Posted: Friday, 18 April 2008 10:54AM
The Forbidden Kingdom
|
(PG-13)
The first on-camera throwdown of superstars Jackie Chan and Jet Li deserved a movie all their fans would enjoy. This movie delivers some of it, with moments between the sweet and clownish Chan and the serene but lethal Li the real reason to see this movie. There is also gorgeous cinematogrpahy (filmed in China) and great fight choreographer Woo-Ping Yuen (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and The Matrix) getting the long kung fu sequences right. Unfortunately, the wrong director is at the helm, Rob Minkoff losing the mysticism and wit this kind of talent deserves. Too many characters, and an overly brutal beginning (a bland Michael Angarano finding his way to the Kingdom) not suitable for children under twelve hurts what could have been a terrific film. Still, for the genre and those who long to see Li and Chan together, three hats. Bring back these two greats in something worthy.
 |
Copyright 2008, KCBS. All Rights Reserved.
|
|
|
|
