Tag Archives: Kung Fu

The Forbidden Kingdom (DVD)

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To be completely honest with you, I wasn’t overly impressed with The Forbidden Kingdom. The film had the potential to be a modern classic with kung fu legends Jet Li and Jackie Chan casted for it, but with such a weak plot and lack of energy from its actors, it was a complete disappointment for me.

The biggest problem with this film was the lack of intensity during the action sequences. I completely understand that this was suppose to a lighthearted “fun” film, but even with all the humor and fun in old school kung fu flicks, the fight scenes were always amazing. I’m not sure how others felt about the highly anticipated Jet Li versus Jackie Chan duel, but it left me wanting more. The choreography for the fight was on point, but neither Li or Chan had the fierceness that I’ve seen from them before. It just wasn’t very tenacious.

How about the motor behind the movie? Its storyline. What a complete joke. I have watched a grip of kung fu flicks with bad storylines in my time, but there was always something that would save it from total disaster. In the case of the Forbidden Kingdom, neither the fights scenes or its big budget could salvage it.

Overall, this film was not what I had envisioned it to be. I guess after watching classics such as Enter the Dragon and The Five Deadly Venoms, it makes it very difficult to appreciate anything which doesn’t live up to them. If you a hardcore fan of Kung Fu, then I advise you skip this one altogether. It will make you cringe to see so much talent (Li and Chan) go to waste. To those not so hardcore, you might actually be enjoy this one. It seems that good ol’ Hollywood has struck again.

Synopsis: Legendary martial arts stars Jackie Chan and Jet Li come together onscreen for the first time ever in director Rob Minkoff’s time-traveling take on the Monkey King fable that finds an American teen transported back to ancient China after wandering into a pawn shop and discovering the king’s fighting stick. Once there, the adventurous teen joins an army of fierce warriors who have sworn to free their imprisoned king at all costs. In addition to appearing as the mythical Monkey King, Li assumes the role of a silent monk, and Chan appears in the role of kung fu master Lu Yan. Famed action choreographer Yuen Woo Ping presides over the fight sequences. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Tai Chi Master (DVD)

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TaiChiFirst and foremost, please refrain from watching the dubbed version of this movie entitled “Twin Warriors“. Having the opportunity to screen both subbed and dubbed versions, I can tell you firsthand that there were quite a few problems with the English translations. I felt the dubbed version totally ruined the film’s comedic and dramatic value and found that it was actually frowned upon by many fans of the original title. Instead, watch this film in its original format. Its just so much better.

Tai Chi Master is one of Jet Li’s finest martial arts films. It will keep most audiences entertained throughout with its nonstop barrage of incredible action sequences mixed in with the perfect amount of drama and comedy.

Li stars as Junbao, a Shaolin Monk who trains throughout his life with one specific goal in mind: to help and protect those who are in need. His uncanny ability to grab hold of his audience backed by his amazing martial arts skills are on full display throughout the film. We also get a glimpse of a different side of Li with a bit of humor added to his character. Its actually a rare treat to see Li as a comic when most of the roles he portrays are somber ones. Michelle Yeoh also stars in this film and plays rebel leader Siu Lin. Her character compliments Li’s quite well and her martial arts abilities are so graceful and fluid that you can’t help but take notice.

If you are a martial arts fan and you haven’t seen this film yet, then you have truly missed Jet Li at his best. It is definitely a collectors piece and now has a place on my shelf alongside other classic films including, Enter the Dragon, Fists of Fury, Snake in the Monkey’s Shadow, Iron Monkey, and The 5 Deadly Venoms.

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