The Forbidden Kingdom (2008)

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  TheMovieDiorama

  5 / 10

  The Forbidden Kingdom packs as much China as a kitchen cupboard. Seriously, it's like browsing the dining department in IKEA. Bamboo forests, warlords, witches using their white luscious hair as a whip and Jet Li as a cheeky monkey king. Boom! Ancient China. What can only be described as a westernised martial arts parody, this fantasy tale is most certainly aimed towards casual audiences that aren't well experienced with the classics. Unfortunately, that comes at a price. A south Boston teenager is mysteriously transported to ancient China where he must bring a legendary staff to a monkey king, so that the jade warlord can be stopped in ruling China. The main appeal is Chan and Li. Chan-Li. But unlike the cumbersome fighting techniques found in 'Street Fighter', these two legendary martial artists have quite possibly one of the greatest fight scenes together. The choreography was insane. In fact, the majority of the martial arts used in this film are well performed, resorting to minimal visual effects. However, the family friendly orientated story removes all the drama behind the fighting. It's so incredibly basic and one-dimensional, that you inevitably feel empty. Majestic style, zero substance. The focus on parodying 'The Karate Kid' and every other martial arts epic ever made, squanders potential character investment. Not to mention the excessive exposition and backstory. Perhaps light-hearted comedy and martial arts just do not mix. The introductory and concluding scenes were jarring and attempt to replicate 'The Wizard of Oz'. And then we get to my biggest criticism, Angarano. Woefully bland. A tub of magnolia paint is more exciting. I'll give him credit for practicing the art of Kung Fu (even though it wasn't), but he is unable to act convincingly. Chan and Li are clearly having fun and made the film passable. The costumes and scenery were also glorious to watch. Is it enough to class this film as good? Debatable. I think it's fine. Harmless fun, but could've been so much more if it branched away from the family friendly route and had a better lead actor.

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