Review of The Forbidden Kingdom (2008) by Michael V — 11 Dec 2011

Usually when legends end working together in cinema (especially action stars) it usually ends up being forced and a cash in which spells shit. But maybe... just maybe the concept can work. This time it did.

Hot damn this is a fun movie. Not only is this a delightful story with excellent martial arts, Forbidden Kingdom is a treasure trove of lightly veiled homage to the great kung fu films of the 70's.

Choreographing the fights with plenty of wire-work and CGI pizzazz is Woo-ping Yuen, known for his work with both Chan and Li, as well as The Matrix and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. It's pretty impressive that although it's fairly obvious that wires are being used in the fight scenes, it doesn't really take away from the action like it often tends to in American features, but actually enhances their intensity here.

And when Li and Chan go up against each other it is not a short scene. It's full on balls to the wall. Probably one of the best action scenes in both of their careers. It goes on for what feels like 10 minutes and damn entertaining.