The Forbidden Kingdom:
Turns out to be enjoyable martial-arts film
CRITIC'S CORNER By DNA Smith
"The Forbidden Kingdom" Running time: 110 minutes MPAA rating: PG-13

For decades, martial-arts movie fans have been dying to see an onscreen match-up between Jackie Chan and Jet Li. Finally, in "The Forbidden Kingdom," we've gotten our wish -- sort of. I'm not saying "The Forbidden Kingdom" is a bad film. To the contrary. It's a pretty enjoyable film, and the action scenes are awesome. It's just that it would've been cooler to see Chan and Li do this 15 years ago, when they were both in their prime. Still, I'd rather have "The Forbidden Kingdom" than nothing at all. The story: A dude named Jason (Michael Angarano) from modern-day Boston gets his hands on a magical quarterstaff and is transported to a magical and mythical ancient China, where he must deliver the staff to The Monkey King (Jet Li), who has been turned to stone by the evil, immortal Jade Warlord (Collin Chou). If he can free The Monkey King from his magical prison, Jason can return home to Boston. To aid Jason in his quest are a drunken master (Jackie Chan), a monk (Jet Li again) and a beautiful and deadly musician named Golden Sparrow (Liu Yifei). In their path are many perils, enemies, and worst of all, a white-haired and beautiful witch named Ni Chang (Li Bing Bing). Will our heroes succeed? Well, duh. "The Forbidden Kingdom" is beautifully photographed, the fight scenes are brilliantly choreographed and the acting is not too shabby, except for Angarano, who looks too much like Shia LaBeouf, only with even less talent and charisma -- a feat I didn't think possible. Thankfully, Li, Chan & Co. have such powerful onscreen presences that Angarano's shortcomings are only slightly annoying instead of totally ruining the film. "The Forbidden Kingdom" is definitely a fun matinee choice if you're looking for an entertaining Saturday afternoon. Check it out. GRADE: B-

(c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc. 3