The Paper Tigers is an intriguing action-comedy movie that convinces with its interesting characters and their dynamic relations. The story revolves around three middle-aged men who were trained by a martial arts master three decades ago. Now that their former master has died under mysterious circumstances, they get together again to find out what has happened.
The film convinces with its intriguing characters. The former master is a generous, knowledgeable and severe man who has been taken advantage of which has led to his tragic demise. Danny has been going through a difficult divorce, is overloaded by his job and progressively alienates from his beloved son. Hing has suffered from a work injury and has trouble moving around despite keeping a positive attitude and inspiring his friends. Jim has continued a career in martial arts but holds a profound grudge against his former friends. The three friends must sort out their challenges, demons and differences in order to avenge their former master.
The Paper Tigers features some energetic martial arts choreography. Some parts are humorous, others are fast and some even have a brutal twist. This mixture keeps the film very entertaining. The final fight can be seen as the movie's climax and greatest accomplishment as it also spreads an inspiring message.
Despite the serious plot, this film includes lots of comic relief. The three main characters are clumsy in hilarious moments offering some excellent situation comedy. Some side characters such as an arrogant former rival and three clueless thugs spice things up as well.
The movie's weakest part is the plot that remains rather superficial. The story is very predictable and the motives of the villain turn out to be quite shallow.
If you plan on watching a martial arts comedy that doesn't invent anything new but that is crafted with genuine passion for the genre, you will be in for a treat with The Paper Tigers. This movie might not be creative, groundbreaking or memorable but it entertains from start to finish and offers some welcome escapism in difficult times. If you like this kind of film, I can also warmly recommend the similar Enter the Fat Dragon.
The film convinces with its intriguing characters. The former master is a generous, knowledgeable and severe man who has been taken advantage of which has led to his tragic demise. Danny has been going through a difficult divorce, is overloaded by his job and progressively alienates from his beloved son. Hing has suffered from a work injury and has trouble moving around despite keeping a positive attitude and inspiring his friends. Jim has continued a career in martial arts but holds a profound grudge against his former friends. The three friends must sort out their challenges, demons and differences in order to avenge their former master.
The Paper Tigers features some energetic martial arts choreography. Some parts are humorous, others are fast and some even have a brutal twist. This mixture keeps the film very entertaining. The final fight can be seen as the movie's climax and greatest accomplishment as it also spreads an inspiring message.
Despite the serious plot, this film includes lots of comic relief. The three main characters are clumsy in hilarious moments offering some excellent situation comedy. Some side characters such as an arrogant former rival and three clueless thugs spice things up as well.
The movie's weakest part is the plot that remains rather superficial. The story is very predictable and the motives of the villain turn out to be quite shallow.
If you plan on watching a martial arts comedy that doesn't invent anything new but that is crafted with genuine passion for the genre, you will be in for a treat with The Paper Tigers. This movie might not be creative, groundbreaking or memorable but it entertains from start to finish and offers some welcome escapism in difficult times. If you like this kind of film, I can also warmly recommend the similar Enter the Fat Dragon.