'Forbidden Kingdom' - Rob Minkoff (2008)

A magic staff has been lost for 500 years and must be returned to its owner the Monkey King in order to save the kingdom from the evil tyranny of the Jade Emperor (Deshun Wang).  In steps Jason (Michael Angarano), a nice American kid with a passion for Kung Fu movies. Coming into possession of the magical weapon, he is zapped back to China, 500 years ago, and thrown into a world of implausibly English-speaking Chinese villagers, a drunken master and, obviously, Kung Fu. 

Lu Yan (Jackie Chan, looking like a Chinese-Bob Marley) has to train his new American friend to fight and so return the staff to the once-great Monkey King. On hand to help is Jet Li, a quiet monk who at first sight could be mistaken for Gandalf the White.

The story is loosely based on the famous Monkey: Journey to the West legend that spawned the popular seventies television show Monkey Magic.  Forbidden Kingdom sits happily with its tongue in cheek, mimicking both the old television series and the typical Chinese Kung Fu movies of days gone by.  But sometimes you can’t help but think that this form of self-parody is a little...well, rubbish.  Every “bad guy” overacts so much so that you never fear for our hero’s safety. Mix this with several plot holes; how can an American boy from New York ride a horse on first try?!  Or how do all these Chinese people speak English?!

Expect a mix of wonderfully choreographed fight scenes, poorly strung together by cheesy one-liners and predictable back stories.  The disappointing filler scenes between fights are only made bearable by the occasional Jackie Chan joke. That said, the film’s stars each play very obvious caricatures of themselves;  Chan is a comical, kung fu expert and clumsy, yet likable jester; Li, a serious, straight-faced and menacing teacher, who steers the gang towards their goal. 

It’s important to remember that this film is not to be taken seriously.  What you have to learn about Jackie Chan is that he is rarely in a serious situation, how could he, he’s broken every bone in his body?!  A smile is the only answer.  Director Rob Minkoff's previous films include 2003’s Haunted Mansion and both Stuart Little films, so don’t expect to see bones break or blood gushing.  Just expect to be entertained.