Ever since “The Matrix” came out a few years ago, movie audiences have been treated to numerous kung-fu parodies (”Scary Movie”) and horrible replicas (“The Musketeer”). In fact, only one other film has really managed to mystify audiences the same way - “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.” But moviemakers are still scrambling to find a way to fit that same amazing action into all sorts of movies.

Well, “The Matrix” and “Crouching Tiger” have one thing in common - action choreographer Yuen Wo Ping. But the reason the guy became a big name is fair like 1993’s “Iron Monkey,” which has now been released here in the states, obviously to capitalize on the current kung-fu trend, if you can call it that. Ping directed this movie and did pretty good at that.

But while the movie studios haven’t figured out that for most audiences, the story is more important than the athletic kicks - lucky for fans of the genre this one delivers both. It is not the mystical journey that “Crouching Tiger” was, nor is it the science-fiction extravaganza of “The Matrix.” What it does do, however, is provide a great Robin Hood-like story with some amazing action in a brisk 85 minutes of entertainment. Not too shabby at all.

But this one isn’t for all audiences. It is a fun movie, and for anyone who truly enjoys action movies with a sense of humor and doesn’t mind reading subtitles, this will be a gem that may require an extra viewing in the theaters.

The scope is great, and some scenes are more likely better up on a 30-foot screen, rather than a television.

But if you prefer the English dub of “Crouching Tiger,” or didn’t like that movie at all, you’re sure not going to like this. The action is spectacular, but there is some reading required. It’s not much to ask, but it may be more than some viewers are willing to give.

As for the plot, it’s quite simple. A hero named Iron Monkey is robbing from the corrupt governor and giving to the poor. The governor wants him gone, and the people want the governor gone. A roaming hero is asked to eliminate Iron Monkey, but once he gets involved he discovers who the real bad guys are.

Of course there’s a coming-of-age subplot, not to mention a romantic interest, but that all serves to push along the quick pace and good times of the movie. It’s nothing overly demanding, but a lot of fun.

The action speaks for itself, showing the ingenious thought that Ping puts into his fight sequences. A scene in which a battle takes place on top of a group of burning poles is a blast to watch, not to mention the opening sequence in which Iron Monkey steals jewels from a building full of guards.