The Forbidden Kingdom Movie Review 28.07.2008 Matt's Movie Reviews

The Forbidden Kingdom is a fantastical, light hearted action/adventure with plenty of PG violence to keep both kids and adults happy, and marks the first collaboration between martial arts giants Jackie Chan and Jet Li.
The film begins in Boston where kung-fu obsessed new kid on the block Jason (Michael Angarano) is bullied into robbing his favourite martial arts haunt. There he comes into the possession of a magical staff which transports him to an ancient and mythical China, where he joins forces with a drunken immortal (Jackie Chan) and a wise warrior monk (Jet Li) who together must return the magical staff to the imprisoned Monkey King (Jet Li, again) and end the reign of the cruel immortal Jade Warlord (Collin Chou).
Judging by its look and demeanour, it is clear that director Rob Minkoff is a fan of the martial arts genre, yet he is not the most innovative of filmmakers to tackle such material. The usual melodramatic conventions that comes with the genre are present: there is the coming of age story of a kid who learns how to stand up for himself through martial arts; the student and master (or in this case masters) relations that follow; the theme of good VS evil; and of course the lovable training montage.
And as expected, all of this is coupled with broad CGI scenery, impressive art direction, and an annoying grandiose score.
Yet the pairing of Chan and Li makes up for its generic tone, as both martial arts men bring their unique presence to the screen along with some nice comedic touches. And as expected the films fight scenes are spectacularly choreographed and brilliantly executed as wire fighting Chop Sui clashes with slapstick comedy to delirious results.
Indeed the heart, soul, and drawcard of The Forbidden Kingdom are the tandem of Chan and Li, and when they are on screen The Forbidden Kingdom is a treat. However, when the film rests upon the shoulders of Michael Angarano, the film falters.
Now there is no doubt that Angarano's character -the script was written by John Fusco - was intended as a conduit for the films viewers who have stepped into an extraordinary situation, ala Shia LaBeouf in Transformers. And while Angarano does supply a decent performance, I could not help but yearn for the return of Chan and/or Li whenever they were not on the screen. After all, it was a Chan/Li vehicle I paid money to see, not an Angarano one.
Never the less, The Forbidden Kingdom is a high spirited, action packed Hollywood version of a Wuxia adventure film, enhanced by the presence of two of cinema's beloved martial arts superstars.