Shanghai Noon

Starring: Owen Wilson, Jackie Chan, Lucy Liu
Directed by: Tom Dey
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Action
2000

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: After a Chinese royal princess (Lucy Liu) is kidnapped to America, a royal guard (Jackie Chan) who has fallen out of favor with the emperor travels to save her. There, he meets up with an outlaw (Owen Wilson). The two team up to save the princess, but the outlaw may only be in it for the gold that is present for her ransom.

Review:

Tim: The first thing that I have to mention about this film is that the title is brilliant. Shanghai Noon. It perfectly captures what this film is about- the mixing of the east and the west, of Chinese royalty and American cowboys. I just absolutely love the title and sometimes when I watch this movie I repeat it over and over to myself.

The film starts out pretty slow with the long introduction to the plot and why and how the princess was kidnapped. It doesn't actually get good until Wilson and Chan team up. These two make hilarious and excellent buddies, and it is amazing to watch them on screen together.

Watching this movie made me realize something- even with Jet Li, Chow Yun-Fat, and the other Chinese actor/martial artists, Jackie Chan is still the best martial artists turned actor (well, maybe besides Bruce Lee). Chan shows some amazing moves in this film. He is so brilliant to watch on screen because he has this uncanny ability to use the environment around him in battle. He uses trees, props, clothes, etc. It's great. Watch for the fight with the indians... it is just so enjoyable to watch.

Like I mentioned earlier, this film has its success with the Chan and Wilson. This is a perfect buddy flim, and besides the strength and chemistry of these two actors, the film would not be worth seeing. I do recommend this film, because when the east and west come together, with Chan and Wilson, it has hilarious results. Oh, and Jackie Chan's name in the movie is Chon Wang.... say it out loud... absolutely brilliant.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Shanghai Knights, Rush Hour, I Spy, Behind Enemy Lines