Jackie Chan is a sensation unlike anything else
out there. His formula is pretty simple: take the humble, likable
little Chinese guy, line him up for an extra large size helping
of trouble, and watch him punch, kick, roll and jump his way out
of it. It always hinges on Chan's mind-boggling martial arts technique,
and he never fails to disappoint. He's also famous for doing all
his own stunts.
The more intense fight sequences are always entertaining because, while inventive and spectacular, they are also very funny. Chan always has this hilarious panicked look on his face and he rides a fine line between being the kicker and kickee of ass. (That's because he's usually outnumbered 20 to 1.) And I can never keep from snickering when he enlists a prop as a weapon, like a cupboard door, a trash can lid, or even an 8 foot step ladder. Another unique and endearing Chan trademark: his foes hardly ever get seriously hurt or killed.
It all adds up to a sure-fire formula for light, mindless, harmless cinematic fun, and, like in his fight scenes, Jackie Chan keeps cranking it out faster than anyone can keep up with. His Hong Kong-based output is especially prolific, largely unhindered by such cumbersome things as plots and elaborate production values.
Over here with our Hollywood, we like to do things just a little differently...
As in "Rush Hour", "Shanghai Noon" attempts to fuse Jackie Chan into a "buddy cop" plot formula with a goofball American sidekick. But this time, you've got an old Western setting... with Owen ("Bottle Rocket" & "Rushmore") Wilson!! It's a tall order, but they seem to know what they're doing. Wilson revives his wonderfully unique "cream puff criminal wannabe" persona for very effective comic relief. This film could really make a name for Owen.
The good production values and the setting are a bonus. The beautiful Canadian (...OOPS! I mean Nevada) vistas are a treat, and Chan gets some new props to defend himself with, like a spruce sapling, some elk antlers and, of course, a horse shoe.
In a million years, I would have never dreamed of combining "Bottle Rocket" with "Rumble In The Bronx" with "The Unforgiven", but here you have it. And for the most part, it actually works! A tighter plot with a less boring, formulatic climax would have been a HUGE bonus, but I guess we can't ask for everything. Jackie Chan, Owen Wilson and the old wild West are a sufficiently entertaining package that I can heartily recommend this film to Chan fans, Bottle Rocket cultists and general fun-seekers. There's enough chuckles and thrills to make it well worth the price of admission.