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Movies / Upcoming / CJ7
CJ7

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CJ7 (2008)

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Reviews Counted:8

Fresh:5

Rotten:3

Average Rating:5.7/10

Consensus: Eccentric and sweet, Stephen Chow's latest is charming, but too strangely and slackly plotted to work as a whole.

Rated: PG [See Full Rating] for language, thematic material, some rude humor and brief smoking

Runtime: 88 mins

Genre: Comedies

Theatrical Release:08-08-2008

Synopsis: Chinese writer-director-comedian Stephen Chow (SHAOLIN SOCCER, KUNG FU HUSTLE) takes a break from his usual action-comedy adventures for an E.T.: THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL-inspired tale of family bonds... Chinese writer-director-comedian Stephen Chow (SHAOLIN SOCCER, KUNG FU HUSTLE) takes a break from his usual action-comedy adventures for an E.T.: THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL-inspired tale of family bonds and personal integrity. Chow stars as Ti, a down-on-his luck widower who must funnel all of his wages into the private school education of his nine-year-old son, Dicky (Xu Jiao). The two are reduced to living in an abandoned building and scrounging for necessities, as well as playing nightly games of "clobber the cockroaches." Ti tries to appease Dicky's desire for a trendy new toy by bringing home a mysterious green orb found at a garbage dump. Dicky is soon shocked when the orb transforms into a perky doglike alien being, dubbed "CJ7." When Dicky witnesses CJ7's otherworldly powers he imagines CJ7 to be the answer to all of his school troubles: passing tests, excelling in gym class, and overcoming the school bully. But CJ7 is not as all-powerful as Dicky believes, and when tragedy strikes the family both Dicky and CJ7 must overcome doubt to reveal their true inner strength. Both CJ7's creature animation and a side order of Chow's kung fu kinetics provide plenty of laughs for kids. At the same the film's adult themes of social inequality, honesty, and self-sacrifice will give kids and parents plenty to discuss once the film is over. Frequently silly but genuinely heartfelt, CJ7 features enough of Chow's trademark twists to make for a unique family entertainment experience. [More]

Starring: Stephen Chow, Xu Jiao, Kitty Zhang, Lam Tze Chung

Starring: Stephen Chow, Xu Jiao, Kitty Zhang, Lam Tze Chung

Director: Stephen Chow

Director: Stephen Chow
Screenwriter: Stephen Chow, Vincent Kok
Producer: Stephen Chow, Chui Po-chu, Han Sanping, Vincent Kok
Composer: Raymond Wong
Studio: Sony Pictures Classics

[See More Credits]

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Reviews for CJ7

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1 - 8 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
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There are some nice surreal touches, such as getting enormous adults to play two of the eight-year-olds. But I can't forgive Chow for a misjudged and frankly offensive ending, which is culpably evasive about the reality of life and death.

Full Review Source: Guardian [UK] | comment Comment
08/08/08
Peter Bradshaw
Peter Bradshaw
Guardian [UK]
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

With its fast action, cute critters and schoolyard antics, children and fans of Kung Fu Hustle should enjoy Stephen Chow's CJ7, which further cements his reputation as a commercially gifted director.

comment Comment
08/08/08
James Mottram
James Mottram
Channel 4 Film
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Chow’s film is a charming, funny illustration of family life that explores the notion of being given a second chance. A kids’ comedy with a heart.

Full Review Source: Time Out | comment Comment
08/08/08
Derek Adams
Derek Adams
Time Out
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This is a fable of forgiveness and regeneration, but it delves into a child's deepest, darkest fears. Fortunately, things turn out OK in the end.

Full Review Source: Chicago Sun-Times | comment Comment
03/28/08
Jim Emerson
Jim Emerson
Chicago Sun-Times
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Its occasionally endearing schmaltz is eclipsed by bizarre shifts in tone and a lackluster story.

Full Review Source: Los Angeles Times | comment Comment
03/07/08
Kevin Crust
Kevin Crust
Los Angeles Times
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Above all the movie has a heart, a mind and a gentleness of spirit that parents will welcome, while the frequent flights of fancy ensure that no child will be left behind.

Full Review Source: New York Times | comment Comment
03/07/08
Jeannette Catsoulis
Jeannette Catsoulis
New York Times
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A hyperactive, wishful-thinking special effects fantasy suitable for family outings.

Full Review Source: Hollywood Reporter | comment Comment
03/05/08
Maggie Lee
Maggie Lee
Hollywood Reporter
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Heavy on CGI slapstick and light on meaningful emotional content.

Full Review Source: Variety | comment Comment
02/05/08
Richard Kuipers
Richard Kuipers
Variety
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1 - 8 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
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Latest News for CJ7

August 11, 2008: RT on DVD: New South Park, The Wire, and an Exclusive Look at Smart People,
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March 04, 2008: Stephen Chow Presents Exclusive CJ7 Clip to RT Readers!
CJ7, Stephen Chow's sci-fi-comedy hybrid is coming out this Friday. We've got an exclusive clip for you here, which starts with an introduction recorded by Chow just for Rotten... More...

February 17, 2008: Trailer & Poster review Opens in new window
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