Shanghai NoonThis is the tale of Roy and the Shanghai Kid from back in the 1880’s, in an East meets West style of film reminiscent of the Kung Fu TV Series – only much, much funnier!

Ok, so Jackie Chan plays ‘The Shanghai Kid’, whose real name is Chon Wang (which sounds an awful lot like John Wayne), who comes to the America to rescue the princess who has left the Forbidden City in China (under imperial orders).

Owen Wilson plays ‘Roy’ a fast talking but ultimately useless train robber who cant shoot a gun to save his life.

When Chon’s uncle is killed by one of Roy’s gang during a train robbery (a kill not approved of by Roy), Chon goes after his gang.  After escaping, Chon walks the desert and finds Roy buried neck deep in the ground (buried by one of his gang members).   Chon asks for directions in return for digging Roy out,  Roy offers the directions and Shon leaves some chopsticks in Roy’s mouth to dig himself out with.

Inevitably, Chon and Roy meet again at a bar, which is in a town far from Chon’s intended destination.  Roy admits to giving Chon the wrong directions and a massive fight breaks out and both men are put in a cell at the Sheriff’s office. The two team up to escape, and become friends whilst evading capture and trying to track down the Princess.

Chan and Owen Wilson

Another ‘Jackie Chan goes West‘ Movie?

Like Rush Hour, this movie is a bit play on the contrast between Jackie Chan’s Chinese/Hong Kong Heritage and that of the US, this time set in the 1880’s.  Is it any better though?

I honestly enjoyed this movie much more than Rush Hour! It had more natural comedy and better action (in my opinion) than the original ‘Jackie Chan goes West’ Film, but it boils down to personal preference.

I’m also a fan of Owen Wilson’s onscreen persona’s and this works both for him and as a contrast to Jackie’s character.  The two seem to blend a bit more naturally than I expected as they both carry a light hearted nature about them, while still holding a decent contrast in other areas.

The comedy seems to focus a lot less on the contrast though, and plays out a bit more naturally as the two try to escape jail, get drunk, play drinking games and generally do the whole ‘buddy’ thing.  Once again this movie has little to be serious about – apart from the villain and his hold on the princess.

Jackie Chan

The Action & Martial Arts

It’s a Jackie Chan movie, so expect some nice physical performance!  His action scenes are sprinkled nicely throughout the film and he does a good job of keeping each sequence packed with a variety of precise movements and stunts.

There’s not a lot I can say without repeating what I’ve said about Jackie’s more modern movies, it’s all top quality.  It’s is designed around the Western setting however, and uses certain props and movements based on his surroundings.

As usual it’s less flat out fighting and more survival as Jackie weaves in and out of peoples attacks, delivering the occasional blow or impressive kick.  It’s his movements outside of the norm which make his films unique – also don’t forget to watch the gag reel at the end of the film!

The Verdict?

It’s another Chan film that isn’t much different to his other films at the core, but the cast and the Western setting are definitely fun. Check it out for some fun Jackie Chan comedic action!

On Blu Ray –

Region Free (Plays in Any Country)
Shanghai Noon / Shanghai Knights (2-Movie Collection) [Blu-ray]

On DVD –

Region 1 (US & Canada)
Shanghai Noon

Shanghai Noon / Shanghai Knights

Region 2 (UK, Europe, etc)
Shanghai Noon [DVD] [2000]

Region 4 (Australia, New Zealand, etc)
Shanghai Noon

More info on Movie Regions here.

25 Martial Arts Movies All Fans Must See - FREE


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