Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Stars Blu-ray Movie Review

Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Stars is an excellent action-comedy gem. The film was also released in cinemas under the alternate title of Dragon Mission in the Philippines. The action-comedy is considered as the third entry in the Lucky Stars series following Winners and Sinners (1983) and My Lucky Stars (1985). Featuring a storyline by Barry Wong, Kin Lo, and Cheuk-Hon Szeto, Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Stars was distributed in Hong Kong by Golden Harvest. Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Stars was first released on August 15^th, 1985. Jackie Chan fans won’t want to miss this important action-comedy classic.

The Five Lucky Stars are trying to have a good time while on vacation in Thailand. Kidstuff (Sammo Kam-Bo Hung), Sandy (Richard Ng), Wormgrass (John Sham), Rawhide (Stanley Sui-Fan Fung), and a new younger brother, Pagoda (Kiu-Wai Miu) are all together for a wild trip. These goofy guys find an abundance of luck when the police decide that an actress can live with them.

The beautiful actress has secret information about a dangerous crime syndicate. A group of villainous assassins are after the actress and her information about the syndicate. It is up to the Five Lucky Stars to help stop the assassins. Of course, because the actress is so beautiful to the men one-after-another they attempt to woo her in a myriad of comical ways. Swordflower / Chief Insp. Barbara Wu (Sibelle Hu) also helps with the mission. Muscles (Jackie Chan) joins in on the action-packed fun with a supporting role in the saga. Can the Five Lucky Stars save the actress from assassination?

Jackie Chan isn’t the lead actor of Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Stars. The actor plays a smaller supporting role in Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Stars, though he does have some excellent scene-stealing moments in the film. A wonderful effort from Jackie Chan nonetheless and this is a film fans of the actor won’t want to miss seeing.

The fun comedy element of the film is outstanding and the ensemble cast of actors in the comedy troupe who participated in the production help to deliver something remarkably special. The entire ensemble cast provides the film with outstanding comedy and the dynamics between the entire cast provides some undeniable fun for audiences. Sammo Kam-Bo Hung, Richard Ng, John Sham, and Stanley Sui-Fan Fung are incredible comedic performers. The newcomer (to the film series), Kiu-Wai Miu, does a great job with his role as well.

The cinematography by Arthur Wong (The Warlords, Bodyguards and Assassins) is exceptional and adds a lot to the production. Wong does a great job creating a fun visual aesthetic with the cinematography: enhancing the comedy and providing a nice style for the action scenes to shine without ever being overly dark or too-serious in tone. An excellent effort by Wong.

The score composed by Anders Nelsson (The Tattoo Connection, Vampire Vs. Vampire) adds charm to the film. The music certainly provides a nice backdrop to the comedic sensibilities of the production. Composer Nelsson has a good time exploring the comedic style of the entire cast, including Jackie Chan.

With stunts coordinated by Jackie Chan, the action element of the film is fantastic. Chan has a lot of fun with the stunt work – especially during the last act of the film. Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Stars has a huge action element that adds so much to the experience. The stunts are terrific and one can’t help but be pulled in to the filmmaking by the action choreography.

The screenplay by Barry Wong (Mr. Vampire, Hard Boiled) is ace. The script is terrific and even outdoes the first film in the Lucky Stars film series. The sense of comedic humor in the film is terrific and all of these actors have great dialogue and scenes to showcase their style in the spotlight. This makes the filmmaking all the more memorable and engaging. Wong is an excellent scriptwriter and the work provided here is essential to the experience.

Directed by Sammo Kam-Bo Hung (Wheels on Meals, Dragons Forever), Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Stars is a blast from start-to-finish. There are no wasted moments in the film. Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Stars is an absolute joy of comedy and action – the vision of the filmmaker makes the film all the more fun and energetic. A fast-paced comedy with tons of great visual elements at play, the film is a blast. Chan fans won’t want to miss this classic action-comedy.

Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Stars Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray from Shout Factory, Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Stars is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 widescreen. The Blu-ray has an impressive high-definition presentation. The encode capably preserves the film with a naturally filmic presentation. The transfer showcases the cinematography is a remarkable way – the aesthetic is well showcased. The encoding quality by Shout is excellent on the release.

Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Stars Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The audio is provided in Cantonese DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono, Mandarin DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono, and Cantonese DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono. English subtitles are provided. The lossless audio is noteworthy if a little less impressive than expected. Some scenes sound a bit thin compared to some of the other films in the second volume of the Jackie Chan box-set, including the opening credits and first scene of the film. The audio sounds a bit scratchy in the opening act. Despite some slight flaws and imperfections, the audio quality still sounded good overall and will still sound satisfying punchy with good depth to the audio track. The release also benefits by providing a nice selection of audio options for fans to choose from.

Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Stars Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary by David West, critic and author of Chasing Dragons: An introduction to the martial arts film

Extended Taiwanese Version (HD, 1:47:01)

A Life of Laughter – An Interview with Actor Richard NG (HD, 21:04)

Gentleman Warrior – An Interview with Actor Richard Norton (HD, 32:50)

Outtakes (HD, 3:48)

Original Theatrical Trailer (HD, 4:24)

English Trailer (HD, 2:30)

Japanese Trailer and TV Spot (SD, 2:26)

Still Gallery (HD, 1:52)

Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Stars Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Stars is an outstanding action-comedy gem. The filmmaking is superb and the film perfectly balance comedy and action for fans of the genre. Jackie Chan has a smaller supporting role in the film but the performance is memorable and engaging. The ensemble cast of actors that comprise the Five Lucky Stars are all terrific here: Sammo Kam-Bo Hung, Richard Ng, John Sham, Stanley Sui-Fan Fung, and Kiu-Wai Miu. The Blu-ray release features an excellent video presentation and a worthwhile audio presentation. The release provides an abundance of supplemental features – including an extended cut of Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Stars. Highly recommended.