Sidewalks On The Corner

What do you get when you combine two super powers of martial arts/action movies? Jackie Chan and Jet Li come together for "The Forbidden Kingdom."

Follow up:

FORBIDDEN KINGDOM
Lionsgate
Directed By: Rob Minkoff
Starring: Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Michael Angarano, Collin Chou
Rating: PG-13 for sequences of martial arts action and some violence.

STUDIO SYNOPSIS:
A 21st Century American teenager takes a spellbinding, dangerous journey into martial arts legend in the new action/adventure epic FORBIDDEN KINGDOM.

Shot on location in China, THE FORBIDDEN KINGDOM marks the historic first-ever onscreen pairing of martial arts superstars Jackie Chan (RUSH HOUR, DRUNKEN MASTER) and Jet Li (FEARLESS, ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA), and features the awe-inspiring action choreography of Wo Ping (THE MATRIX, CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON).

While hunting down bootleg kung-fu DVDs in a Chinatown pawnshop, Jason (played by Michael Angarano - "24", "Will and Grace," LORDS OF DOGTOWN, SEABISCUIT) makes an extraordinary discovery that sends him hurtling back in time to ancient China. There, Jason is charged with a monumental task: he must free the fabled warrior the Monkey King, who has been imprisoned by the evil Jade War Lord. Jason is joined in his quest by wise kung fu master Lu Yan (Jackie Chan) and a band of misfit warriors including Silent Monk (Jet Li). But only by learning the true precepts of kung fu can Jason hope to succeed - and find a way to get back home.

Directed by Rob Minkoff (STUART LITTLE, THE LION KING), the film marks the first-ever onscreen pairing of martial arts superstars Jackie Chan (RUSH HOUR, DRUNKEN MASTER) and Jet Li (FEARLESS, ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA). The original screenplay by John Fusco (YOUNG GUNS, HIDALGO) is based on the traditional Chinese legend of the Monkey King. The film is produced by Casey Silver (LADDER 49, HIDALGO, the upcoming LEATHERHEADS) of Casey Silver Productions. Renowned action choreographer Wo Ping (THE MATRIX, CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON) is creating the fight sequences, and the director of photography is Peter Pau (CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON).

J.P.'S TAKE:
"The Forbidden Kingdom" is like a manga novel come to life. In a way it's your typical Ancient Asian Mythological martial arts film; however, it is a hybrid of many different types of movies such as “Lord Of The Rings,” “Karate Kid,” “Star Wars,” “Big Trouble In Little China” and “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.”

You may ask yourself what on Earth is he talking about? Well, the ingredients for creating “The Forbidden Kingdom” start with this: you take a dash of "The Lord Of The Rings" with it's modern / ancient visuals and mythical beings with un-human powers, then you sprinkle in some "Karate Kid" to add a student/teacher relationship theme. Then you mix in a little philosophy, a la Yoda from "Star Wars," about controlling ones destiny, and a pinch of "Big Trouble In Little China" just for the comedic flavor. And finally, top it all off with "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" for the ancient Asian influenced story telling and characters that seem to float on air…and there you have it!

When you bring in two of the biggest martial stars since Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and Jet Li, and drop them in one of the most visually stunning films, you get some of the most epic fight sequences and battle scenes. Since Rob Minkoff ("The Lion King," The Haunted Mansion") is the director, expect some visually compelling shots in some pretty exotic locations. I give great props to the entire cast for giving the film its realism. Every actor was dedicated to their characters and did a very nice job of staying in character.

Because I'm a fan of films like this; overall, I really enjoyed the movie. People who love “Harry Potter” and other movies like it will enjoy “Kingdom,” too. It was a nice ride. Go see it!