Been a while since I've enjoyed a Chinese movie this much

Firstly, I'm American born while ethnically Korean so that whole "you have to be Chinese to enjoy this" doesn't apply. I figured there would be some lively discussion about this movie on here, but it seems there's a lot of dislike for it. TBH, it's been a long time since I've been able to enjoy a Chinese movie this much. I was expecting the usual crap from the east that's been popping up in recent memory of overtly stylized action sequences (which I don't particularly mind all the time) and then excruciatingly drawn out dramatic sequences with awkwardly long amounts of eye contact among anguished crying characters that I usually fast forward through.

I don't keep up with who directed what and which actors/actresses have the most clout. I don't find it necessary that every movie needs to be an exploration into existentialism. Maybe I enjoyed this movie as much because I didn't have any expectations. Well, I did expect more of an actions flick I guess, but was pleasantly surprised. This movie had me laughing out loud at many parts and kept me pretty engaged throughout. I'm sure plenty of cultural cues and commentary went over my head, but what was left was still a lot of fun. However, I do have to say that the "contemporary" western culture references were quite a hoot and I'm surprised a "made in china for china" movie would have had 'em.

And yeah, this movie did borrow ideas and may not be the most original, but it's clearly a movie that is greater than the sum of its parts. It kept a good pace, the comedy breaks were well integrated and not so in your face as to make you feel like the movie was designed to have a laugh track, the action sequences were also well integrated so it didn't feel like there needed to be a scene break with the mighty morphin power rangers suiting up before the big fight. Is it one of the greats? Who gives a *beep*? I saw it and enjoyed it so much I felt compelled enough to write up a compliment for the movie.