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The Forbidden Kingdom is a movie loosely based on one of China’s famous novels “The Journey West” where an American teenager from the 21st century, played by Michael Angarano, must free the fabled Monkey King who is held captive by his greatest enemy, the Jade Warlord. Jet Li and Jackie Chan are kung fu masters that accompany the boy with his journey. 

This is the first film that starred the two Chinese mega-superstars and I was exeptionally psyched about it. Jackie Chan plays a drunken taoist scholar and gives tribute to his famous drunken fists of fury, while Jet Li remains as the cool and level-headed Shaolin monk with swift kicks and flashy hand strikes. The choreographed action scenes are excellent as usual with the right amount of CG moves so that the movie does not look cheesy. It is defintely a special sight to see Jet Li and Jackie Chan fight side by side and kicking butt together.

I am also impressed with the captivating story that kept me locked in my seat. It was a good choice by the writers to not deviate from the real Monkey King story too much and gave proper homage to the real story itself. The movie also elegantly teaches the viewer many Chinese myths and culture without burdening the movie. The pacing and storyline was perfect and of course, Jackie Chan provided many punch lines to lighten the mood from time to time.

Jackie Chan has come a long way since his first American movie and I must say that I can finally understand his English. His acting was also decent and one can see that he really enjoys playing more comedic characters rather than super-serious ones. However, I also realized during this movie that it is hopeless for Jet Li to ever learn English. His first line, “You Fool!” is supposed to be intense and convicting but he was guilty of coming out flat and laughable. As a matter of fact, there were several occasions where the viewer burst out in laughter cause his English was so bad.

Newcomer actress, Yifei Lui plays as Sparrow who is out for vegence because the Jade Warlod had ruthlessly murdered her family and the movie’s main eye candy. Needless to say, she is cute and played a very safe role in the movie.

I fully enjoyed the movie and although the acting and English was terrible at times, it is expected from these actors. I do commend them for their effort and it is infinitely better than voiceovers. A movie that will definitely be better to watch on the big screen is given an 8.5/10 rating in my books. You do not want to miss this movie if you are a fan of Jackie Chan and Jet Li!

For more info: http://www.forbiddenkingdommovie.com/