Taiwan superstar Jay Chou demonstrates his skill at playing basktball in the new film "Kungfu Dunk", scheduled for release on February 7.

Taiwan superstar Jay Chou co-stars with Charlene Choi, of Hong Kong's pop duo Twins, in the film "Kungfu Dunk", the first comedy the pop king has ever tried his hand at.

A press conference to promote the film was held on Thursday. The release is scheduled for February 7, the first day of the Chinese lunar New Year 2008 season.

Chou, a feverish basketball fan, agreed to headline the cast of this domestic basketball film after he read the script.

Chou demonstrated great skill at playing basketball to complement his extraordinary musical talent. The film also employed some stunts to better present the intricate visual elements. Around 600 moves have been perfectly choreographed, including Chou somersaulting through the air.

Zhu Yanping, director of the film, invested around 8 million Hong Kong dollars into the production and is hopeful about its box office prospects.

Chou said he practiced basketball twice a week to better perfect his role in the film. Many professional basketball players were also included in the cast. Chou often played with them to better improve his skill and grace at the game.

Chou even expressed his willingness to challenge Chinese NBA star Yao Ming to a match: "Though he is rather tall, I believe I am more flexible," he said with confidence. He also said that he wishes to come watch the basketball competition during the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

(CRI December 14, 2007)