Shanghai Noon

Shanghai Noon. Action-western-comedy, 110 minutes; starring Jackie Chan, Owen Wilson, Lucy Liu. Directed by Tom Dey.

This 19th century Western stars Jackie Chan as clumsy Imperial Guard Chon Wang who insists on joining a team to rescue Princess Pei Pei (Liu) of the Emperor of China who has been kidnapped and whisked away to the United States. Hot on the trail of the kidnappers in Nevada, Wang is separated from his group but soon teams up with small-time robber Roy O'Bannon (Wilson).

The two unlikely partners then embark on a high-kicking misadventure.

Audiences can expect the usual Jackie Chan charm and incredible stunts plus many funny moments.

Hailed by many prominent critics, the film certainly gives Chan a firmer hold on international film stardom, particularly with his physical stunt ability which can only be compared to the late Buster Keaton. (08)