Shanghai Noon

I don't really like Chan's Hollywood period, but his "Shanghai" comedies are an exception. I had a great time with Shanghai Noon, and although this older sibling doesn't reach the quality of the younger one, it's still decent fun. The script is full of funny moments, Wilson drops solid lines from time to time, and Chan's acting isn't bad. The choreography of the fight scenes is simply superb, funny and interesting (e.g. the fight with the horseshoe tied to a rope), Chan is a master at this, hats off to him here. There are also charmingly mischievous moments that make it clear that the film crew had a lot of fun. In the other movie it was a pillow fight with prostitutes, here it was a bathroom scene with a dummy. All in all, a cool movie, spiced up with a charming parody reminiscence of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid at the end. And to conclude, a sample of one of the dialogues between Chan and Wilson: - “Yes, John, I've heard all about the Emperor. Must be one hell of a man.” - “He’s only twelve.” - “Are you kidding me? You're sitting here, waiting to die for someone whose balls haven't even dropped?” (14/03/2004)

A rather amusing Western farce with Asian "Indian" Jackie Chan and other strange things that quite accurately fit into Western customs, thus gently bringing them down, but also nostalgically exalting them. The action scenes are fine (seeing the high kicks in the saloon is an interesting experience), the story doesn't bother you and the Chan-Wilson duo works... Pleasingly above average within the genre. (17/03/2005)

Lo and behold, much weaker than the sequel. The combination of western and kung-fu squeaks despite the new horizons that the Wild West can bring to such a story, and the script, however filled with eager references, is too drawn out and, above all, rather uninteresting and full of clichés. The only thing that really works 100% is the chemistry between Wilson and Chan, who really hit it off, and just watching them talk together is a much more rewarding experience than listening to the whole "someone got shot, let's laugh at him" story. 60% (26/01/2013)