Friday, June 15, 2007

What's in a Name?

I have never seen this movie, The Guy with Secret Kung Fu. But I've decided it might possibly have the most perfectly terrible title of any movie ever made. Alright, granted, it's a translation, but what a translation!

First of all, "Kung Fu" is in the title. From the song "Kung Fu Fighting" to the most famous line of Keanu Reeves' career ("I know kung fu!"), this martial art has become a punch line. I'm sure anyone who knows it could kick my ass just as expediently as someone who knows another combat form, but it's still funny, pure and simple. Aikido -- cool. Kung fu -- funny.

But better still, it's Secret Kung Fu. At least, it's secret up until he starts booting some heads. At that point, I think the secret is pretty much out. But ooooo.... doesn't it sound cooler when it's secret?

And then, not "The Warrior" with Secret Kung Fu, or even "The Man" with Secret Kung Fu. No, it's "The Guy" with Secret Kung Fu. Which is barely one notch from "Some Guy" with Secret Kung Fu. You can be "The Man," but you can't be "The Guy." Not even "The Guy with Secret Kung Fu."

It's like one of those evocative six word stories. The Guy with Secret Kung Fu. Brilliant.

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