| Studios: | Lionsgate, The Weinstein Company |
| Release: | April 18, 2008 |
| Genre: | Action/Adventure and Science Fiction/Fantasy |
| MPAA Rating: | PG-13 for for sequences of martial arts action and some violence |
My Yahoo! Movies Rating: | Overall Grade: | B- |
| Story: | C+ |
| Acting | B- |
| Direction: | B |
| Visuals: | B |
I've loved Jackie Chan as far back as the 80s when I would see his movies on TV during the afternoon slot where they show Kung Fu movies. His movies have always been entertaining especially when they're leaning towards the comedic side. And it didn't matter if the English dubbing was sometimes bad.
Jet Li I've grown fond of ever since Hollywood brought him to my attention in Lethal Weapon 4.
It's a no brainer that I would want to see a funny, kung fu movie with the two of them in it.
Having Michael Angarano of Sky High (which I have to admit is one of those movies I always watch whenever it's on cable because it's a fun movie) in the cast was a plus.
The story is of the generic Jackie Chan Kung Fu movie: bully/evil person makes life hell for everyone (as usual, the movie does not bother to explain why the antagonist has chosen the evil path), an awkward greenhorn stumbles onto a magical object, greenhorn hooks up with a kung fu master/s, collects allies, then greenhorn's party faces off with the bad guys and win.
What I find interesting in this movie is that this time around, it is Jackie Chan playing the master instead of the student. In a sense, he has come full circle in this genre of Kung Fu movies. And yes, he does a good job of being a drunken master.
It is cool to see Jet Li do all-out comedy, which I haven't seen him do before ... not in the Hollywood movies I have seen anyway. His other movies may have funny situations but they are not really comedies.
Angarano blended in perfectly with the predominantly Asian cast and brought a mixture of naivete and reluctance to his character that is reminiscent of Will Stronghold. I am guessing it is his portrayal of Will Stronghold that got him this part.
Moving on to the other aspects of the movie: The fight choreography is good. Don't expect Oscar material acting because the movie genre does not call for it. Visuals are also good, well ... they are typical of Kung Fu movies that involve mythological places and characters.
If you love those old, Hong Kong made Jackie Chan movies, you'll love this movie.
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