Chan, Li join forces for first time in "Kings of Kung Fu"

When writer John Fusco's son became interested in Kung Fu movies, Fusco decided to share some of the Chinese folklore behind the stories. However, he found it was hard for his son to relate to the centuries old stories. What started out as bedtime story soon became an epic film, "The Forbidden Kingdom." Michael Angarano stars as Jason Tripitikas, a Kung Fu-obsessed kid who dreams of mastering the art to beat up bullies and get the girls. Jason's only friend is Old Hop, played by Jackie Chan, who owns a Chinatown pawn shop that specializes in bootlegged Kung Fu films. When Jason is forced to help some local bullies rob Old Hop's store, Jason is given a magical staff and is asked to return it to its rightful owner. The staff whisks Jason off to ancient China. Aided by Lu Yan, a drunken immortal Mr. Miyagi with dreadlocks, Golden Sparrow, and the Silent Monk, played by Jet Li, Jason begins a quest to return the staff to the Monkey King and end the evil Jade Warlord's 500-year reign of terror. The only thing standing in their way is the Jade Army and Ni Chang, a witch with a magic whip and long, whip-like hair. Filmed entirely in China, "The Forbidden Kingdom" contains elaborate sets and some of the most visually stunning cinematography I've ever seen. The filmmakers do an excellent job in maintaining the integrity of the Far East while adding elements of a more Western-style fantasy world. The story borrows a lot of elements from other films. Besides it's similarities to "The Wizard of Oz" and "The Karate Kid," there is a scene in which the Jade Warlord uses his Chi Magic to fling things at the Monkey King, much like Darth Vader does to Luke Skywalker during their battle on Cloud City. There are also scenes that were reminiscent of "The Lord of the Rings," particularly one that involves the Jade Army marching off to burn a village. However, what the movie lacks in originality it makes up for in its fast-pace and high intensity action scenes. Woo-Ping Yuen, who is best known for choreographing "The Matrix," "Kill Bill" and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, choreographed the film's action sequences. The film contains all the high-flying wirework and amazing visual effects we've come to expect from martial art action movies. There are some of the most breathtaking Kung Fu battles I've ever seen. "The Forbidden Kingdom" is also the first time Chan and Li have ever worked together. Both are considered to be among the best martial artists in the world. Chan is hilarious as Lu Yan, master of the Drunken Fist, and Li shows off his comedic side as the mischievous Monkey King. The highlight of the film, however, is Chan and Li's battle between Yan and the Silent Monk. It's worth the price of the movie just to see these two masters fight for the first time. The DVD includes five documentaries that offer a lot of behind-the-scenes information on the film. I found the narrator's voice rather annoying and the scenes of Fusco practicing Kung Fu on the beach were rather corny, but the rest of the interviews were definitely worth watching. There is also a great blooper reel and some deleted scenes that should have stayed deleted. "The Forbidden Kingdom" may not be the best date movie ever made, but it's definitely one action fans won't want to miss.

3.5/5 monkeys