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Shanghai Knights

Shanghai Knights

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Rating: 2 stars
Summary: Very Disappointing
Review: I left the theater so underwhelmed and disappointed, having been a fan of Jackie Chan's and Owen Wilson's first movie together. What a contrast of good and bad. The acting was less than convincing (totally unnatural) and made the film look like a "pot luck" failure. Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson, who normally play off each other quite well, acted as though they read their lines for the first time before each scene was shot, and relied on their "talent" (which was none in this movie) to carry them through. This leads one to ponder: What happened to the director; was he asleep at the switch?

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Mindless trash ... but it works
Review: In the opening sequence of SHANGHAI KNIGHTS, the aged keeper of China's Great Imperial Seal is knifed during the seal's theft. With his dying breath, the old man extracts from his daughter, Chon Lin (Fann Wong), the promise to recover the trinket.

The film next jumps to Carson City, Nevada, where Lin's brother Chon Wang (Jackie Chan) is town sheriff. He relinquishes his badge to travel to New York City to meet his old sidekick (from SHANGHAI NOON), Roy O'Bannon (Owen Wilson), a lothario waiter on the run from impoverishment and the irate father of two nubile and willing young ladies. Roy and Wang go on to 1880s London to rendezvouz with Lin and recover the seal. The Carson City and Big Apple sequences are unnecessary except to (re)introduce the audience to our two heroes, and provide a few gags and martial arts skirmishes. Once in London, the core of the storyline unfolds.

SHANGHAI KNIGHTS is mindless trash. (Come to think of it, so is this review.) However, it works because of the perfect chemistry between Chan and Wilson. The (relatively) straight-laced Wang is the perfect foil for Roy's lunatic shenanigans. (This is what makes Chan and Wilson a great comedy team in the tradition of Abbott and Costello.) And the exuberant energy of their skits is indicative of the fun they're obviously having with their roles. In addition, Jackie supplies the amazing martial arts choreography. In this film, Fann Wong as Li demonstrates that she can go kick for kick with Chan. And where has Ms. Wong been? She's exquisitely and delicately beautiful.

In a supporting role, Aaron Johnson as the larcenous guttersnipe Charlie is a pure joy. I wish he'd had much more screen time.

SHANGHAI KNIGHTS isn't a great film, or even one worth a second viewing. But it's the fun antidote for the low spirits perhaps brought on by the more sobering fare offered by the current Oscar contenders, e.g. THE HOURS, GANGS OF NEW YORK, and THE PIANIST.

One last thought. SHANGHAI KNIGHTS was filmed in London, Calgary, and a studio in the Czech Republic. The credits give little overt evidence that Hollywood was involved in the film's technical creation. Is Tinseltown becoming superfluous in the nuts and bolts of filmmaking?

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Best Jackie Chan Movie !
Review: I had no idea what this movie was all about and had not seen any commercials or advertisements for this movie, but luckily I work at a movie theater. I believe that movie theater employees have the best reviews of any movies since they see most of the movies that come out every week.

So going into this movie Shanghai Knights during my breaks I instantly knew this was a very good movie. I saw it twice in it's entirety and still can't get enough of how comical and fun it can be!

The fight scenes are well placed throughout the movie within the comedy plot. All the characters are likable in such a way that the movie is really like a cartoon. There is no stereotypical tension like perhaps the Rush Hour movies may present. And finally I applaud the Asian Female in the movie for finally having a purpose and story throughout the entire film, unlike previous Jackie Chan films where they are just an ornament.

Get this movie! You won't regret it! From beginning to end, I laughed all the way through. And this movie does not depress you or bring your day down. When this movie opened ... there were a lot of dramatic, depressing scary movies and this was the only one that cheered me up, that kept me happy! I don't know any customers who didn't like this movie. They all came out laughing! :D

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Rush Shanghai Hour Tuxedo Knights 2
Review: First of all, I'm the biggiest dang Jackie Chan fan in THE WORLD! And that's why I'm starting to become a bit angry with the roles Hollywood give Jackie, because their all exactly the same. Ever since the success of the hilarious and fresh pairing of Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker in 1998's surprise hit Rush Hour, Hollywood just hasn't been able to see that Jackie Chan is multi talented, and can do many more types of films besides buddy buddy action comedies.

1. Owen Wilson is a funny guy, but he doesn't even come close to Chris Tucker.

2. In Shanghai Knights Chon Wang and Roy O' Bannon have a little cross country adventure...... Uh, didn't I already see something like that in Rush Hour 2?

3. In Shanghai Noon Chon's uncle is killed, he wants revenge. Now in the sequel his father has been killed, he wants revenge again! Geez, can these writers come up with anything new?

4. Cancel Shanghai Dawn.

5. Chris Tucker is Jackie's original and best buddy period.

Oh God, and I don't even wanna mention the dreadful "Tuxedo", wich featured Jackie's worst co star yet, Jennifer Love Hewitt.

But please don't get me wrong, I enjoyed Shanghai Knights very much, all I'm saying is...... It's nothing I haven't seen a billion times before.

GIVE JACKIE A NEW ROLE!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A lot whole better than the Original.
Review: A few years later... When Chon Wang (Jackie Chan) heard the news from his Sister (Fann Wong) that his Father (Kim Chan) is murder by a Powerful British Polician (Aidan Gillen). Chon & his Sister want thier Revenge for the Death of thier Father, since the Murderer stolen a Expensive Diamond in the Forbidden City of China. The only person, who could help Chon to go in London is the help of his American Friend-Roy O'Bannon (Owen Wilson).

Directed by David Dobkin (Clay Pigeons), who does re-capture the Magic between Chan & Wilson in the Original but Dobkin does a Better Job by making it Funnier & a lot more entertaining than the Original-Shanghai Noon. Chan & Wilson are Better than Ever.
This film spoofs the History on Britian, names likes:The Royal Family, The War on Independence, Jack the Ripper, Charlie Chaplin & More. This Sequel should be a Bigger Hit than the Original Modest Hit. See this amazing fun action packed Comedy Sequel. Written by Alfred Gough & Miles Millar (Lethal Weapon 4, Shanghai Noon, Showtime). Panavision. Grade:A.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Addendum to previous reviews
Review: I disagree in part to the reviews both positive and negative to this film. Please remember a few things: Chan choregraphed the fight sequences. The whole "in a real fight Yen could beat Chan" comment is flawed: JC was in total control of that fight, and younger vs. older: it doesn't matter. Who wins or loses is a device of the plot. He wins (and I'm not giving anything away; you see as much in the commercials) and the story moves on. The competition is now Matrix-style and Crouching Tiger-style martial arts filmmaking. Once you've opened the CGI-Pandora's-box, how do you compete with that? JC sticks to showing the artistry and physicality of the fight sequences that the outtakes later prove that the actors are actually fighting, and not "helped along" with any kind of flashy, sometimes distracting effects. The trick was to do old-school kung fu in light of the competition and have it work. In this movie, it works really well.

As for JC losing creativity: remember this movie was made with American audiences in mind (think of all the really-corny, lighthearted, stereotyped ethnic jokes, and you can only conclude this was made for Americans). Americans are practically totally ignorant of any other movie JC has ever done outside of the Rush Hours. What movie hasn't recycled some of their better moments--especially sequels? Parts of the opening fight sequence were lifted from Rush Hour-2; parts of the end fight sequence was lifted from Shanghai Noon. They worked; they were memorable moments. Bring them back to refresh audiences' memories. The creativity comes from the situation and the scene.

And all Jackie Chan movies have outtakes; they're not "beginning" to become signatures. They're a legitimate part of the movie--the only thing new about JC's outtakes is that they've stopped running credits over them.

The movie has action. The movie has broad comedy. The movie takes the formula and chemistry and runs with it. It's totally different than anything out right now, and it's fun and well worth seeing.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Way Too Funny
Review: Funny. Very funny. I liked Shanghai Noon, and I and my family liked this one even more. Great action scenes. Cute dialog. Jackie actually shows some of the great fast hands and cleverly choreographed fight scenes with credible London back alley baddies and elite assassins from the Far East. As with most of Chan's movies if you are looking for a movie with a totally believable story, true to the period in every detail, and a deep spiritual message, stay home. If you are looking for funny, clean, slap your leg humor from two lovable characters who never, ever take themselves too seriously, run, do not walk, to a theater near you. It is as close to "wet your pants" funny as I have ever been. Don't look for surprises. Everything is pretty well laid out. You know who the good guys are and who the bad guys are from the start, even the one "plot twist" pun is not all that hard to see coming. That is what I loved about this movie. It never pretends to be something it isn't. If the Oscars had an award for Funniest Movie in an Action Comedy, this is the winner. Owen Wilson has been blessed with some terrific one liners.

The only thing in anyway detracting from this movie is that the jokes and puns are a bit too in your face. It is not enough to just do a funny bit, it is like they are trying too hard to make sure you "got it." I think most people will "get it" right from the start.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Wacky awesome movie!
Review: We all know Jackie Chan is not the best actor, but this is what makes him so funny! He's also the master of high-flying stunts and great action sequences, so this makes up for his awkward dialog. Owen Wilson is pure comedy genius, and his great lines and character flaws will have you laughing hard. The two have a great chemistry together. Go see it! It's just as good as Shanghai Noon, which is one of the best comedy films ever, and is suitable for the entire family. Well worth the time and money, this is an instant classic!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Jolly good fun from Jackie & Co.!
Review: My husband & I just saw Shanghai Knights, and it was time & money well spent! This movie is right up there with the first "Rush Hour". It is a funny, clever combination of "buddy movie", martial arts, and old time adventure thrillers (it has a lot of nods to that genre, in the same way the "Indiana Jones" movies did).
I would like to tell the writers, directors, & producers of this movie: "BLESS YOU", for reining in Owen Wilson this time. Shanghai Noon was totally ruined for me, because after 5 minutes of his anachronistic "self-esteem" psychobabble, I wanted to throttle Wilson. I kept wondering who this "nobody" was, that was trying to steal Jackie's movie! This time its set in the context of two characters who have issues with each other, and is much funnier.
This movie is exactly why WE go to movies: it is entertaining, it has spectacular set scenes, it is fast-paced, it is funny! And it has Jackie Chan in TOP form (what more could you ask?). Heck, we'll probably go see it again, even if we have to pay for full-price evening tickets!!

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: There was only one thing........
Review: it was an incredible silly and stupid movie, thus it is a great way to kill 107 minutes by laughing your [butt] off to the out of place music and silly action scenes such as Jackie fighting a street gang to the music 'of Singing In the Rain'. Also what made this a cute film is the sudden encounters with historical events and people, such as the worlds most mysterious serial killer Jack The Ripper and running into a street boy named Charlie Chaplin.

Owen Wilson character, even thought he doesn't act like it, has grown and change, he tries to keep Chan's anger in check by telling him to be stead fast and that evil count will get his.

But the no thing I found annoying was the Machine Gun. For one thing a man name Richard Gatling invented the machine gun after the Civil War and it used a hand crank to fire, in the film it has a Maxin Machine Gun firing mechanism which. After the Maxin Gun was invented the Gatling Guns last fight was in the Spanish American War in the 1890s and was used again for seventy years.


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