Review of Shanghai Noon (2000) by Alexandre A — 24 Jun 2012

Shanghai Noon.

07.01.2012 at: 20.59 - 22.08, Norway.

I can't count how many times I have seen this movie. I mean I can, I am able to, but, you get my point, don't you? When I first saw it about eight years ago, give or take, I was truly amazed by all the action, I mean I didn't understand half of what they were saying, even though my English was better than most twelve year olds, but the action and the fighting, it blew me away. I was dazzled and shocked by it. And it was then I first laid eyes on Jackie Chan. I fell in love with him, so to speak, don't get me wrong, I am straight, but the man is a true idol, a role model of the first order! He does his own stunts, his acting his superb, but naturally it was that fighting of his that got me hooked. That hand-to-hand combat is just amazing, I still think so today. Even though I have probably seen it more than 30 times, I still enjoy watching it. It is fascinating how many times one can watch a movie without growing sick or tired of it. Ever since that faithful day we sat in the couch and enjoyed our self on that Saturday afternoon, I knew that this man is a god among actors and entertainers, but now I have rambled enough, let's get it on.

The way the story is built up is genius. You take one laid back cowboy from the west and put him together with an imperial guard from the east, and you get this. Wow! The outcome of this is just brilliant! The fact itself that something like this can be created is just amazing!

Do I really need to get started on the brilliancy of the choreography? It was so incredible it is in 3rd, maybe even 2nd place on "best choreography ever"! by my opinion of course. That about says it all, doesn't it?

The acting was phenomenal, the lighting,.

Of course the music gets its own paragraph. The music. Yes, the music, it was great, it really did its job. It really set the mood and made the movie more than just a bit alive. The lyrics fit perfectly. That don't happen very often. Yeah, sure, it fits very good or nearly perfect, but never perfect. So, the music obviously gets a perfect 10.

This movie is one of my favorite movies of all time, and it brings back some good memories. Me and my friends had many good laughs at this movie. It is so great, I can't not quote SOMETHING from it! Let me just give you a little piece of the comedy in this movie:

Owen: "Wait! Hold on! Who's the pretty lady?".

Jackie: "That's my wife".

Owen: "How long have you been in this country?".

Jackie: "Four days.".

Owen: "Nice".

The comedy in this movie, no matter what shape it comes in, whether it disguises itself as a comment, action, expressions or even a sound. It doesn't matter as long as it makes you laugh and this movie, I assure you and guarantee you, WILL make you laugh. It will make you laugh so hard you will get stomach pains and it will make you smile so hard you will literally be in pain, I am not kidding!

The action scenes in this movie are unbelievably awesome, the shooting, riding, robbing, winging it is awesome, but it can not measure up to the fighting, both with and without weapons. It is indescribably entertaining, thrilling and simply awesome and amazing!

Turning point you say? Well, to be frank, I think there is multiple turning points all worth mentioning, but I will leave it be as I don't want to spoil any more than necessary.

Everything in this movie is at it's best or close to it. So to make this quick: I am giving it 10 stars out of 10 possible. 10/10 stars, that is correct. When even the horses make you laugh either something is wrong with you, or the movie is great!

Sorry I got all caught up in the Shanghai Kid, I forgot about Owen, Owen Wilson did a hell of a job in this movie as he has in many others. There, now I have mentioned him as well.

...and so I, your always faithful writer, critic or whatever you call it, have to say goodnight and thank you for reading my review and for commenting, rating and sharing your opinion on both the movie and my review.

Bon Soir, Buenos Noches, Guten Nacht and God Natt. That's goodnight to those of you who was wondering.

Yours Truly.

- J.J.Shevy.