Splashy but vacuous, Stephen Fung's martial-arts epic is essentially a live-action cartoon. The hero is Yang Lu Chan (Yuan Xiaochao), a historical figure who was famous for mastering the tai chi form of kung fu invented by the Chen family. In this imaginative telling, he's a kid called The Freak because of a prominent horn on his forehead that is actually a sign of innate martial arts prowess. Yang becomes a military secret weapon capable of downing scads of warriors. But when his energy begins to wane, Yang travels to Chen Village to learn the special technique that will save him. Unfortunately, the locals are unwilling to teach outsiders, so Yang learns by imitating the moves of those he fights. After being accepted by Master Chen (Tony Leung Ka Fai) and his lovely daughter (singer Angelababy), Yang helps them rebuff a ruthless railway company that is planning to destroy the village by running their line through the mountains. Tai Chi Zero is goofy to extremes, half martial arts and half slapstick romp, jazzed up with all sorts of visual bells and whistles—silent movie imitations, abrupt shifts to animation, elaborate special effects, and fight scenes choreographed to look like video games. But a little of this pizzazz goes a long way, and by the halfway point viewers are likely to feel more exhausted than exhilarated. Optional. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include a “Behind the Zenes” featurette (6 min.), “MuZic VideoZ” (4 min.), and “TrailerZ.” Bottom line: a small extras package for an eye-popping but empty martial arts film.] (F. Swietek)
Tai Chi Zero
Well Go USA, 95 min., PG-13, DVD: $24.98, Blu-ray: $29.98, Jan. 22 Volume 28, Issue 1
Tai Chi Zero
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