By Andrea Banda
A&E Editor
Jackie Chan (“Rush Hour”) is at it again.
“Shanghai Knights,” the sequel to “Shanghai Noon,” is an adventure that takes audiences out of 1880s America and travels across the Atlantic to London, England.
Chon Wang (Chan) and Roy O’Bannon (Owen Wilson of “Behind Enemy Lines”) team up again to avenge the death of Wang’s father by Chinese rebel murderers and to recapture the Imperial Chinese Seal.
Prior to their journey, Wang enjoys the life of the honorable sheriff of Carson City, Nev. When he hears the news of his father’s death, he heads to New York to find O’Bannon, who has been investing the fortune they received in “Shanghai Noon.”
When he finds O’Bannon, he is working as a waiter at the Ritz Hotel, trying to recoup the fortune he lost from his high living. Despite their financial difficulties, the friends escape to England in search of the murderers and the seal.
Later they team up with Wang’s sister Lin (Fann Wong of “The Truth About Jane and Sam”), a Scotland Yard Inspector (Thomas Fischer of “The Mummy Returns”) and a 10-year-old street boy (Aaron Johnson of “Apocalypse – The Revelation”) to find the killers.
Directed by David Dobkin (“Clay Pigeons”), the film is full of classic Jackie Chan action. Chan fights off the bad guys with kung fu on dangerous walls, in crowded markets and on London’s famous Big Ben clock.
Also a signature feature of the film is its interesting plays on British and American history. Many trademarks of both countries are the subject of jokes, such as the famous Sherlock Holmes and Charlie Chaplin. It creates a sense of identification with the audience and gives them a big laugh.
“Victorian England had not been exposed to kung fu,” screenwriter Alfred Gough said in a press release. “So we thought we could have some fun surprising the unsuspecting Brits with it. We also wanted to lend the story a modern sensibility by utilizing landmarks that are still erect today, and peppering it with now famous characters who remain part of contemporary culture.”
The sets and props are particularly impressive, especially considering the frequent changes of scenery from China to Western America to New York to London. London’s castles, Buckingham Palace and China’s Great Wall and Forbidden City are all highlights of the film’s tour around the world.
While the film has its similarities to the “Rush Hour” series, it is an adventure all its own. The stage chemistry between Chan and Wilson is evident, although Chan’s humor is somewhat funnier next to comedian Chris Tucker. However, the unusual Chan-Wilson pair brings the comedy of American and Chinese cultures to a royal country at the height of her imperial power. The English are surprised and mesmerized by the kung fu fighting action of the duo.
The film is entertaining and has a few great laughs. If you enjoy Jackie Chan action and enjoy escaping reality, find a theater near you. The film debuts Friday.
February 06, 2003
