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John Wayne is back in the movies, honestly and without the benefit of special effects or Coors. OK, he pronounces it John Wayne, but spells it Chon Wang, and it is only Jackie Chan’s character in his latest kung fu comedy, Shanghai Knights. You might recall the first film in this series, Shanghai Noon, which was mildly successful, nonetheless I did not see it. However, I’m sure it contained much of the comedy routines that have made Jackie Chan a star in films like Rumble in the Bronx and Rush Hour. Shanghai Knights picks up a little
after where the first film left off, so about 1890 in Carson City, Nevada. There
in the Wild West, Chinese immigrant Chon Wang (Chan, The
Tuxedo) has become the sheriff and wiped out crime, but he is not really
happy because he is not with his princess. Soon a package arrives from his
sister informing him that their father (Kim Chan, Lethal
Weapon 4) was murdered and that she is off to London seeking the killer. Of
course the son must revenge his father’s murder, but first he needs to get his
share of the gold from former sidekick Roy O’Bannon (Owen Wilson, I
Spy). Apparently these two found some sort of treasure in the first film and
Chon gave his share to Roy to invest. Well, when Chon catches up to Roy, he
discovers that Roy isn’t doing too well and his investments haven’t panned
out, but Roy will certainly help in any way he can to avenge his friend’s
loss. After the two make it to London they meet a young pickpocket named Charlie
Chaplin (Aaron Johnson) who will keep coming back into the storyline. Soon they
meet up with Chan’s sister Lin (Fann Wong), who is incarcerated for trying to
kill a member of the British Royal Family. This family member is Lord Rathbone
(Aidan Gillen), who is a rather devious and evil looking man who is tenth in
line for the throne, but he is plotting to eliminate all the others that stand
in his way. He was also the one who killed Chon & Lin’s father. Also
involved in Rathbone’s plan is Wu Chan (Donnie Yen, Blade
II), who hopes to become Emperor of China by gaining the Chinese Imperial
Seal that Rathbone stole from Chon’s father after killing him. Assisting Roy,
Lin, and Chon is Scotland Yard detective Artie (Tom Fisher, The
Mummy Returns), who uses deductive reasoning to help solve cases. Of course
his full name is Arthur Conan Doyle,
author of the Sherlock
Holmes stories. This is a theme in the movie, tie-in historical figures to
the plot for some cheap humor, which includes a brief appearance by Jack the
Ripper (Oliver Cotton). So will good triumph over evil? Just a hint, this is a
Hollywood film. Alfred
Gough and Miles Millar get credit for the writing of this David Dobkin directed
film. A few others making appearances are Alison King, Matt Hill, Tom Wu, Gemma
Jones, and Constantine Gregory. Shanghai
Knights is fairly humorous and entertaining throughout. Wilson and Chan make a
good on-screen tandem. The film is full of great action sequences. My problem
with the film is that I’m growing tired of Jackie Chan’s same old stuff.
Sure there are new twists and turns like a homage to Gene Kelly’s Singin'
in the Rain street dance, but overall
it is still kung fu fighting slapstick. Since I did enjoy the film, I will still
give it six couches out of ten.
Last updated: Thursday, March 20, 2008 02:46:24 AM Click Here to get back into frames.
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