Shanghai Surprise DVD Review

Just as the celebrity gossip has faded, so has this film from our memories. This 1980s semi-hit was famous at the time because it featured talked-about couple, Sean Penn and Madonna. Oddly enough they don’t have much chemistry in the film, but this could be due to Madonna’s shameful attempt at acting. There is also something a bit too unbelievable about having Madonna play a missionary and the boyish Sean Penn trying to play a role too old for him.

Penn stars as a tie salesman stuck in China and looking for the quickest way back to Los Angeles. He is approached by a missionary nurse (Madonna) who is willing to pay his way home if he helps her find a legendary bulk amount of opium worth far more than gold. The opium is what everyone in Shanghai seems to be after, if they aren’t after out hero and heroine. There are all sorts of double-crosses and surprises along the way, but unfortunately neither this nor the witty dialogue help to make the film seem less dated.

Even though it is a period film taking place in China during the 1930s, Shanghai Surprise reeks of the 1980s. From the awful 80s soundtrack to the suspect costumes, this film is trying hard to be similar to 1930s Eastern mystery and 1980s star-fueled hit at the same time. Neither work very well, mostly due to the shoddy script and amateur acting. Even Sean Penn seems a little out of his element, and looks a bit too young to play the part still. Madonna is unbelievably bad in this, her third attempt at acting. Part of it is the ridiculous casting as a missionary, but the delivery of the forced dialogue is so unnatural that watching her act is as pathetically addicting as watching a dog with three legs hobble around.

The Special Edition DVD comes with a remastered widescreen version of the film along with a newly mastered audio track. There is also a “Fans Unite!” commentary, which is mostly just weird. There are also three featurettes, most of which is just silly and worthless.