My Lucky Stars (1985)

My Lucky Stars Poster
Original Title: 福星高照

Two Hong-Kong cops are sent to Tokyo to catch an ex-cop who stole a large amount of money in diamonds. After one is captured by the Ninja-gang protecting the rogue cop, the other one gets his old Orphanage gang, dubbed the "Five Lucky Stars," to help him. They don't like this much, but they do it.

Overview
"My Lucky Stars" is a Hong Kong action-comedy film released in 1985, directed by Sammo Hung. The motion picture includes renowned Asian stars such as Jackie Chan, Yuen Biao, and Sammo Hung himself. It is the 2nd film in the 'Lucky Stars' trilogy, following "Winners & Sinners" (1983) and preceding "Twinkle, Twinkle, Lucky Stars" (1985).

Plot
The story starts with 2 investigators, Muscles (Jackie Chan) and Ricky (Yuen Biao), offering to search for a missing Hong Kong policewoman who has actually been abducted by Japanese gangsters in Tokyo. After a thrilling battle scene in an amusement park, Ricky is likewise captured and Muscles is figured out to get his partner and the policewoman back. Understanding he requires support, Muscles reunites with his orphanage brother, Kidstuff (Sammo Hung), and his group of naughty good friends, collectively known as "My Lucky Stars".

Characters and Humor
Teapot (Eric Tsang), Exhaust Pipe (Richard Ng), Vaseline (Charlie Chin) and Roundhead (Stanley Fung) make up Kidstuff's team, each having their strange qualities and comedic quirks. The males are known more for their wit and charm than their battling prowess, developing a funny vibrant within the group. Most of the movie's humor stems from their comical interactions, as they navigate through various scenarios, including their interactions with the lovely Police Inspector, Barbara Woo (Sibelle Hu). Barbara is tasked with watching on the men, who, regardless of their shenanigans, must help in an intricate sting operation.

Action and Adventure
While "My Lucky Stars" is prominently a funny, it likewise includes thrilling action series that contribute to the busy nature of the movie. The finale, for example, is a dramatic showdown in between the Lucky Stars, the detectives, and the antagonistic gangsters, greatly featured with impressive martial arts and balancings, especially from Jackie Chan and Yuen Biao. All these components blend seamlessly, producing the best balance of humor and enjoyment.

Style
The core theme of "My Lucky Stars" revolves around relationship, bravery, and camaraderie. Regardless of their distinctions and mischievous propensities, the group stays faithful to each other, with Kidstuff leading them to dangerous ventures to assist their pal Muscles. This depiction of unity and commitment, integrated with humor and action, forms the movie's heart, adding to its business and critical success.

Conclusion
"My Lucky Stars" was both an industrial success, ranking as one of the top-grossing movies in Hong Kong in 1985, and critically acclaimed, praised for its mix of funny and martial arts affected by knowledgeable stars and a tight story. This film stands as a critical piece of Hong Kong cinema and the action-comedy genre, leveraging the humor, action stunts, and charismatic efficiencies of its star-studded cast.

Top Cast

  • Sammo Hung (small)
    Sammo Hung
    Kidstuff / Fastbuck
  • Jackie Chan (small)
    Jackie Chan
    Muscles
  • Yuen Biao (small)
    Yuen Biao
    Ricky
  • Eric Tsang (small)
    Eric Tsang
    Roundhead / Blockhead
  • Richard Ng (small)
    Richard Ng
    Sandy
  • Charlie Chin Chiang-Lin (small)
    Charlie Chin Chiang-Lin
    Herb
  • Stanley Fung (small)
    Stanley Fung
    Rawhide
  • Sibelle Hu (small)
    Sibelle Hu
    Swordflower / Chief Insp. Barbara Wu
  • Walter Tso Tat-Wah (small)
    Walter Tso Tat-Wah
    Senior Superintendent Tsao
  • James Tien Chuen (small)
    James Tien Chuen
    Prison Warden
  • Lam Ching-Ying (small)
    Lam Ching-Ying
    Corrupted HK Policeman