Shanghai Kid: Del Este al Oeste

It seems this film has been out longer than just six years but I remember it was one of the first modern-day humorous martial arts films to be seen in North America. It also introduced a much wider English- speaking audience to the charm and talents of Asian star Jackie Chan, who now is well-known everywhere, even if he is getting up in age.

This is considered one of Chan's better films and the setting certainly is different than normal for him: the American Old West. Good action scenes, some solid humor, fun characters and nice cinematography are all the pluses. Chan speaks English so there is no need for dubbing, either.

The only "minus" I found was the final action scene going on too long, but that's typical of films. All in all, this is a very entertaining movie. Owen Wlson and Lucy Liu also are two big reasons this film became so popular.

Jackie Chan does it again; this time with "Shanghai Noon." Unlike his previous films, Jackie has finally found a sidekick that works well alongside him and is able to play off of his physical stunts.

"Shanghai Noon" is unlike any other Jackie Chan movie I have seen. It is his best since "Rush Hour" and is among one of the best all-action movies that I've seen with an actual plot behind it.

After watching previous Jackie Chan movies such as "Rush Hour" and "Rumble In The Bronx, I was expecting to be dazzled with his comedic talent as well as action filled sequences. I was pleasantly surprised to learn it had every one of the components and requirements that I require for a good movie.

Owen Wilson was comedic treat to this film as he added spark to an already great movie. Other than the cliché plot, "Shanghai Noon" brings a lot of excellent comedy, dialogue, action, thrills and even a little romance. I was expecting Owen Wilson to be similar to Chris Tucker, but in "Shanghai Noon" Wilson proved himself to be much better than other Jackie Chan sidekicks I've seen him teamed with.

I was glad I rented this movie so I would be able to recommend it to everyone.

Great fun!

Jackie Chan brings his brand of physical comedy to Hollywood with another buddy movie. Similar to his "Rush Hour" series with Chris Tucker, Chan sets this one in the American old west and chooses Owen Wilson as his partner.

I like these better than the Rush Hours. Tucker and Owen are both excellent playing opposite Chan in both series, but the Shanghai series seems to offer Jackie better venues for his elaborate fight sequences. Saloons, brothels and even wilderness settings are used with great success.

And make no mistake, the fight sequences are what make (or break) a Jackie Chan movie. "Fight sequence" of course means something different in a Chan movie as opposed to normal action fare. Rather than true violence, Jackie's fight scenes are more Vaudeville than "Pulp Fiction". More Chaplin than Jet Li. Each fight is painstakingly choreographed to interact with the set surrounding it. Tables, chairs, vases, antlers, shrubbery... the list goes on.

A successful Jackie Chan movie seems to contain a comedy-oriented story, a lightly delivered moral message, and lots of action. Shanghai Noon certainly delivers here.

I spent the entire movie either chuckling to myself or laughing out loud, and had a very satisfied smile when the credits rolled. Highly recommended.

7 out of 10.

I've seen "Rush Hour" and I'm a big fan. I'm aware of how soon Shanghai Noon came out after Rush Hour. So, I didn't want to give it much of a chance. I mean, come on. Typical Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson? But over all, Shanghai Noon, despite it's typical clicee's of a buddy/cop movie or even cowboy/samuri if you will, you get into it. I think I was just in a good mood today. You get your Jackie Chan moves with your fun humor and inaccurate history. But just have fun I would say. I'm sorry, I really can't come up with anything else because this is a typical film. Just like a dictionary; look up Rush Hour. Same plot, different time, different actors. I would recommend Rush Hour, Lethal Weapon, or any other buddy/cop movies. You'll get the same thing pretty much. Like I said though, if you get a kick out of those flicks, you'll probably like this one too!

7/10

Jackie Chan is a master martial artist and stuntman. Every film he stars in is an exercise in demonstrating his skill in different, creative ways. If you go to see this movie expecting anything different, you'll be sorely disappointed.

However, if you're a Chan fan, prepare to be amazed once again. It's not the same spectacle one would find in previous works such as Rumble in the Bronx, but impressive nevertheless. Furthermore, the plot that ties these action sequences together is better than can be found in most films of the same genre. The clash between far east and wild west cultures and cinematographic stereotypes is amusing enough to keep the film entertaining throughout, and Chan's own tongue-in-cheek sense of humor makes the piece that much more delightful to watch.

Don't look for this one at the next Academy Awards, but then that's not what Jackie Chan is all about, is it. If you want a couple of hours of mindless entertainment and spectacle, this is the one to see.