I was really looking forward to this when it was about to come out, with its high budget costumes and actors. However, I could'nt he but feel that the entire series was some sick joke
The opening was very annoying since it started out totally at the beginning of the story and dragged on for about 5 episodes. Clearly it didn't need to be that long since everyone knows the storyline unless they have been living in a cave. I was also expecting this to be the journey back to China from India with the scriptures.
I was absolutely horrified when the monk was introduced and started cracking jokes. It was totally inapropriate for the character. But after about 10 episodes I finally got used to it and did find the sarcasm a bit funny at times. Sammy Cheng as Kuan Yin was also laughable since I can't picture the real one with all that modern jewelry all over her. I thought the original one in the tvb version of Journey to the West 1 was better.
I thinke there were only 3 people in the entire series that I commend. First is Dicky - got the monkey thing down to perfection. Jou Ying as Tai Sang Lou Kwan. And to my surprise - Anita Yuen who has improved a lot in her acting skills and manage to emanate a respectful presence throughout this comedy.
It might have been good for a few laughs but near halfway through, I felt like shooting Twins as well as Jimmy Lin (his acting has remained wooden since when I first saw him).
Totally a big disappointment. I feel that the quality of serials have been deteriorating for the past few years and I wish that some of these singers should stop pretending to be actors and stick with what they do best.