A riotous comedy horror that provides satisfaction on many levels, Ricky Lau's MR VAMPIRE is one of the highlights of the sub-genre that flourished in Hong Kong during the 1980s. While it doesn't quite have the level of finesse of Sammo Hung's CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE SPOOKY KIND, this proves to be a genre classic that offers virtually non-stop entertainment for the length of its running time.

The narrative adopts the knockabout comedy format familiar to any fan of that era's cinema with various characters coming into contact with some creepy vampires, most of whom are of the classic 'hopping vampire' mould that I always like seeing in Chinese cinema. Chief of these is a tough cookie, played by a just-about recognisable Yuen Wah who proves a fitting villain for the film's erstwhile hero, Lam Ching-Ying, playing the vampire-fighting 'One Eyebrow Priest'. Lam Ching-Ying is so successful in this film that he made a career out of the role, and who can blame him?

The rest of the picture is packed with damsels in distress, snivelling villainous folk, young upstanding heroes, and a plentiful stream of mostly successful gags. The ghoulish humour works a treat, particularly in a mid-point set-piece in a prison where the characters have to face up to a newly-created vampire foe; this sequence is exceptionally funny and expertly choreographed, a natural highlight for the rest of the production surrounding it.

The special effects are fun, the action is ably staged, the characters and situations are funny and the film offers a cultural look at Chinese superstitions in a playful, spirited way. Many sequels followed, unsurprisingly; after all, what's not to like about a film this inventive?

You have to bare that in mind before you watch this movie. Because it's not your average Hong Kong action movie! This one goes for fun and being silly. Suffice it to say that, this movie doesn't take itself seriously then!

And you shouldn't either ... because if you do, you won't enjoy it a bit! A few friends I watched this movie with, weren't in the right frame of mind, and couldn't enjoy the silly moments of the movie. I think they didn't even enjoy the great choreographed action scenes. It's a shame, so again don't expect anything serious here, whether it's plot wise or acting wise! A fun ride indeed this is! Enjoy the ride! Or should I say the "hop"? ;o)

Lam Ching Ying stars as a Taoist priest who, along with his two bumbling students (Ricky Hui, Chin Siu-Ho),is called upon to help re-bury a rich man's father. On exhuming the corpse, he discovers that the dead man has become a vampire. Before long, the priest must do battle with the fanged terror (Yuen Wah),whilst simultaneously dealing with a beautiful female ghost (Pauline Wong) who has entranced one of his assistants (and is capable of detaching her head when necessary!).

Director Ricky Lau skillfully blends slapstick humour, acrobatic martial arts and the supernatural to deliver a seminal piece of Hong Kong comedy-horror cinema that would prove be a major influence on many films to come (including the brilliant A Chinese Ghost Story). A rather slow first half hour introduces us to the characters and sets up the basic plot elements; the rest of the film sees our hapless good guys first falling foul of the otherworldly creatures and then battling to set things right.

Less of a martial arts movie than a comedy, fans of fast and furious fight action will probably be disappointed, however those who love crazy Chinese humour (an acquired taste and one which I sometimes struggle with) will find plenty to enjoy as the gags come thick and fast (Ricky Hui is particularly funny as Man Choi, the assistant who gets bitten by the vampire and almost becomes one himself).

But by far my favourite part of the film is the stunningly captured scene which introduces viewers to the female ghost: in a mist enshrouded night-time forest, the supernatural seductress is carried by four spooky assistants, before gliding gently through the air to come to rest in a tree. Lovely cinematography accompanied by a haunting song make this a totally magical moment.

My second favourite moment is the introduction of the gorgeous Moon Lee as Ting-Ting, the rich man's daughter. With her impossibly cute features, Moon Lee is truly a delight to behold.

Although I enjoyed Mr. Vampire, I don't seem to be quite as fanatical about it as some. However, I do agree that, even if you're not a huge fan of Hong Kong cinema, with so much craziness and energy packed into its 96 minutes, this highly influential classic is well worth a watch.