The Forbidden Kingdom
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Movie Reviews of The Forbidden Kingdom
Movie Review: Great story and casting, but special effects don't fit
Summary: 4 Stars
One of the most famous myths out of Asia is that of the Monkey King. Found in all countries with a Buddhist tradition, this very long novel has never (to my knowledge) been translated into an English language Hollywood production... until now. Fortunately, the producers cast the world's two most famous martial arts actors, Jet Li and Jackie Chan, to star in it. Having read the Monkey King story, I can say that this movie only loosely follows the original legend. However, it has not been romanticized too much by Hollywood. Even though the movie stars two very attractive Chinese actresses, there is no romance scene. There is a lot of action and a lot of comedy. The comedy is great, and highly original to Western viewers, though not necessarily to Chinese viewers familiar with the story. The action however is where the movie lets done. Being a Chinese movie, almost all the action focuses on martial arts fight scenes, and they all look copied from previous kung fu movies such as Crouching Tiger; Hidden Dragon, Shanghai Noon, House of Flying Daggers, etc... Probably the best part of this movie is storyline, numerous scenes are quite unpredictable and engaging. So overall, a good movie but not a great one.Movie Review: The Forbidden Kingdom
Summary: 4 Stars
A nice light fantasy adventure movie with some Kung Fu fighting thrown in as well. This is not meant to be a serious kick tail Kung Fu movie. If you thought that you will be disappointed. It is much more serious than "Karate Kid", but it has a fair amount of humor thrown in initially. It is meant to be a movie the family can enjoy and they will. A nice mix of modern and ancient with East meets West. Good casting with Michael Angarano as the Jersey American thrown into the past, where he meets three masters of Kung Fu in Ancient China played by Jackie Chan, Jet Li, and Yifei Liu. He must take a special staff that was given to him by a dying Chinese Pawn Shop owner, played by Chan, to the Monkey King, played by Li. Chan reuses his role as a drunken master in the Ancient China role as he has done well before in other movies. Although this movie is more adventure than huge Kung Fu choregraphed fights, there are still plenty of those in the movie. Chan and Li both played two parts adeptly, and I recommend it. I give it three and a half stars. Great quality DVD with extras and good replayability. If you enjoyed this catch "Kung Fu Hustle".
CA Luster
Movie Review: It is great to see Jet Li and Jackie together
Summary: 4 Stars
The film is pure fantasy and is great fun. An American kid gets transported to a mythical China to save the world. I know very little Chinese mythology. I do know the the monkey king is a very interesting character and this movie tells an interesting story. The fight scenes are highly choreographed and a lot of CGI and wires are used. The best fight scenes are when Li and Chan are fighting each other. If only this was made about 15 years earlier, but still the scenes are great. There is a underlying respect each character has for the other.
The best scenes are when the masters are teaching the young American kid kung fu. The kid at an early point in his training asks Jackie Chan's character if he gets to learn all the moves he's learned in the video game. Jackie takes a bowl of rice and gives him an object lesson about learning and life that is somewhat profound.
The movie has a humor and charm underneath and is aimed at adolescents. I kept my expectations low and I enjoyed it. The movie had quite a bit of heart and a charm.
Movie Review: Legends come together
Summary: 4 Stars
This is a movie where legends come together. Not only is it the first time for Jet Li and Jackie Chan to be in a film together but it also brings the legends of the Monkey King, Drunken Master and Lady with the White Hair together as well. I was ready to see some Yokai thrown in. The action is quite intense with the only scene that looked somewhat fake being the fight between the Monkey King and Jade Army at the beginning of the film with all the wire work. The plot is some what on the weak side but coming from one that watches a lot of Japanese and Chinese films it is one of the better for fantasy martial arts. This dvd is bare bones accept for some trailers. There is a 2-disc version available.Movie Review: For the whole family
Summary: 4 Stars
This movie is not one of these numerous, lack of consistence and, some times, really low level "Dungeons" stories. Not at all to confound with "In the name of the King", a good example how such movies, even with big actors can be worthless. This story brings us into ancestral Chinese/Asian Culture and Legend. The Monkey King, one of the most popular figures in Asian believing and myths and his brief description in this movie correspond roughly to the venerated Idol. Jacky Chan and Jet Li making an astonishing duo and with these guys you really get "martial art" at top level. The movie is a tale, the tale is well told and the actors are great. Conclusion: should have more like this!