Review: HOUSE OF FURY is an amiable but disposable action movie, thanks to the capable direction of Stephen Fung, a decent cast, and the action choreography of Yuen Wo Ping.

The idea is full of promise – an ordinary modern family with ordinary modern problems, yet they are all masters of kung fu. In particular, Stephen Fung and Gillian Chung fight over the TV remote like any teenage siblings, but with a little kung fu. It’s a set-up that could have been explored a little more, but instead, the film turns to the old ‘precious thing’ plot device for a while (here, the bad guys want to get their hands on secret documents hidden on memory cards), and turns to typical action fodder.

The casting is interesting. Beside HK’s young darlings ‘The Twins’, Stephen Fung and Daniel Wu, we are treated to performances by two more established stars. ‘Man of a thousand cameo’s’ Wu Ma is as loveable as ever (and pretty spritely for a man of his age!), but in many ways, this is Anthony Wong’s turn to shine. This ‘proper actor’ has spent much of his career playing horror and baddy roles, but as the father of the HOUSE OF FURY, he is excellent. The same can’t be said for Michael Wong, who delivers his lines with his usual whispery monotone drawl. I’ve seen hairs get caught in cinema projectors that had more screen presence than this guy.

The martial arts, supervised by Yeun Wo Ping, are frequent and fun, rather than spectacular. Given the performers he has to work with, there is a great reliance on wirework and editing. In fact, at times, the cast are visibly struggling. Look out for the rooftop chase towards the end of the film, and you can actually see the trajectory of a jump change slightly to make sure Daniel Wu makes it from one rooftop to another. Not the usual quality from YWP, but maybe budget and time restrictions got the better of them.

A big surprise amongst the cast comes from a 13 year old fighter (at time of filming) Jake Strickland. He is an American newcomer who has been signed to the JC stunt team, and despite coming across as a petulant brat (I’ll blame the character he plays, plus my jealousy), the pre-pubescent powerhouse shows off some great skills as a pole fighter.

HOUSE OF FURY is fun, and it is the humour which wins the audience over at the end of the day. In fact, when the movie indulges in dramatic moments, the film starts to show signs of falling apart. It’s when the cast begin to have a little fun, such as in Anthony Wong’s amusing Bruce Lee tribute, that the film really comes together. It barely qualifies as a kung fu film to the purists, more of a martial arts themed action adventure. Stephen Fung should be congratulated in that he has made a pretty good film, and at such a young age. He should certainly prove a director to keep an eye on. House of Fury is pure, simple fun. Nothing more. Nothing less.