined by violence.
Dad beats kid. The kids beat up CP7.
Fat girl is laughed at. People are bullied.
The sweetness of this movie (And there is lots) is ruined by the general tone of meanness and violence.
Our daughter refused to watch after the first 30 minutes as she found it too upsetting - and she loves film.
Just wish it could have been made less violent and really it is pretty disturbing in places.
I would advice a parent screening first, or if you have any doubts, I'm sorry to say I would avoid.
Dad beats kid. The kids beat up CP7.
Fat girl is laughed at. People are bullied.
The sweetness of this movie (And there is lots) is ruined by the general tone of meanness and violence.
Our daughter refused to watch after the first 30 minutes as she found it too upsetting - and she loves film.
Just wish it could have been made less violent and really it is pretty disturbing in places.
I would advice a parent screening first, or if you have any doubts, I'm sorry to say I would avoid.
A departure from Stephen Chow's style
Gordon-1112 May 2008
This film is about a poor boy from a deprived family developing a friendship with an extra-terrestrial creature called CJ7.
"CJ7" is a huge departure from Stephen Chow's usual style. I was expecting more of the nonsense humour, so I was rather surprised. "CJ7"'s plot is far too simple and straight forward. It tries very hard to be cute and adorable, and at the end it is undeniably touching. The saccharine sweetness is obviously aimed at girls and children, but I am not sure whether it has caught Hong Kong on fire though. At least I do not see anyone using the CJ7 merchandise on the streets.
I must say I enjoyed "Shaolin Soccer" and "Kung Fu Hustle" much better. In fact, "CJ7" looks like a low budget production compared with the two.
"CJ7" is a huge departure from Stephen Chow's usual style. I was expecting more of the nonsense humour, so I was rather surprised. "CJ7"'s plot is far too simple and straight forward. It tries very hard to be cute and adorable, and at the end it is undeniably touching. The saccharine sweetness is obviously aimed at girls and children, but I am not sure whether it has caught Hong Kong on fire though. At least I do not see anyone using the CJ7 merchandise on the streets.
I must say I enjoyed "Shaolin Soccer" and "Kung Fu Hustle" much better. In fact, "CJ7" looks like a low budget production compared with the two.
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