5 comments about Rush Hour 2 (Special Edition).

1. this is by far one of my favorite movies of all time, the best, better than rush hour, buy it ¡¡¡¡



2. i found this movie to be better than the first one.there's still lots
   of action,but it's even funnier than the first.there's some really good
   fight scenes,and Jackie Chan's moves are even more outrageous this time
   around.the banter between Chan and Tucker is much funnier and more
   natural.once again,although there is some violence it's not excessive
   or gratuitous.i think there is also less coarse language than the
   first,and like the first,there is no nudity,but there is a bit of
   suggestiveness.overall,i though this movie was a great ride from start
   to finish.it's even faster paced than the original,and Tucker and Chan
   have even better general and comedic chemistry.for me,Rush Hour 2 is a 4/5



3. OK to let the kids sit in & watch with everyone
   Funniest of the 3 Rush Hours



4. I really love Rush Hour movies. Ever since I saw the first one, I was intrigued and decided to get the second one. Very nice movie, has some classic chases and fights! lots of action and fun! and there's no better way to enjoy than watching it in the great quality the DVD brings.



5. Brett Ratner really should have left Rush Hour a stand-alone show. Rush Hour 2 is pretty overblown and it's even annoying enough at times to make one visibly wince. The writers had Tucker go from funny & clever in the first one to downright annoying and obnoxious in this sequel. Some of the sequences were entertaining however, mainly the fight choreography, and the 2 high-powered women (Sanchez and Zhang) help make the movie more interesting, but overall the film falls flat on plot and buddy cop chemistry. 2 stars for introducing some new elements in the Rush Hour saga but failing to deliver in enjoyment value.

5 comments about Rush Hour (Special Edition).

1. Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan are great in the movie. It will keep you laughing all the way through the movie.



2. The original "Rush Hour" remains one of my favorite movies of all time. Jackie and Chris have great on screen chemistry, and the fights are absolutely classic. The film also has fantastic stunts, a wonderful plot, and a great score by Lalo Schifrin. If you love Jackie, and want to see one of his best american films, look no further.
   "War, huh. What is it good for, absolutely no-thing!"



3. this is a pretty good movie.it's an action adventure comedy.there is a
   lot of action and the movie is fast paced.there isn't a lot of
   comedy,but comedy bits there are,are pretty funny.Jackie Chan's
   acrobatic,over the top cartoonish martial arts moves are funny.Chris
   Tucker's motor mouth character is pretty funny at times.also the
   teaming of Chan and Tucker is a great idea.they work well off each
   other.one could not be more opposite from the other.i liked their back
   and forth banter.the other thing i like about this movie is that even
   though there is some violence,it's not excessive,and there is a bit of
   coarse language,but not very much.for me,Rush Hour is a 3.5/5



4. I love this movie, and ever since I last saw it in VHS I wanted to have it in a better quality. This was the right choice. I really like it, and I can't stop having fun every time I see it. I don't get tired of it. For me, it's a classic movie with lots of action and lots of fun.
   
   I really recommend this movie for any Jackie fan!



5. Rush Hour is one of those movies I could watch over and over again and enjoy it each and every single time. The chemistry between Chan and Tucker is superb (Lethal Weapon-quality) and even though the plot is a bit trite, the overall movement and fun of the film keeps it going. An easy 5 stars for me.

5 comments about Rush Hour 3 [Blu-ray].

1. Of the 3 Rush Hours, this was quite a dissapointment. 75 percent of it was extremly slow. Just didnt care about any of the characters after the first 15 minutes. Didnt even care about Lee or Carter after awhile. Rush Hour 1 and 2 were much more enjoyable. They had laughs and fun. This one didnt. the last 15 min were probably the best part. Especially because it was ending! Pass on this one everyone



2. That's about all I have to say about this piece of garbage. Oh, one more thing: Chris Tucker is awful; he is so lucky that the Rush Hour movies exist, since he does nothing else.



3. ...tedious and not fun. I liked the first 2. This one was just seriously boring. It seems they lost their chemistry. The novelty wore off pretty much in the second one. Chris Tucker's character is just as annoying as before, although, he was bearable in the first two. This one was a whole new level of annoyance. Jackie Chan seemed tired. He really should quit making these movies. Don't get me wrong, I like Jackie Chan. I think he is extremely talented and really brings alot to action movies. But, when paired with someone who doesn't support him on screen, he loses that appeal.
   
   My suggestion is to pass on this one and remember the Rush Hours for what they were. New, entertaining.



4. I love this movie. It is the best Rush Hour movie made. It is so funny. My husband and I could not wait for it to be released on DVD. The ending is suprising also. You could find it cheaper somewhere else, but worth it.



5. This is a far cry from the first successful opus, and further the previous success of Eddy Murphy. The story is bland, ultra-conventional and impossible to believe. The sub-zero degree of culture is achieved by the laudatory comments of the French popular papers "Journal du Dimanche" and "Parisien" that qualify this disaster, the back of the jacket of the DVD, "hilarious" and very funny".
   
   Furthermore, if this kind of American cinema had some finesse, he would have been able to make fun of French with intelligence. The criticism of France through the Atlanticist recurring themes of cowardice - our banned sacrifice in Iraq is still difficult to be understood the hawks bushists is vulgar and stupid.
   
   No-sense screenplay, actors alongside the game, total lack of humour, caricature of the American subculture: 0

5 comments about The Legend of Drunken Master.

1. I can't say that I'm a connoisseur of Martial Arts films by any means. I have a few Jet Li movies that I enjoy quite a bit, but other than that I don't have much. I also can't say I'm a big fan of Jackie Chan's. The first "Rush Hour" was pretty good, though 2 was just okay, but I didn't like "Shanghai Noon" despite the fact that I do think Owen Wilson is funny. Other than that, I don't have much Jackie Chan experience. Either way, when my girlfriend picked out this movie for purchasing I was skeptical, but because she wanted to see a Martial Arts film I caved, so we watched it.
   
   Wow, what an underestimation I made. I mean maybe it's because I wasn't expecting much so it greatly exceeded my expectations, but I still found this to be an incredibly fun movie to watch. I will warn viewers that this movie is dubbed in English and it's originally done in Cantonese. So, no sub titles, but you have the English over a different language problem where the mouths don't move in sync with the words. I could easily get over this because the movie was very well done and pretty funny. Another part that made this a little easier to deal with is, I believe, Chan dubbed his own character, so that was a nice feature. I'm personally not a Martial Arts purist, so I could let this slide.
   
   Now, I'll probably get thrashed for saying I haven't seen the first Drunken Master yet, frankly I didn't know one existed. That doesn't change my opinion that the movie was great. The Martial Arts performed in this film were absolutely top notch! Even more impressively is Chan does his own stuff, stunts and all. Apparently I should start looking into other Jackie Chan films to see if the others are on par with this one.
   
   Basically we return to Chan's character of Wong Fei Hung. He's a mischievous son of a healer and apparently Martial Arts trainer. Wong Fei Hung learned a style of Martial Arts called Drunken Boxing in the first film from another teacher, but his father doesn't seem to agree with that method of fighting. So when his father finds out he's been engaging in that kind of fighting he is severely chastised for it. It doesn't help that his mother is just as mischievous and was the one who encouraged him to do it! In the midst of all this Wong Fei stumbles upon a British conspiracy which involves taking ancient Chinese artifacts back to England. Wong Fei, a Royal Guard, and his friends seek to stop this from happening. The adventure is part comedy and part serious. Both are mixed excellently in a fairly seamless fashion that doesn't distract the viewer, neither tries to outshine the other style. A testament to how well written this movie is.
   
   The best fight scenes are the one in the restaurant and the final fight. Naturally the final fight has to be one of the best or else it doesn't end on a really superb note. One thing that is added in at the end is some outtake scenes when the credits are rolling. Here you can see some of the funnier mistakes that were made during filming; some of the more shocking are when Chan was being set on fire for some scenes!
   
   Anyway, I can't help but recommend this movie. However, the DVD doesn't appear to have that many options available for viewers. Like you can't watch it with sub titles in its original language. This might detract from some viewers, especially the purists. For me it didn't change my views much, again, I'm a little out of my element in this genre. Regardless, I recommend people see it, it has amazing fight scenes and a very well written story overall.



2. I, as so many fellow commentators here, have been an almost life long fan of the marvel that is Jackie Chan, and this particular motion picture, "The Legend of Drunken Master" or "Drunken Master II" is probably his best work ever. Definitely top three - fourish (it's quite hard to disguingish the best from the second best isn't it?).
   
   The fights and the stunts are, as usual, stunning, defying belief, and completely bonkers. Everybody is in top form, Jackie Chan, Chin Kar Lok, Ken Lo, Ti Lung and very impressively Lau Kar Leung. Visually very pleasing, very well produced and well acted this film is nothing but impressive.
   
   However, this DVD is the absolute opposite of impressive. There is no original language track on the DVD, only English, which is just stupid. These DVDs should be made with Mandarin/Cantonese(/English) language tracks and nothing less. There aren't any extra materials either, which isn't exactly bonus points to the average buyer.
   
   I give it three stars which comes as a compromise of 6 stars for the film and nil for the release. Get a Chinese copy if you can get your hands on one. It will be so much better.



3. One of Jackie's best. This movie combines great fight scenes with an "ok" story. The consolate is stealing chinese artifacts for a museum half-way across the world. It's up to Wong Fei-hong to stop them. Just give him some booze, and watch him go.
   
   This movie has great fight scenes, comedy, drama, everything you've come to expect from Jackie. A must have for any collector.



4. As said in the title, Jackie Chan movies require a specific taste in acting and dialogue. That being said, this movie still is awesome. Jackie Chan is a god, and could take on Bruce Lee AND Chuck Norris. This movie is only trumped by the prequel.



5. This movie is one of the few I showcase to friends when they talk about how much they love Jackie Chan. I often follow that statement up with, "Well, have you seen this.." I do love this movie and for every Jackie Chan fan, its one of the movies you need to watch. When my VHS version 'died', I got a copy of this version to find... f***in A, they dubbed it, and dubbed it horribly I might add. I really don't understand why you would want to lobotomize a film like this, or any film for that matter with D-list vocal talent... So my rating is for this dvd release of Drunken Master II, a 5 star movie otherwise destroyed by the stupid dubs. And though that won't matter to most of you, for some it will mean enough to keep many from even thinking about purchasing this release, and that is who this review is for.

5 comments about Jackie Chan's Police Story (Special Collector's Edition).

1. Mostly a dated Chinese action movie. Some fun to be had - but mostly a lot of really stupid people running around firing pistols badly. To be fair, you can see how Jackie Chan was perfecting the special style that he brings to the big screen so effectively in his recent movies. See this flick once and move on.



2. French film-maker Jean-Luc Godard once said that the best criticism of one film is to make another. Jackie Chan was so dissatisfied with his experience on the cop drama The Protector, his second staring lead in an American film that he decided to make his own Police Story under his underused vanity label Golden Ways Films Ltd. In Hong Kong, he would have much more control over script, stunt coordination and direction (he made sure he would direct this film) that if he was going to flounder it would be on his terms. The result of his efforts is one of my favorite action films as well as Jackie's personal favorite amongst his modern fare.
   
   Jackie Chan plays Chan Ka Kui a model Hong Kong cop who gets involved in a police procedural code named Operation Boar Hunt to take down a triad led by Chu Tu (prolific director/actor Chor Yuen). This operation begins in a shanty town specifically built for the film. The detail is extraordinary in the design and like everything created for an action film it is short-lived. In one of the most awesome car chases I have ever witnessed on screen (up there with Bullitt and The Blue's Brother's mall scene) Chu Tu after being cornered by the police decide to drive through the hovels instead of being captured and Chan decides to chase after. The juxtaposition of having the camera in the vehicle and long shots in which stuntmen are scurrying to avoid being hit (several stuntmen were injured in this scene) are sagacious in displaying the maelstrom of destruction. That and it's pretty damn cool.
   
   Most films would have given a respite after that tumultuous scene of car and house derby but as soon as Chan finishes the car chase he goes into foot mode while running after a double-decker bus that Chu Tu and a few of his cronies hijacked. In several of these scenes as he catches up to the bus he is literally hanging by an umbrella as he holds unto the outside of the bus trying to climb his way in while fighting people who do not want him aboard as well as dodging traffic as the bus speeds along. Two of the stuntmen got hurt at the end of this scene where Ka Kui forces the bus to stop and as they flew out of the top windows they were supposed to land on top of the car that was stopped in the middle of the road but the backward momentum of the brakes as the bus rocked backward after stopping made them undershoot the stunt and land on the road.
   
   Police Story has a stronger storyline than most Chan movies to connect the action scenes. After the arrest of Chu Tu, Inspector Li sets up his secretary Selina Fong (Brigitte Lin Ching-Hsia) by letting her go free of all charges to try to pit her against her boss. Ka Kui is assigned to protect her (several scenes of this scenario were cut out of the film). This, of course, will interfere and cause problems with his girlfriend May (Maggie Cheung Man-Yuk whose relationship with Jackie is underplayed though that would change in the sequel). Chan tries to trick Selina into trusting him by pretending to save the day when Mars attacks Selina in her apartment. What ultimately happens because of this is predictable as well as the cop working for the triad but these are mere trifles.
   
   The comedy is underrated in this film. There is a great sequence in which Jackie is assigned to the Sha Tau Kok Police Station, a rural area in the north eastern corner of Hong Kong, after he completely messes up the prosecution of Chu Tu. He deftly tries to answer several phones and juggle several conversations at the same time while not being really successful in solving any of them. Like Project A, his influence by silent film comedians is shown in how he performs this skit with physical perfection. This scene is so sublime I cannot fathom why this was missing in older American prints. I also enjoyed a nice little scene where Jackie does this beautiful car-slide stunt by doing the ultimate parallel parking literary by sliding the car parallel into a spot barely bigger than the car.
   
   Another highlight of this film is the final sequence named "glass story" by the stuntmen. It takes place in a mall where Jackie has cornered Chu Tu and his cronies. It is 10 minutes of excellent martial arts, stunts and action. Some of the highlights is some great fights by Jackie with clothes racks, Brigitte Lin doing her own fighting, Chan doing a great jump into moving stairs, lots and lots of broken glass and the famous multi-story slide down a pole. Jackie severely burnt his hands on his slide down, partially attributed to the wrong voltage being set on the lights attached to it and it is also mentioned on several web sites and his own autobiography that he injured his spine and hip on that drop. This is a bit doubtful because on a camera with an alternate angle from the floor (shown in certain deleted footage) shows him bouncing up after the fall and slugging a stuntman (and according to Fung Hak-On hurting him). If you have ever had a back injury (I have several times) you usually do not do get up after it happens or beat up your stuntmen.
   
   This movie not only influenced the Hong Kong action picture, it would also influence American action pictures. Sylvester Stallone would use the bus scene in Tango and Cash, several early scenes were copied in Rapid Fire, Brett Ratner took so much from this film in making Rush Hour (self-admitted in commentary in Rush Hour as well as Dragon Dynasty's Police Story DVD) and countless other action choreographers and directors would be directly or indirectly affected by this work. This movie was created because of the visionary ideas of Jackie Chan and also because of the backbreaking effort of Sing Ga Ban - Jackie Chan's Stuntman Association and their every increasing effort to out due rival stuntman association led by Sammo Hung. Their backbreaking effort helped make this a hit (26 million HK dollars and win the Best Film for the Hong Kong Film Awards) and became the favorite of action auteur directors everywhere.
   
   DVD Notes: I was happy to get a R1 version of this film when Dragon Dynasty put out the DVD. The quality of the picture could be better (Police Story 2 has a much better print) but overall I am satisfied with it. The commentary with Hong Kong action movie expert Bey Logan and director Brett Ratner (Rush Hour) was decent with Logan pointing out small tidbits of information like how Sammo Hung asked Bill Tung for horse advice during shooting, pointing out the cameo by Clarence Ford (Naked Killer) as the photographer and also pointing out who every person acting was (sometimes this got annoying). I did wish he would have put more info about one of my favorite actors Fung Hak-On who helped with the stunt choreography and played Danny Chu. Ratner would talk about how this movie influenced him and occasionally get his facts wrong (confuse Brigitte Lin with Maggie Cheung) and was completely ignorant about many Jackie Chan films (Winners and Sinners and every other early Jackie Chan film except Drunken Master) but was still decent to listen to.



3. it has lot of action never a dull minute. if u have missed seeing police story 1, u need to see it too.. police story 2 is an excellent choice for your jackie chan collection.his movies keep u on the edge of your seat.



4. At least once, although after seeing it... once is never enough! So this is the action/martial arts hybrid movie that has set the gold standard for all the others to come. Many have tried to duplicate it and few have rarely even come close(even it's sequels pale in comparison). Jackie stars and directs masterfully pushing the limits of exciting camera work and of course action and stunts. There are plenty of scenes here worth mention but I think it's best to go in without any forewarning of what's to come. Dragon Dynasty has put out another great DVD(although the picture is a little grainy) with some fantastic bonus features. One of Jackie Chans finest moments, and in a career full of them, this is a can't miss.



5. This is one of Jackie Chan's Classic movie and one of the best. This is the movie that put Jackie on the world best stunt artist. A most buy and a most see. Enjoy

5 comments about The Forbidden Kingdom.

1. This was no instigating Cold War film, the political sequences were hundreds of years before Khrushev and his shoe-pounding at the U. N. It did feature an American in China, a time traveler, and beautiful scenery. It did include a Devil's Tower in the desert which resembled the Ice Queen's castle, but that is from another recent release under the guise of a children's entertainment (more like nightmares). The poet paints pictures with words as we dedicated reviewers strive to do which touches a nerve on those less educated or experienced.
   
   The war lord met his match in Jason from Boston, a victim of bullies. As his enchantment begain in the antique shop, he learned firsthand kung fu fighting for survival. The villianess was the "bride" with long white hair who strives for immortality and she has more at stake making her horrid with that ship when she unleashs her claws. She became as much of a monster as the ancient war lord. She rode a black horse like the 2nd place in Belmont races and, though she was a winner, she died shortlly after her triumph. The "bride" was a fierce commpetitor who fell to her "destiny" after her white hair was cut off.
   
   To fulfill an ancient prophecy, Jason is transported from the alley in Boston to a beautiful field of Cherry blooossoms, similar to our dogwoods which are spread out for miles. You must taste the bitter before the sweet. Chinese philosophy condones using mind control and hatred to get others to do dangerous things. Mark would fit right in there except for his height (his little thing is worthless, what the Bible called an eunick). He was a lonely hermit who used opium, overdosed on Claratin, and chose beer and wine for a backbone3. They are all misfits. He was no master at chess or sensitivity. This production had a lot of bloodshed and an eruption of massive proportions. Jason receives his just reward in a satisfying ending.



2. Sometimes you just wanna watch a movie that's fun. This is that movie. The moralizing is done in reasonable doses, the heroes are actual heroes. The kid is capable of learning (on many levels) and does so.
   Li and Chan are amazing as they always are. If you're looking for a flick that stimulates you intellectually you should look for something else. However, if you've got a Saturday night to spend at home, get out the popcorn and the soda pop, and sit back and watch this movie and just have fun.



3. Jet Li and Jackie Chan: two of Hong Kong's most renowned superstars. Who would win in a fight? Who's faster and more agile? This question has been in every Martial Arts fans' mind and this project has been a long time in the making, Asian film fans have all but given up on the idea after the little melee in 1995 called "High Risk" wherein Li would play a bodyguard to Chan. It was said that Chan turned down the project because of his character's lack of creative depth, while someone I know who worked with him said it was Li who didn't want to work with Chan. Chan attempted to break into the Hollywood fold via "The Big Brawl" but it wasn`t really until "Rumble in the Bronx" and "Rush Hour" did he really get noticed. Jet Li stole the show in "Lethal Weapon 4" and enjoyed "Kiss of the Dragon`s" box-office success. Those projects were about ten years ago. "FORBIDDEN KINGDOM" may not be the best film to have them show their stuff and the two may have their best roles behind them, but hey, they can still duke it out like no one else.
   
   Jason is a young man who is very obsessed with Asian Martial arts films. Most of the time, he spends his time in a pawnshop owned by a kindly old man in the hunt for rare Asian Films. One day, he crosses paths with a gang of bullies who intend to rob the old man. The old man asks Jason to take the staff away from all the chaos and as if by some stroke of fate, Jason find himself in another world, another time. A mystical world ruled by the evil Jade warlord (Collin Chou) who wants the very staff given him by the old man in the pawnshop. Supposedly the staff is the key to power in the kingdom and must be returned to its rightful owner; the Monkey King. He meets up with a drunken man named Lu Yan (Jackie Chan), a pretty young woman bent on vengeance named "Golden Sparrow" (Crystal Liu Yifei) and a stoic monk (Jet Li). Together they challenge the forces of the warlord led by a lovely silver-mane woman named Ni Chang ( Li Bing Bing, Dragon Heat) or perish in the attempt--
   
   The film may be America's tribute to Asian cinema and surprisingly, the film is directed by Rob Minkoff; yes, the same director who gave us Disney's "Haunted Mansion". No big-shot Hong Kong director takes the helm but an American director. Don't worry, at least the filmmakers were smart enough to get the services of a legendary Martial Arts director; Yuen Woo-Ping. The film has a lot of references to Asian cinema, quite a lot that would put even Tarantino to shame. Ni Chang is lovely and looks like a tribute to the Wuxia epic; "Bride with White Hair". While Golden Sparrow is a tribute to Cheng Pei Pei's "Golden Swallow"; she even quotes "Come Drink with me", a Cheng Pei Pei film. The bamboo forest looks reminiscent to "A Touch of Zen" and "House of flying Daggers". Scenes of "A Monkey goes West" is even seen in Jason's Television screen. I was ready to bash this film until I saw it for what it was; an American-kid's tribute to Hong Kong cinema. Someone who loves Chan and Li, who would give Asian cinema the respect it deserves. The filmmakers had good intentions and as an Asian film fan, I applaud them for their ambition.
   
   The film's showstopper lies in its hyper-kinetic action sequences. Yuen Woo-Ping (also responsible for Kill Bill, Kung Fu Hustle) knows his stuff and it is no surprise that he is Asia's premier fight choreographer. The fight between Chan and Li was fairly long and the film's main draw. Sure, the intensity isn't as hard-hitting as the climactic battles in "Legend of Drunken Master" and "Fist of Legend" but nonetheless, it was still masterfully done. Use of "wire fu" is obvious and the fight was well-executed and cleverly choreographed. It was very "family-friendly" as was its intention. The battles with Collin Chou (Donnie Yen's opponent in FlashPoint) was more bloody than the other fights but it still maintained its limits. There are quite a decent number of fight sequences that die-hard fans of Martial Arts films will be at home.
   
   The performances are good for the most part; Li's performance isn't on his "The Warlords" caliber but it'll do as the quiet(?) monk. Chan's character is more witty and sharp-tongued. Chan's humorous appeal helps the film's pace and assists the scenes without any exciting action. Collin Chou's Jade warlord seemed a bit too underwhelming as the villain (the mascara has to go). However, his aid, Ni Chang (Played by Li Bing Bing) is so lovely that she eats up the screen with her whip-wielding, white-haired charisma that will undoubtedly strike a familiar image to Asian cinema fan boys. Sparrow may be the epitome of the ultimate Asian-woman; she has that intensity but maintains a girl next door look. Michael Angarano plays Jason; he may look very awkward at first but his character grew on me after awhile.
   
   "Forbidden Kingdom" does have its share of problems but somehow, it overshadows them. The Yuen Woo-Ping directed fight sequences is the film's main strength, along with Jackie Chan's humorous appeal and it doesn't hurt to have Jet Li around either. The film is a bit too family-friendly for my tastes but thankfully, the filmmakers made it work. The plot is a bit too simple but it knew exactly what it wanted to do. Its execution may be lacking at times but the appearance of the classic "Golden Sparrow" and "Ni Chang" characters with Chan's character reminiscent of his "Drunken Master" days and Jet Li as a monk, reminiscent of Shaolin Temple; the film is an enjoyable affair. I give the American filmmakers credit where its due; they managed to get these two superstars together--something HK cinema wasn't really able to do.
   
   RECOMMENDED! [3 ½ - Stars]
   Stallone and Schwarzenegger together?
   
   I own the 2-disc HK release from JoySales. (same transfer should be utilized)
   VIDEO/AUDIO: 2.40 anamorphic widescreen. The picture is amazing. Sharp, very detailed and clean with radiant colors. If the U.S. release sports the same transfer, it would look very impressive. I also hope that it would include the 6.1 DTS-ES audio as well as the 5.1 Dolby Digital track.
   Features: Trailers--Cast/Crew interviews--Premier--Behind the scenes--Photo Gallery
   The U.S. release should have a Digital copy.



4. The fighting scenes are not exciting as other movies starring Jet Li or Jackie Chan. It's not as funny as other films by Jackie either.
   
   It's worth watching once.



5. This movie is not one of these numerous, lack of consistence and, some times, really low level "Dungeons" stories. Not at all to confound with "In the name of the King", a good example how such movies, even with big actors can be worthless. This story brings us into ancestral Chinese/Asian Culture and Legend. The Monkey King, one of the most popular figures in Asian believing and myths and his brief description in this movie correspond roughly to the venerated Idol. Jacky Chan and Jet Li making an astonishing duo and with these guys you really get "martial art" at top level. The movie is a tale, the tale is well told and the actors are great. Conclusion: should have more like this!

5 comments about The Forbidden Kingdom [Blu-ray].

1. This was no instigating Cold War film, the political sequences were hundreds of years before Khrushev and his shoe-pounding at the U. N. It did feature an American in China, a time traveler, and beautiful scenery. It did include a Devil's Tower in the desert which resembled the Ice Queen's castle, but that is from another recent release under the guise of a children's entertainment (more like nightmares). The poet paints pictures with words as we dedicated reviewers strive to do which touches a nerve on those less educated or experienced.
   
   The war lord met his match in Jason from Boston, a victim of bullies. As his enchantment begain in the antique shop, he learned firsthand kung fu fighting for survival. The villianess was the "bride" with long white hair who strives for immortality and she has more at stake making her horrid with that ship when she unleashs her claws. She became as much of a monster as the ancient war lord. She rode a black horse like the 2nd place in Belmont races and, though she was a winner, she died shortlly after her triumph. The "bride" was a fierce commpetitor who fell to her "destiny" after her white hair was cut off.
   
   To fulfill an ancient prophecy, Jason is transported from the alley in Boston to a beautiful field of Cherry blooossoms, similar to our dogwoods which are spread out for miles. You must taste the bitter before the sweet. Chinese philosophy condones using mind control and hatred to get others to do dangerous things. Mark would fit right in there except for his height (his little thing is worthless, what the Bible called an eunick). He was a lonely hermit who used opium, overdosed on Claratin, and chose beer and wine for a backbone3. They are all misfits. He was no master at chess or sensitivity. This production had a lot of bloodshed and an eruption of massive proportions. Jason receives his just reward in a satisfying ending.



2. Sometimes you just wanna watch a movie that's fun. This is that movie. The moralizing is done in reasonable doses, the heroes are actual heroes. The kid is capable of learning (on many levels) and does so.
   Li and Chan are amazing as they always are. If you're looking for a flick that stimulates you intellectually you should look for something else. However, if you've got a Saturday night to spend at home, get out the popcorn and the soda pop, and sit back and watch this movie and just have fun.



3. Jet Li and Jackie Chan: two of Hong Kong's most renowned superstars. Who would win in a fight? Who's faster and more agile? This question has been in every Martial Arts fans' mind and this project has been a long time in the making, Asian film fans have all but given up on the idea after the little melee in 1995 called "High Risk" wherein Li would play a bodyguard to Chan. It was said that Chan turned down the project because of his character's lack of creative depth, while someone I know who worked with him said it was Li who didn't want to work with Chan. Chan attempted to break into the Hollywood fold via "The Big Brawl" but it wasn`t really until "Rumble in the Bronx" and "Rush Hour" did he really get noticed. Jet Li stole the show in "Lethal Weapon 4" and enjoyed "Kiss of the Dragon`s" box-office success. Those projects were about ten years ago. "FORBIDDEN KINGDOM" may not be the best film to have them show their stuff and the two may have their best roles behind them, but hey, they can still duke it out like no one else.
   
   Jason is a young man who is very obsessed with Asian Martial arts films. Most of the time, he spends his time in a pawnshop owned by a kindly old man in the hunt for rare Asian Films. One day, he crosses paths with a gang of bullies who intend to rob the old man. The old man asks Jason to take the staff away from all the chaos and as if by some stroke of fate, Jason find himself in another world, another time. A mystical world ruled by the evil Jade warlord (Collin Chou) who wants the very staff given him by the old man in the pawnshop. Supposedly the staff is the key to power in the kingdom and must be returned to its rightful owner; the Monkey King. He meets up with a drunken man named Lu Yan (Jackie Chan), a pretty young woman bent on vengeance named "Golden Sparrow" (Crystal Liu Yifei) and a stoic monk (Jet Li). Together they challenge the forces of the warlord led by a lovely silver-mane woman named Ni Chang ( Li Bing Bing, Dragon Heat) or perish in the attempt--
   
   The film may be America's tribute to Asian cinema and surprisingly, the film is directed by Rob Minkoff; yes, the same director who gave us Disney's "Haunted Mansion". No big-shot Hong Kong director takes the helm but an American director. Don't worry, at least the filmmakers were smart enough to get the services of a legendary Martial Arts director; Yuen Woo-Ping. The film has a lot of references to Asian cinema, quite a lot that would put even Tarantino to shame. Ni Chang is lovely and looks like a tribute to the Wuxia epic; "Bride with White Hair". While Golden Sparrow is a tribute to Cheng Pei Pei's "Golden Swallow"; she even quotes "Come Drink with me", a Cheng Pei Pei film. The bamboo forest looks reminiscent to "A Touch of Zen" and "House of flying Daggers". Scenes of "A Monkey goes West" is even seen in Jason's Television screen. I was ready to bash this film until I saw it for what it was; an American-kid's tribute to Hong Kong cinema. Someone who loves Chan and Li, who would give Asian cinema the respect it deserves. The filmmakers had good intentions and as an Asian film fan, I applaud them for their ambition.
   
   The film's showstopper lies in its hyper-kinetic action sequences. Yuen Woo-Ping (also responsible for Kill Bill, Kung Fu Hustle) knows his stuff and it is no surprise that he is Asia's premier fight choreographer. The fight between Chan and Li was fairly long and the film's main draw. Sure, the intensity isn't as hard-hitting as the climactic battles in "Legend of Drunken Master" and "Fist of Legend" but nonetheless, it was still masterfully done. Use of "wire fu" is obvious and the fight was well-executed and cleverly choreographed. It was very "family-friendly" as was its intention. The battles with Collin Chou (Donnie Yen's opponent in FlashPoint) was more bloody than the other fights but it still maintained its limits. There are quite a decent number of fight sequences that die-hard fans of Martial Arts films will be at home.
   
   The performances are good for the most part; Li's performance isn't on his "The Warlords" caliber but it'll do as the quiet(?) monk. Chan's character is more witty and sharp-tongued. Chan's humorous appeal helps the film's pace and assists the scenes without any exciting action. Collin Chou's Jade warlord seemed a bit too underwhelming as the villain (the mascara has to go). However, his aid, Ni Chang (Played by Li Bing Bing) is so lovely that she eats up the screen with her whip-wielding, white-haired charisma that will undoubtedly strike a familiar image to Asian cinema fan boys. Sparrow may be the epitome of the ultimate Asian-woman; she has that intensity but maintains a girl next door look. Michael Angarano plays Jason; he may look very awkward at first but his character grew on me after awhile.
   
   "Forbidden Kingdom" does have its share of problems but somehow, it overshadows them. The Yuen Woo-Ping directed fight sequences is the film's main strength, along with Jackie Chan's humorous appeal and it doesn't hurt to have Jet Li around either. The film is a bit too family-friendly for my tastes but thankfully, the filmmakers made it work. The plot is a bit too simple but it knew exactly what it wanted to do. Its execution may be lacking at times but the appearance of the classic "Golden Sparrow" and "Ni Chang" characters with Chan's character reminiscent of his "Drunken Master" days and Jet Li as a monk, reminiscent of Shaolin Temple; the film is an enjoyable affair. I give the American filmmakers credit where its due; they managed to get these two superstars together--something HK cinema wasn't really able to do.
   
   RECOMMENDED! [3 ½ - Stars]
   Stallone and Schwarzenegger together?
   
   I own the 2-disc HK release from JoySales. (same transfer should be utilized)
   VIDEO/AUDIO: 2.40 anamorphic widescreen. The picture is amazing. Sharp, very detailed and clean with radiant colors. If the U.S. release sports the same transfer, it would look very impressive. I also hope that it would include the 6.1 DTS-ES audio as well as the 5.1 Dolby Digital track.
   Features: Trailers--Cast/Crew interviews--Premier--Behind the scenes--Photo Gallery
   The U.S. release should have a Digital copy.



4. The fighting scenes are not exciting as other movies starring Jet Li or Jackie Chan. It's not as funny as other films by Jackie either.
   
   It's worth watching once.



5. This movie is not one of these numerous, lack of consistence and, some times, really low level "Dungeons" stories. Not at all to confound with "In the name of the King", a good example how such movies, even with big actors can be worthless. This story brings us into ancestral Chinese/Asian Culture and Legend. The Monkey King, one of the most popular figures in Asian believing and myths and his brief description in this movie correspond roughly to the venerated Idol. Jacky Chan and Jet Li making an astonishing duo and with these guys you really get "martial art" at top level. The movie is a tale, the tale is well told and the actors are great. Conclusion: should have more like this!

5 comments about The Cannonball Run.

1. Its a classic, brought back old memories. very funny..
   If you haven't seen it you need to add it to our library..



2. as promised amazon delivered exactly what i was looking for, and i am very pleased with the purchase. long time shopper and will continue my business with u



3. I hadn't seen this movie in years. I had forgotten just how dumb it really is. I still had a few laughs, though.



4. Burt Reynolds, Farrah Fawcett, Dom DeLuise, Peter Fonda, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and Jackie Chan are all entrants in an illegal cross-country car race, and all are willing to do anything to win. Chockablock with cool cars, fast driving, wacky hi-jinx and sexual innuendos, this crowd pleaser from former stuntman Hal Needham is based on an actual car race (which the director and writer both entered driving the ambulance seen in the film).



5. I received this product quickly and it was just as promised. I like the movie, I have seen it before.

5 comments about The Forbidden Kingdom (Two-Disc Special Edition + Digital Copy).

1. This was no instigating Cold War film, the political sequences were hundreds of years before Khrushev and his shoe-pounding at the U. N. It did feature an American in China, a time traveler, and beautiful scenery. It did include a Devil's Tower in the desert which resembled the Ice Queen's castle, but that is from another recent release under the guise of a children's entertainment (more like nightmares). The poet paints pictures with words as we dedicated reviewers strive to do which touches a nerve on those less educated or experienced.
   
   The war lord met his match in Jason from Boston, a victim of bullies. As his enchantment begain in the antique shop, he learned firsthand kung fu fighting for survival. The villianess was the "bride" with long white hair who strives for immortality and she has more at stake making her horrid with that ship when she unleashs her claws. She became as much of a monster as the ancient war lord. She rode a black horse like the 2nd place in Belmont races and, though she was a winner, she died shortlly after her triumph. The "bride" was a fierce commpetitor who fell to her "destiny" after her white hair was cut off.
   
   To fulfill an ancient prophecy, Jason is transported from the alley in Boston to a beautiful field of Cherry blooossoms, similar to our dogwoods which are spread out for miles. You must taste the bitter before the sweet. Chinese philosophy condones using mind control and hatred to get others to do dangerous things. Mark would fit right in there except for his height (his little thing is worthless, what the Bible called an eunick). He was a lonely hermit who used opium, overdosed on Claratin, and chose beer and wine for a backbone3. They are all misfits. He was no master at chess or sensitivity. This production had a lot of bloodshed and an eruption of massive proportions. Jason receives his just reward in a satisfying ending.



2. Sometimes you just wanna watch a movie that's fun. This is that movie. The moralizing is done in reasonable doses, the heroes are actual heroes. The kid is capable of learning (on many levels) and does so.
   Li and Chan are amazing as they always are. If you're looking for a flick that stimulates you intellectually you should look for something else. However, if you've got a Saturday night to spend at home, get out the popcorn and the soda pop, and sit back and watch this movie and just have fun.



3. Jet Li and Jackie Chan: two of Hong Kong's most renowned superstars. Who would win in a fight? Who's faster and more agile? This question has been in every Martial Arts fans' mind and this project has been a long time in the making, Asian film fans have all but given up on the idea after the little melee in 1995 called "High Risk" wherein Li would play a bodyguard to Chan. It was said that Chan turned down the project because of his character's lack of creative depth, while someone I know who worked with him said it was Li who didn't want to work with Chan. Chan attempted to break into the Hollywood fold via "The Big Brawl" but it wasn`t really until "Rumble in the Bronx" and "Rush Hour" did he really get noticed. Jet Li stole the show in "Lethal Weapon 4" and enjoyed "Kiss of the Dragon`s" box-office success. Those projects were about ten years ago. "FORBIDDEN KINGDOM" may not be the best film to have them show their stuff and the two may have their best roles behind them, but hey, they can still duke it out like no one else.
   
   Jason is a young man who is very obsessed with Asian Martial arts films. Most of the time, he spends his time in a pawnshop owned by a kindly old man in the hunt for rare Asian Films. One day, he crosses paths with a gang of bullies who intend to rob the old man. The old man asks Jason to take the staff away from all the chaos and as if by some stroke of fate, Jason find himself in another world, another time. A mystical world ruled by the evil Jade warlord (Collin Chou) who wants the very staff given him by the old man in the pawnshop. Supposedly the staff is the key to power in the kingdom and must be returned to its rightful owner; the Monkey King. He meets up with a drunken man named Lu Yan (Jackie Chan), a pretty young woman bent on vengeance named "Golden Sparrow" (Crystal Liu Yifei) and a stoic monk (Jet Li). Together they challenge the forces of the warlord led by a lovely silver-mane woman named Ni Chang ( Li Bing Bing, Dragon Heat) or perish in the attempt--
   
   The film may be America's tribute to Asian cinema and surprisingly, the film is directed by Rob Minkoff; yes, the same director who gave us Disney's "Haunted Mansion". No big-shot Hong Kong director takes the helm but an American director. Don't worry, at least the filmmakers were smart enough to get the services of a legendary Martial Arts director; Yuen Woo-Ping. The film has a lot of references to Asian cinema, quite a lot that would put even Tarantino to shame. Ni Chang is lovely and looks like a tribute to the Wuxia epic; "Bride with White Hair". While Golden Sparrow is a tribute to Cheng Pei Pei's "Golden Swallow"; she even quotes "Come Drink with me", a Cheng Pei Pei film. The bamboo forest looks reminiscent to "A Touch of Zen" and "House of flying Daggers". Scenes of "A Monkey goes West" is even seen in Jason's Television screen. I was ready to bash this film until I saw it for what it was; an American-kid's tribute to Hong Kong cinema. Someone who loves Chan and Li, who would give Asian cinema the respect it deserves. The filmmakers had good intentions and as an Asian film fan, I applaud them for their ambition.
   
   The film's showstopper lies in its hyper-kinetic action sequences. Yuen Woo-Ping (also responsible for Kill Bill, Kung Fu Hustle) knows his stuff and it is no surprise that he is Asia's premier fight choreographer. The fight between Chan and Li was fairly long and the film's main draw. Sure, the intensity isn't as hard-hitting as the climactic battles in "Legend of Drunken Master" and "Fist of Legend" but nonetheless, it was still masterfully done. Use of "wire fu" is obvious and the fight was well-executed and cleverly choreographed. It was very "family-friendly" as was its intention. The battles with Collin Chou (Donnie Yen's opponent in FlashPoint) was more bloody than the other fights but it still maintained its limits. There are quite a decent number of fight sequences that die-hard fans of Martial Arts films will be at home.
   
   The performances are good for the most part; Li's performance isn't on his "The Warlords" caliber but it'll do as the quiet(?) monk. Chan's character is more witty and sharp-tongued. Chan's humorous appeal helps the film's pace and assists the scenes without any exciting action. Collin Chou's Jade warlord seemed a bit too underwhelming as the villain (the mascara has to go). However, his aid, Ni Chang (Played by Li Bing Bing) is so lovely that she eats up the screen with her whip-wielding, white-haired charisma that will undoubtedly strike a familiar image to Asian cinema fan boys. Sparrow may be the epitome of the ultimate Asian-woman; she has that intensity but maintains a girl next door look. Michael Angarano plays Jason; he may look very awkward at first but his character grew on me after awhile.
   
   "Forbidden Kingdom" does have its share of problems but somehow, it overshadows them. The Yuen Woo-Ping directed fight sequences is the film's main strength, along with Jackie Chan's humorous appeal and it doesn't hurt to have Jet Li around either. The film is a bit too family-friendly for my tastes but thankfully, the filmmakers made it work. The plot is a bit too simple but it knew exactly what it wanted to do. Its execution may be lacking at times but the appearance of the classic "Golden Sparrow" and "Ni Chang" characters with Chan's character reminiscent of his "Drunken Master" days and Jet Li as a monk, reminiscent of Shaolin Temple; the film is an enjoyable affair. I give the American filmmakers credit where its due; they managed to get these two superstars together--something HK cinema wasn't really able to do.
   
   RECOMMENDED! [3 ½ - Stars]
   Stallone and Schwarzenegger together?
   
   I own the 2-disc HK release from JoySales. (same transfer should be utilized)
   VIDEO/AUDIO: 2.40 anamorphic widescreen. The picture is amazing. Sharp, very detailed and clean with radiant colors. If the U.S. release sports the same transfer, it would look very impressive. I also hope that it would include the 6.1 DTS-ES audio as well as the 5.1 Dolby Digital track.
   Features: Trailers--Cast/Crew interviews--Premier--Behind the scenes--Photo Gallery
   The U.S. release should have a Digital copy.



4. The fighting scenes are not exciting as other movies starring Jet Li or Jackie Chan. It's not as funny as other films by Jackie either.
   
   It's worth watching once.



5. This movie is not one of these numerous, lack of consistence and, some times, really low level "Dungeons" stories. Not at all to confound with "In the name of the King", a good example how such movies, even with big actors can be worthless. This story brings us into ancestral Chinese/Asian Culture and Legend. The Monkey King, one of the most popular figures in Asian believing and myths and his brief description in this movie correspond roughly to the venerated Idol. Jacky Chan and Jet Li making an astonishing duo and with these guys you really get "martial art" at top level. The movie is a tale, the tale is well told and the actors are great. Conclusion: should have more like this!

5 comments about Rush Hour 3 (Widescreen and Full-Screen).

1. Of the 3 Rush Hours, this was quite a dissapointment. 75 percent of it was extremly slow. Just didnt care about any of the characters after the first 15 minutes. Didnt even care about Lee or Carter after awhile. Rush Hour 1 and 2 were much more enjoyable. They had laughs and fun. This one didnt. the last 15 min were probably the best part. Especially because it was ending! Pass on this one everyone



2. That's about all I have to say about this piece of garbage. Oh, one more thing: Chris Tucker is awful; he is so lucky that the Rush Hour movies exist, since he does nothing else.



3. ...tedious and not fun. I liked the first 2. This one was just seriously boring. It seems they lost their chemistry. The novelty wore off pretty much in the second one. Chris Tucker's character is just as annoying as before, although, he was bearable in the first two. This one was a whole new level of annoyance. Jackie Chan seemed tired. He really should quit making these movies. Don't get me wrong, I like Jackie Chan. I think he is extremely talented and really brings alot to action movies. But, when paired with someone who doesn't support him on screen, he loses that appeal.
   
   My suggestion is to pass on this one and remember the Rush Hours for what they were. New, entertaining.



4. I love this movie. It is the best Rush Hour movie made. It is so funny. My husband and I could not wait for it to be released on DVD. The ending is suprising also. You could find it cheaper somewhere else, but worth it.



5. This is a far cry from the first successful opus, and further the previous success of Eddy Murphy. The story is bland, ultra-conventional and impossible to believe. The sub-zero degree of culture is achieved by the laudatory comments of the French popular papers "Journal du Dimanche" and "Parisien" that qualify this disaster, the back of the jacket of the DVD, "hilarious" and very funny".
   
   Furthermore, if this kind of American cinema had some finesse, he would have been able to make fun of French with intelligence. The criticism of France through the Atlanticist recurring themes of cowardice - our banned sacrifice in Iraq is still difficult to be understood the hawks bushists is vulgar and stupid.
   
   No-sense screenplay, actors alongside the game, total lack of humour, caricature of the American subculture: 0