Movie review: Shanghai Knights

When Chon's father is murdered he heads to London to avenge his death with best friend Roy in tow. But revenge may have to take a back seat when the two end up trying to solve an even bigger case involving the Royal Family.

Jackie Chan (Chon), Owen Wilson (Roy), Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Charlie Chaplin), Tom Fisher (Artie Doyle), Oliver Cotton (Jack the Ripper), Fann Wong (Chon Lin), Alison King (Prostitute), Constantine Gregory (Mayor).

Shanghai Knights begins well enough setting up the plot nicely while including laughs right from the start. While the rest of the film does tell a story, and the plot is mildly interesting, this is really about the comedy. From one laugh to another, slapstick or dialogue, they just keep coming in this one. Of course, the film finishes with a Happy Ever After ending that well all saw coming well in advance.

Acting was pretty good, but pair it with the comedy and it was great. Chan was his usual, if not a bit warmer in this one, and enjoyable. Wilson was over-the-top dorky, which seems to work for him and he delivers it pretty well. Wong was solid and nice. The remainder of the supporting cast were solid throughout.

Camera work was good, while sets and backgrounds were very nice with good variety and detail. Action scenes were mild but a lot of fun and actually helped the comedy aspect. Dialogue was campy, corny, and fit the film perfectly. Sound and soundtrack were well done.

Shanghai Knights is simply an enjoyable action comedy. Technical work is spot on, acting is enjoyable, and the laughs are plentiful. Those who are able to sit back and enjoy a silly comedy for what it is should enjoy this one.

With some mild violence and sexuality, this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2003
Reviewed: 5.24.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Action Comedy, Slapstick comedy

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel