Bater ou Correr

'Shanghai Noon' is a western-comedy starring Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson. Chan is Chon Wang (sounds like John Wayne) and Wilson is Roy O'Bannon, a perfect name for the outlaw he is. Wang is in the USA because he has to save a princess, played by Lucy Liu. He and O'Bannon have to work together, why and how is not important at all.

What is important is the fun they have together, and therefore the fun we have while watching that. We have the usual Jackie Chan martial art and this time it is combined with the very funny Owen Wilson talking. For some reason I like him in almost every movie and here he gets at least one laugh in every scene. Try not to think too much and you must be able to enjoy this movie as much as I did.

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 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.

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

I saw Shanghai Noon because I do like Jackie Chan, and the premise seemed like the film would be a winner. Although I didn't find Shanghai Noon particularly special, it was a fun movie and I would recommend it.

The plot is routine, with some of the ideas a tad forced. The film also feels 5 or so minutes too long, one or two scenes in the middle felt like they could have been shortened. Lucy Liu isn't given much to do either.

However, the film is beautifully shot and the scenery and sets are equally ravishing. There is also a rousing score from Randy Eldemann, a smart script with some amusing if not hilarious jokes and sharply choreographed fight scenes. Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson are both very good, and are a well matched double act.

Overall, not perfect, but fun and enjoyable. 7/10 Bethany Cox