Normally I don't like "old western" movies, but "Shanghai
Noon" gives the genre a lively new twist. Jackie Chan
plays an Imperial Guard sent to the western United States
to rescue the kidnapped princess (Lucy Liu). Once there,
he meets up with a band of cowboy outlaws. An elaborate
train heist and fight scene ensues, and eventually Chan
ends up out on the prairie with an Indian tribe. Soon,
however, he makes it back to civilization, and runs into
his cowboy friend, Roy O'Bannon (Owen Wilson). They team
up to save the princess.
Despite the fact that it was unrealistic, "Shanghai Noon"
was quite entertaining. I've noticed that most Jackie
Chan movies consist of a certain formula: Martial arts
expert from Asia comes to America on a mission (usually
to rescue a damsel in distress) and teams up with a radically
different American. They work together, become friends,
and save the day. As much as I am opposed to formulaic
movies (cheap and easy moviemaking), I have to admit this
method really works for Jackie Chan. I can even forgive
the predictability. "Shanghai Noon", like his other films,
is a laughable comedy and exciting martial arts movie.
Rated PG-13 for violence, drug humor, and some sexual references
Discuss "Shanghai
Noon" or Vivian's Review in Cyberkids Connection
