Movie Review: The Forbidden Kingdom

DeNiro and Pacino.
Sherlock Holmes and Moriarty.
Optimus Prime and Megatron.
Alien and Predator.

Throughout Hollywood history, movie audiences pine for certain characters and/or actors to face off against each other on the big screen. And thanks to "The Forbidden Kingdom," legendary martial arts actors Jackie Chan and Jet Li finally have an arena to display their skills against each other. And martial arts film fans everywhere cheer.

"Saiyuki" or "Journey to the West" is a classic Chinese novel detailing the actions of the Monkey King as he guards a Buddhist monk through the Silk Road. The Monkey King is mischievous and cocky but has the skills to back up his boasting thanks to his magical staff. The adventures are arduous and the trials are difficult. But the Monkey King and his team prove their heroism throughout the novel. I can't find a copy of the original "Saiyuki" in English, but today the closest retellings of the tale are found in the Japanese cartoon (anime) series "Saiyuki" and arguably, "Dragonball."

In "The Forbidden Kingdom's" retelling of the tale, a young, modern day Bostonian named Jason (Michael Angarano) is established as a bona fide Kung-Fu movie fan with none of the skills to match his heroes. A bizarre turn of events puts "Chekhov's gun" (in this case, The Staff of the Monkey King) in his hands and transports him into a mythical China where certain residents miraculously speak English. Jason finds allies such as a drunken fist master (Jackie Chan) and a talkative silent monk (Jet Li) while fighting the armies of the evil Jade Warlord (Collin Chou). Jason learns martial arts and the importance of his staff from his allies as they follow the road to their destiny.

The main selling point of "The Forbidden Kingdom" is Jackie Chan and Jet Li battling each other and together for the first time. For people wishing to see the movie just for those scenes, they're in for a treat. The cinematic historic battle between Jackie Chan's adaptability and experience versus Jet Li's accuracy and energy is a sight to see as they punch, kick, throw, dodge, and parry at each other. This historic moment in cinema last for several minutes while feeling like seconds. When they're not fighting each other, their differing styles are seen as they train young Jason in their respective styles or when they're verbally assaulting each other with insults.

For those who watch a movie beyond the fight scenes, they are in for some fun. Using China as a backdrop provides great color, architecture, and costumes. The opening credits alone provide a great timeline of Kung-Fu films. Further references to classic Kung-Fu films are generously sprinkled throughout the film. For example, the Jade Warlord hires an assassin whose cold heart and fighting style resemble "The Bride With White Hair." Hint: she has white hair. Jackie Chan as a drunken master brings back memories of his classic film "The Drunken Master" while Jet Li's monk character resembles his various monk protagonists. And the Monkey King's movements and costume are very much similar to a really old Chinese TV serial of "Saiyuki."

Once in a blue moon, there is a kung-fu film that dazzles the audiences and reinvigorates the genre. Until that movie comes along, you can watch "The Forbidden Kingdom for a good popcorn Kung-Fu film. My only main gripe is that the Bostonian scenes kind of makes "The Forbidden Kingdom" feel less like "Saiyuki" and more like "The Wizard of Oz." The modern day scenes felt rushed and implausible. But it's a small gripe that doesn't really kill the movie for me. Just watch the two legendary martial artists of our time duke it out and enjoy.

Rated PG-13 for martial arts action and violence. 113 minAvailable on DVD, special edition DVD, and Blu-Ray September 9th, 2008