Movies / Movie Reviews

Chan and Li Costar for the First Time in “Forbidden Kingdom”

By Zach Bowen
May 2, 2008 - 11:36

Lionsgate and The Weinstein Company
Director: Rob Minkoff
Writer: John Fusco
Composer: David Buckley   
Editor: Eric Strand   
Cinematographer: Peter Pau 

The “Forbidden Kingdom” stars Jackie Chan and Jet Li, acting together for the first time in history. The story follows Jason Tripitikas, played by Michael Angarano, to another dimension where he must return the staff of the Monkey King in order to free him from his prison and overthrow a cruel dictator.

The plot of this movie is as ridiculous as it sounds. The story almost needs to be completely ignored in order to enjoy the movie. “The Forbidden Kingdom” is simply a fun movie to watch. Sit back with some popcorn and enjoy the movie for what it is- a fascinating martial arts spectacle. It remains unclear throughout the movie if Jason travels to another dimension, goes back in time, or possibly engages in both. On Jason’s journey, he encounters Jackie Chan, who plays a drunken immortal. Chan adds the majority of the humor to the film with his ridiculous character, and of course has the same charm and appeal that audiences have come to expect from his Hollywood produced films. Chan also plays an old man in the “real world”, which stems into the confusion about where and when the story is taking place. It creates a “Wizard of Oz” –esque feel to the film, but lacks the acceptability of the 1939 classic. Much like Chan, Li also portrays two characters in the film. He plays the Monkey King along with being a nearly silent monk. Chan and Li train Jason, a martial arts movie buff, who ultimately shows impressive technique by the end of the film.

As could be expected, the highlight of the film comes from the action scenes. It will come as no surprise that Chan and Li do fight during the movie. This is a nearly unbelievable spectacle, with the two actors moving so fast that it is hard to keep track of all of their movements. This fight in particular relies just on their skill and uses very few special effects and wire tricks. It is arguable that Chan and Li are the two most respected martial artists in contemporary cinema, and this fight helps ratify their reputations. The rest of the fights disappointingly depend on visual effects. Going back and forth between practical and special effects makes the film appear to be questioning the limitations of its own reality.

“The Forbidden Kingdom” will leave people picking their brains in an attempt to figure out what exactly was going on during the narrative. However, audiences will also leave feeling exhilarated from the testosterone-fueled entertainment that the film is stuctured around. Those who are looking for the rush of an action movie will certainly not be let down by this film.

6.5/10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12