User Reviews

I first heard of this when TNT was showing it after the TV premiere of Rumble In The Bronx. I couldn't make it through the first 10 minutes because of the bad dubbing and the mixing around of scenes (The very first scene was Jackie and Yuen skateboarding in Spain, rather than them waking up and getting into their morning routine). A couple of months ago, I got the Hong Kong DVD and loved it.

The movie is about Thomas (Chan) and David (Biao), two Chinese guys who run a successful food truck business in Spain. They get caught up in wannabe detective Moby's (Hung) case to find a Spanish heiress, and the fun goes from there. The chemistry is great between the three brothers, and Lola Forner is a great distraction. The writing is funny, and Sammo's direction is right on target. The fight scenes are great. If you want to watch vintage Jackie, watch this film as he can move quick. The much talked about fight between Chan and Benny "The Jet" Urquidez does not disappoint. Want a lesson in how to do a fight scene? Watch these two guys go at it (They would have a rematch a few years later in Dragons Forever).

For all of you fans of JC credit outtakes, there is none (JC didn't start using them until Police Story). But in a funny, action packed movie like this, you won't care. It is one of The 3 Brothers best, and it will leave you wanting more.

Cousins Thomas and David are the premier skateboarding, food-van operating team in Barcelona. One day, the two visit David's father at the local asylum, where they meet the attractive and charming Sylvia, the daughter of David's father's girlfriend. David is smitten, but doesn't act upon his desires. Later, they run into Sylvia again, inviting her back to their apartment. She stays the night, robs them, and disappears the next morning onto the streets of Spain. Moby is a bumbling private detective searching in vain for the heiress of a vast fortune. The lives of the four intertwine in ways both unexpected and entertaining in this vastly enjoyable cinematic extravaganza, 'Wheels on Meals.'

Also known as 'Spartan X,' the film is a brilliant roller-coaster-ride of amusement on every level. Edward Tang and Johnny Lee's story and screenplay is filled to the brim with action, witty banter and clever set-pieces. The film rockets along at a brisk pace towards an explosive finale that is as ridiculous as it is technically impressive. It's the kind of film that will leave you shaking your head in amazement at the abilities and energy of the performers- not to mention the fact that no-one died while making it.

Directed by Sammo Hung- who plays Moby- the film is guaranteed to please any fan of Hong Kong cinema. The cinematography is crisp and inventive, while Peter Cheung's remarkably astute editing keeps the somewhat frantic proceedings both cohesive and compelling. Chris Babida and Siu-Lam Tang's musical score is catchy and atmospheric, making especially good use of songs by Toshiyuki Kimori, working under the name Kirth Morrison. Kimori's main theme (used for years without Larry Johnston's lyrics by the wrestling legend Mitsuharu Misawa) is one of the snappiest and most memorable of any martial arts film to date.

The choreography of the stunts and fight scenes in 'Wheels on Meals' is consummate work that is incredible to behold. Graceful but deadly, the fight sequences are some of the best ever seen in a film. It is, after all, the work of the master of action-comedy, Jackie Chan (along with his trusty JC Stunt Team), so one shouldn't be too surprised. There are few whose on screen presence is as charming, as magnetic and as likable as Jackie's, and he proves that notion once again here. Starring as Thomas, he, Sammo and Yuen Biao- playing David- share a great chemistry, giving strong performances both in terms of acting and martial arts.

Lola Forner co-stars as the mysterious Sylvia, and brings much energy and life to the character which- to be frank- is a little underwritten. She performs admirably though, leaving an indelible impression on the viewer with her wit, poise and beauty. Fans of the 'Three Brothers'- as the trio of Jackie, Sammo and Yuen are known- will delight in the small but memorable cameos from Richard Ng and John Shum, and the great Benny Urquidez makes an unforgettable appearance opposite Jackie that is breath-taking and- quite rightly- considered one of the best fight sequences of all time.

'Wheels on Meals' is a funny, frenetic and fantastic action-comedy that will keep you glued to the screen for the whole of its' runtime. The story may be simple, but it's filled with easy humor and impressive displays of martial arts prowess. The cast all give good performances too, and most audiences should find the film an unmitigated pleasure. 'Wheels on Meals' is- to make a long story short- a martial arts masterpiece that mustn't be missed.

An emblematic Hong Kong action comedy in its heyday conjoined by legendary Kung Fu trio Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao, shot abroad in Barcelona with Sammo also taking the director job, WHEELS ON MEALS sees Chan and Yuen as two cousins, Thomas and David respectively, who are adroit in martial arts (and skateboards), run a fast food van in the tourist spot, soon they will team up with Hung's amateurish shamus Moby to fight against the evil Mondale (Sancho), whose henchmen are relentlessly hunting down a young heiress Sylvia (the stunning former Miss Spain, Lola Forner), with whom both Thomas and David are infatuated.

The star trio (their third picture together, preceded by PROJECT A and WINNERS AND SINNERS, both released in 1983) brings about authentic bonhomie in their two against one raillery, with Hung often comically in the receiving end of the ribbing and pratfalls. Forner's deceptively virtuous damsel-in-distress (petty larceny merely a peccadillo) doesn't drive a wedge between the two cousins, instead, Thomas and David's gauche vying for her affection elicits abundant lulz, including one sterling idea from Thomas, by suggesting David's father (Paul Chang Chung) to marry Sylvia's mother (Sentís), both mental hospital residents (there are stimulating cameos from regular collaborators Richard Ng, Wu Ma and John Sam as fellow head cases) who are smitten with each other, to the utter dismay of Yuen, since he and Sylvia will become step-siblings.

Whereas the plot gives no spectacular twists or suspense to elevate WHEELS ON MEALS head and shoulders above its similar peers, the climatic action set piece is a captivating blinder, in particular, the fisticuffs between Jackie Chan and kickboxing champion Benny Urquidez, which gives a visceral flesh-to-flesh impact that bespeaks what makes martial arts actioner such an entertaining delight to watch, and Chan's epiphany of loosing up in the face of a formidable rival well speaks volume of his trademark amalgamation of levity and lethality that eventually would win him gazillion of fans in every nook and cranny of the world, an exemplar of how to take up the baton (from Bruce Lee, obviously) and pass it on with one's own distinctive style (Chan is in his sixties and his clout still rolls on).

Elsewhere, Hung relishes in the self-referential jokes of his (only slightly at then) portly figure (when Moby hollers around in looking for a man named Fatso, whose corpulence can legitimately pale him into insignificance, or the running jokes of being unable to keep up with a simian Chan in all the shinning and whisking), and in fact, Hung is famous for his disproportionate agility that lends him a unique presence among other uniformly jacked Chinese martial artists. Without any help of wire-fu, Hung really cuts it both in and behind cameras, and WHEELS ON MEALS is a testimony to the halcyon days of Hong Kong action cinema, fun, thrill and a bit of romance, recommended for the whole family.

If Sammo could ever do anything right, he could choreograph. He's a master of martial arts choreography and many of Jackie's and Biao's best films come with Sammo doing the choreography. This movie is a prime example of this.

The film deals with two Chinese men in Spain who run a food truck. They meet a pick-pocket who turns out to be heir (along w/ her institutionalized mother) to a large fortune, which is coveted by some nasy goons. Sammo plays a detective that's on the case. All this builds up to an excellent climax at a Spanish castle.

One thing that I did like a lot about the movie was the script. The rapport between Yuen Biao and Jackie Chan was excellent, and they get a lot of witty comments, comebacks, and responses to supposedly stupid questions. You have to see the subtitled version to understand.

Like I was saying, the choreography in the film is great. Unfortunately, there are only about 4 fight scenes or so before the climax that are all really short. It really left me craving a lot more. The finale is a true piece of work. Jackie takes kickboxing champ Benny "The Jet" Urquidez in one of the best one-on-one's ever filmed. Yuen Biao takes on Keith Vitale, another karate champ. Sammo takes on the lead villain in a Chinese variation of European fencing.

The action isn't wall-to-wall but what's there is excellent. The relationship between Yuen and Chan is also great. It's a Jackie Chan film worth seeing.

What a fun movie! All the fast-paced action, brilliant stunts and slapstick humor that make Jackie's work great. Jackie and Sammo are terrific and the scenes set in elaborately catered parties give new meaning to the term "food fight". A movie that will have you laughing all the way thru.

This movie does drag a bit at certain points. Personally multiple times I just wanted it to just fast-forward to the next Jackie Chan action sequences. This one really does bring out Jackie's acrobatic skills. At some parts it's like watching the Chinese Three Stooges, and the trademark Jackie Chan humor works. This one is more story focused, not a great story but a watchable one. But sometimes just didn't seem to have enough action. The main highlight fight is the one with Jackie Chan vs. Benny "The Jet" Urquidez. It's one of Jackie's highlight fights in movie history for a reason. Sammo Hung is amusing as this kid detective guy, that is amateurish but persistent. His fight sequence with the fencing expert was a entertaining watch as well. The trio does a good job of bringing in that humor and tenacity on screen. When it comes to the plot it seemed like a live action Chinese version of "The Castle of Cagliostro". Except with kung-fu and stuff. Overall it's cool to see Jackie during his prime. Despite few dragged out parts and parts that are a bit rushed. This is still a fun movie with flashy but entertaining fight choreography.

7.3/10

Great movie with, trio of world's most famous kung-fu action stars (Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, and Yuen Bao) in their prime. This is the movie that basically established Jackie Chan's style of combining slap stick humor with action in international settings. The trio broke the barrier of traditional Hong Kong movie making style in this film. Being from the same Peking Opera school, their friendship can be seen even through their acting.

Jackie and Yuen operates a food wagon and Jackie plays a waiter on roller skates. They get entangled with a prostitute who are hunted by gang of thugs which gets them entangled in trouble as well.

You can see that they were having fun making this movie, and you'll also see the incredible physical prowess of the three actors.

Masterpiece for the three actors who became international stars in the coming years.

I just wonder about the title though. Shouldn't it be Meals on Wheels instead of Wheels on Meals ?

The basic synopsis of Wheels on Meals is as follows: Jackie Chan and Yuen Baio are two Chinese immigrants who run a mobile snack van business in Barcelona. Sammo Hung, also a chinese immigrant living in Barcelona, works as a very badly dressed PI. Sammo is hired by a dubious looking gentleman in a bowler hat to track down a Spanish girl, who it just so happens is the daughter of Yuen Baios dad's girlfriend. This sets the scene for, amongst other things, a bizarre retro skateboarding sequence, a ludicrous car/van chase and a top class fight at the end.

For me, Wheels on Meals represents the ultimate combination of comedy kung fu and naive slapstick humor. It's worth pointing out that this film isn't as good a Martial Arts flick as some of the earlier works that it's three main stars were involved in (Young Master, Magnificent Butcher, Prodigal Son, etc). However, the main strength of Wheels on Wheels is it's ability to get new mileage out of some very old gags, and it also proves once and for all that unusual hats can be very funny.

I give it nine out of ten.

Raymond Chow-Golden Harvest production deals with two cousins named Thomas (Jackie Chan) and David (Biao Yuen), owners of a mobile restaurant , meanwhile they save the gorgeous Sylvia , a pickpocket posing as prostitute (Lola Forner). They join forces with their friend Moby (Sammo Hung Kam-Bo), a botcher eye private whose chief (the prestigious American secondary Herb Edelman) assigns him a new case about looking for a girl named Gloria (Susana Sentis) . Entertainment , comedy and amusement abound in the streets of Barcelona , culminating with a spectacular attack in the hideout fortress of the nasty band led by Mondale (the notorious Spanish actor Jose Sancho) and his evil thugs (Keith Vitali , among others).

Chinese/Spanish action comedy full of over-the-top struggles , thrills , ingenious stunts , slapstick , tongue-in-cheek and excitement . This bemusing movie is packed with adventure , car pursuits , intrigue , unstopped action , overwhelming stunt-work and lots of fights but with abundant humor . Jackie Chan is top notch as one army man fighting a group of heinous villains and as always he makes his own stunts like is well showed . Awesome , incredible stunts and brief comic touches , as usual ; the picture is better constructed than Chan's predecessors films . The lighting-paced storyline slows down at times , but frantic action sequences make up for it . Spotlights movie include spectacular brawls , car chases including bounds and leaps , impressive and interminable fights , a breathtaking final struggle between Jackie Chan and Keith Vitali ; in addition other fine action sequences in overwhelming style . This is an acceptable action movie distinguished by nicely cinematography of the spectacular sequences , and contains agreeable sense of humor such as previous entries . Chan pays overt homage to two of his greatest influences as Charles Chaplin and Harold Lloyd . Jackie Chan usually forms couple to notorious actresses as Maggie Chung and Michelle Yeoh . However in this outing Jackie teams up again to prestigious Chinese actor Sammo Hung , a fine action star in their own right and also had an American career as successful ¨Martial Law¨ TV series . Both of them starred together several films as ¨Heart of Dragon (1985)¨ which was directed by Sammo . Third protagonist , Yuen Biao, also played some movies with the famous pair as ¨Dragon Forever¨. All three of the main stars, Jackie Chan , Yuen Biao, and Sammo Hung, all were seen in Bruce Lee's Enter the Dragon in which Jackie plays a guard who gets beaten by Bruce in the underground hideout, Sammo plays Bruce's opponent in the opening of the film, and Yuen plays a tournament fighter.

This is a passable action movie distinguished by fight sequences , noisy action and packs silly sense of humor as well as Jackie's subsequent entries . The picture achieved moderated success in China , Spain and around the world . However , Jackie Chan's failed at Box-office in his American debut ,¨Battle creek brawl¨ . Chan is a hard-working actor and director throughout his long and varied career . He went on playing ¨Cannoball¨ , ¨The protector¨ and "Rumble in the Bronx", until getting all American success with ¨Shangai Knights¨ , ¨The tuxedo¨ , ¨Around the world in 80 days¨ and ¨Rush hour¨ trilogy , and the recent ¨Karate kid¨. Of course , his biggest hits were ¨The Police story¨ series that won the Golden Horse Award, a Chinese version of the Oscar , the first was titled ¨Police story(1985)¨ directed by the same Chan , it was a perfect action film for enthusiastic of the genre ; the following was ¨Police story 2(1988)¨also pretty violent and with abundant humor touches . It's followed by ¨Supercop¨ or ¨Police story 3¨ and finally , ¨Police story IV : Crime story¨ . The picture is well produced by the great Asian producers Raymond Chow and Golden Harvest production and compellingly directed by Sammo Hung . Rating : Acceptable and passable , the picture has its sensational moments here and there , but also with abundant humor touches mostly provided by its agile star , the super Jackie stunningly accompanied of Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao . ¨Wheels and meals¨ also titled ¨Spanish connection¨ is followed by a sequel ¨Wheels and meals II (1985)¨ with the same actors and direction . It's a perfect action film for enthusiast of the genre though only for Jackie fans .

This movie contains the apparent 'best jackie chan fight' ever, which is why I bought it, I guess I expected too much. The last fight really is excellent, but didn't top Drunken Master, or 'Gorgeous' for my standards.

What really stunned me about the last scene was the excellent choreography, and Benny "The Jet"'s great skill. The actually thought this may be Jackie's best "Movie" even if the fight scene at the end was his 3rd best IMO. Sammo Hung is really quite a character, good acting skills and a unique look, not to mention he is a skilled Martial Artist. The plot, as simple as it is, leaves you quite entertained through-out the movie, and Lola Forner is great too. I only wish my DVD has better English subtitles!

10/10

Not his best or most action-packed film, I do think this is one of Chan's absolute funniest. The three brothers are great together of course, and Sammo's hair is worth the price of admission...not too mention lovely Lola Forner as a shady character the boys rescue from an evil count. I like the international locale, and the scenery, too. Jackie's face-off with Benny Urquidez is pretty good, but outdone in "Dragons Forever." My VHS of this runs about 8 minute longer than my DVD.

Bonus: It's a riot to see Jackie gettin' down at the local disco, but I've actually seen a version that in this scene features not the generic "techno" music, but Anthrax's "Horror of it All!!!"

If you have seen Rush Hour and its sequel and you were impressed you have to see this one. If you have seen "Martial Law", and you were impressed you have to see this. And also you will meet the other star of this group of Masters of the Martial Arts and Comedy Yuen Biao.

Jackie, Sammo and Yuen play a group of losers that get in trouble in Spain, the rest is a non-stopping adventure full of incredible fights, laughs and healthy fun. Wheel on Meals is probably the ultimate mix of Kung Fu, Acrobatics and Funny Gags spawned by the admired Sammo Hung, he's got an incredible eye for action, that's why he's one of the best directors alive.

Jackie leading here is at his best along with his partners Yuen Biao and Sammo Hung Kam-Bo, they fight with an incredible physical ability, and not casually among the many thugs they kick are some real champs like Benny Urquidez or Keith Vitali. In the closing credit don't miss the bloopers, watching the bloopers the admiration we feel for the great Jackie increases. But Jackie not only uses his legs and fists to make you laugh he puts some funny faces that could make people fall off their seats laughing. The good thing in the movie is that there's enough of Sammo, Jackie and Yuen, every Fighter has their memorable moments on-screen. "Kwai tsan tseh" is a Masterpiece of humorous action.

How much you'll enjoy this film depends on how much silliness you're willing to tolerate. Sample exchange:

"I know seven ways to break into that castle"

"Why not six or eight?"

"Because seven is my lucky number!"

It's all rather shoddily made, but at the same time winningly lighthearted. There's very little action until the last 10 minutes....then there's some really good action (Jackie's fight, Yuen Biao's amazing acrobatics). (**)

P.S. Doesn't the pretty Lola Forner look a lot like Carole Bouquet?

I like this, more so than any other Chan+Sammo collaboration. Most of it is a bit weird, but the sense of humor, essential to all martial arts movies, is right there with the skills of Sammo and Jackie. Sweet and sour plum!

I watched this film as a kid and loved it, but I loved pretty much any film with Jackie Chan back then. Watching this film again now made me unsure about its quality. It's a film of its time with Jackie, Yuen and Sammo in Spain (even if it feels more italian to me - and their neighbor is even italian). Let me begin with saying that it's a surreal experience with Jackie being named Thomas, Yuen is David and Sammo is Moby. They speak cantonese with all of their customers and there's a mental hospital with chinese people in it. So... why Spain again and not just Hong Kong.

Also, the title of the film just makes me think harder and harder every time I say the title over and over again - Wheels on Meals. It really doesn't make much sense, but it's also because the producers didn't want another film starting with the letter M (Meals on Wheels), since two earlier M-films had flopped. But really, the whole meal thing with this film is just a small side plot, I'm sure there are 100 other titles that would make more sense to the plot of this film.

What works best with this film is always the chemistry between the three leads, they're like The Three Stooges or Laurel and Hardy, just perfect when they're together. The fight scene between Jackie and Benny is probably most memorable with this film, both of them getting so many bruises and blue marks (And also the fact that Benny accidentally hit Jackie for real more than once). You could really feel the pain in both the kicks and punches as well as see it on them both. It might only be 5 minutes in the end, but it's the biggest reason I see to see this film again.

However, the whole plot with the millionaire's heiress and both Yuen and Jackie falling for her, even if she pickpockets them both and they simply forgive her for it, because she's pretty just felt lame to me. But it was common in the films back then that as long as you were beautiful, you could get away with pretty much anything. The film also have very little martial art in it compared to the other two Jackie/Sammo/Yuen films - so I would sadly rank this as the least good one, with Project A as the best and Dragons Forever closer to this one.

Upping my rating to 3-and-a-half stars because it's lots of fun. Sure some of the comedy falls flat and sure the story is whatever, but the chemistry between the three leads and the martial arts fight scenes are so very good.

Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, and Yuen Biao made lots of movies together in the 80s, but this was one of their best. Sammo is a private detective and Jackie and Yuen run a food truck. Yes, please.

The plot is ok, but it didn't interest me a great deal, and it was kind of all over the place, though the Spain setting was cool. The performances from the three leads were good, but everyone else was not amazing. Benny Urquidez is quite the martial artist, though.

The action scenes are as good as ever, with Sammo once again directing some fine scenes. The opening biker fight, the apartment fight, the street fight/chase, and the final battle were all well-staged, shot, and edited. The fight scenes in the end are just great. Chan's fight with Urquidez is one of the best of his career, and both fully utilize their talents. There's also a cool sword fight during the climax as well.

This is another fun 80s fairytale from Hong Kong, and while it's not quite as entertaining for me as future Chan films and other Hong Kong productions, but it works. I recommend it to Hong Kong film fans, and fans of the three leads. Also, that theme song is totally legit.

Of all the 3 brothers' films, this is the one more than any other that I've managed to turn people onto Jackie Chan with (yes, more than Project A!).

A well plotted, decently paced movie with some absolutely genuine comedy moments, and as for the action, oh the action... people have already commented on the incredible sequence between Jackie and Benny Urquidez, but that's not all, the film is packed with some truly dazzling acrobatics.

Fantastic fun, and a worthy introduction for any Jackie Chan newbies.

It's a hard toss-up for me trying to decide Jackie Chan's best film. It's a narrow thought process for me as it comes down to Dragons Forever and the weirdly titled "Wheels on Meals". Both films feature the amazing trio of Jackie, Sammo Hung, and Yuen Biao...'brothers' since their early days and all film stars in their own right. But the comedy in Wheels on Meals works the best and the action scenes are amazing, with Biao really strutting his mobility.

The plot is thin: Jackie and Biao are cousins who works a 'gut-truck' in Spain. Sammo is an acquaintance who takes over his employer's private detective agency when his boss goes on the run. Someone hires Sammo to find a beautiful girl (Lola Forner - also seen in Armour of God) whom Jackie and Biao have already had the pleasure of meeting. She's a pickpocket and the daughter of Biao's dad's girlfriend (the dad and the mom met at the local insane asylum. What love!). Anyway it seems that Silvia is being chased by mobsters so she can't claim a lot of money that should be coming to her. Bad guys give chase, Jackie and Biao help her, and Sammo runs in to try to get his way.

The three have been in a number of films together (Project A being the other film that features the three as equals) but even with the not-so great plot you'll be surprised at how well the acting is, how the jokes are still funny even while you are reading them (and don't go for something dubbed, the film is much better in Chinese), and how great the kung-fu scenes are. You'll be surprised by Jackie and Biao's skills on a skateboard and while the Jackie Vs. Benny the Jet fight scene in Dragons Forever might be a bit better, you still HAVE one in this movie.

For amazing comedy, action, and great kung-fu, that is directed by the pudgy Sammo, and taking the three men out of Hong Kong a la Way of the Dragon - this is the film for you. Fans of Jackie Chan, Yuen Biao, and Sammo Hung will be hard pressed to find something better, though Dragons Forever comes very, very close.

Wheels on Meals is pretty goofy, but you'll know what to expect with the first ten minutes or so. If you like it and want to step back in time to 1984, you'll like the rest of it. Everyone has big hair and skateboards are the latest craze. Jackie Chan and his roommate Biao Yuen, operate a food truck with skateboard delivery, and those sequences are very cute. The actual story is a little strange, but it's 1984, so I cut it a break. Biao falls in love with a kleptomaniac prostitute, and when she's on the run from one of the Johns whose wallet she stole, the two boys house her in their apartment. Meanwhile, Samo Hong is a wannabe private-eye who tries to help as she finds herself the target of a kidnapping. There's a whole side story making fun of mental institution patients, but just focus on the neon jackets and legwarmers instead.

This really isn't the greatest movie out there, and sometimes the humor just doesn't stand the test of time, but you can watch it for young Jackie with his '80s haircut. He shows off tons of impressive footwork on his skateboard, as well as a ridiculously impressive wall-climbing stunt that unfortunately ends with him taking a baseball to the forehead. Oh well, he can't win them all. Although the opening scene where Jackie and Biao do their morning exercise together is totally adorable.