Balled Up Humor Needs a Better Bounce

Rating: 7/10 (20 September 2007)

I went into the theater expecting total stupidity but tempered by Walken's artistry. That's not to say Walken wouldn't act silly (Mouse Hunt, Hairspray, Click) but at least he can pull off some believable antics. Sure enough Walken's Feng is a eccentric yet powerful villain that can make you shudder (when you think if he was real life) yet also make you laugh.
What surprised me was the high production values of the film. Music was fun, effects were well done and hardly hokey. Yet in contrast the script, pace, and plotting left something to be desired. Not to mention Fogler himself. For a leading actor, Fogler often came out stilted in line and action delivery, breaking the pace of the film.
The actual direction and editing of the film cuts too fast leaving me wanting a smoother transition. Some gags were funny like Master Wong's chopstick maneuvers and Maggie's kiss that ends with her hanging on to Randy's waist with her thighs. Some segments like using a wooden spoon as the ping pong paddle were clever twists as well.
If this was supposed to be a stupid movie then I would say the filmmakers partially failed. The high production values detract from the stupidity and only made me see the stupidity as a glaring inconsistency. Or maybe more aptly it's the performance that needs work. By delivery and overall feeling: Walken was great, Fogler sucked, FBI agent could be better, Maggie didn't have enough scenes so when she does come on and display her prowess she seemed out of place, Master Wong on the other hand was delightfully amusing.
The ping pong action is incredible and I wonder how much of it was real. I'm not sure if Walken was ever a ping pong master for instance. ;) The bouncing off of objects technique by Randy was fun to see and made for an interesting showdown that I think could have been played out more.
I don't have anything against stupid films but when you have a high production stupid film, that stupidity should be acted out well. When the lead actor trips then no matter how well the others do, the film suffers. My impression is Fogler needs to feel his character out more or there was some incompatibility. Whatever the case, Balls of Fury is a good ride but the flames aren't fanned to full blast.