Creative Quotient
To begin with, the casting coup of Kung-Fu super stars Chan and Li coming together for the first time in this film is a good premise no doubt. But the plot woven is so magical and mythical in itself that their individual star appeal dims somewhat. The story opens in the backyard of a Chinatown in the US where teenaged Jason, a Kung-Fu enthusiast finds himself in a tussle with local bullies who shoot down the Chinese curio shop-owner. The dying shopkeeper hands Jason a magic staff and asks him to return it to its owner. Pushed off a multistoreyed building Jason plunges down and he’s transported to ancient China with the magic staff!
He bumps into Lu Yan (Jackie Chan) who guzzles wine and practises a funny Drunken Fist Kung-Fu, rescues Jason from the vicious soldiers of the Jade Warlord. Lu Yan realises that Jason can rescue the accursed Monkey King (Jet Li). On their way, Chan teaches Jason Kung-Fu and they meet the pretty damsel, Golden Sparrow who also wants to avenge her parents’ murder by the dreaded Warlord. Many fights and migical encounters with the likes of White haired witch, the rescue team succeeds in breaking free the Monkey King.
Writer John Fusco’s tale is interesting as well as enchanting but alas! not surprising or novel.
Technical expertise
Director Minkoff resurrects the magic of ancient China with great flourish and brings to life mythical characters like the Warlord, Silent Monk and the great Emperor most convincingly. The playfulness of the main players of the story lends it a comic flavour that is enjoyable. The most daunting task in the film was before the action choreographer Yuen Wo Ping and he does incorporate various styles and forms - using innovative props like the white tresses of the White Haired witch and the Sparrow’s hair pin! The costumes are rich and mesmerising.
Ron Simonson’s visual effects are spectacular without overpowering the main narrative. Production design is elaborate yet very well-managed. Chan is loveable as usual but in this one even the sombre Li unwinds and acts comical. Sadly the two are rarely together to send any sparks flying, their sole fisticuff scuffle isn’t imagination defying, it is pretty much what you might have expected.
Indian audience will be able to compare the Chinese lore to local mythology of Hanuman.
Verdict
One for the mythical characters, second for the ancient look - including sets, props and costumes - and finally one for some innovative action sequences.