Just like the “Because You Watched…” lane that pops up on your favorite streaming service, Now Playing Podcast wants to help you find the perfect companion flicks. Each week, contributor Chris Bravo brings you fresh recommends that tie in with one of our reviews.
So you liked the idea of three female superheroes, each with their own power sets and motivations, teaming up to take down a great evil, right? You enjoyed the humor and physical comedy of these three learning how to use their powers together? And now you want more?
What if I told you that back in 1993, Michelle Yeoh, Maggie Cheung (In the Mood for Love, Police Story), and Anita Mui (Rumble in the Bronx) formed their own version of The Marvels. The Heroic Trio is a Hong Kong kung-fu flick unlike most other kung-fu flicks you’ve probably seen. Yeoh plays a superpowered warrior with the powers of invisibility trapped in a deal with the devil; Cheung plays a wisecracking motorcycle punk with fighting prowess to match her attitude; and Mui plays the double-life-living ninja warrior with the heart of gold. The action is a perfect blend of high-octane action and bawdy comedy. All of the special effects are practical, making for some laughable moments. Sure, things look cheap at times, but they are always entertaining in a way that only cheap B-movies can be.
There was just a bit too much monologuing from the supervillain and not enough high-flying kicks from our trio to make this an unapologetic recommendation. But when the action is at full-speed, I can’t keep smiling at the screen. Try out The Heroic Trio if you enjoyed the action and team-up in The Marvels.
