Around the World in 80 Days

Director: Frank
Coraci
Plot: When a chinese
thief, Lau Xing (Jackie Chan)
steals a Jade buddha from the Bank of England he creates a cover as
the valet for mad capped inventor, Phileas Fogg (Steve Coogan).
Fogg mocked by his peers
at the Royal Academy of Science he challenge's the head that he, Philieas
Fogg will travel around the world in eighty days or else he'll destroy
his laboratory and will never invent again. Lau Xing goes with Fogg,
but he plans on returning the Jade Buddha to his home land. When traveling
through Paris the adventurous duo become a trio when the kind and enchanting
Monique La Roche (Cécile De France) takes it upon herself to
come along with them.
Complications arrive
when the Royal Academy attempt to sabotage journey with the help of
deadly General Fang (Karen Mok).
Review:
Frank Coraci brings to life Jules Verne's novel in this magical family
comedy which is a pleasure to watch.
From an action point
of view this isn't a Jackie fan favorite, but Jackie's charm is just
captivating. It's a family film, you don't need to think too hard when
watching, it's a real no-brainer, sit back and watch. That's it!
I found the atlas views
of the movie really neat, it was almost like a multi-colored acid trip!
It's quite different compared to the usual plain atlas or the classical
pirate tea stained maps. It's pointless but I just think it's one of
the movies charms.
Guest appearances we'll
the Hong Kong appearances include Ken Lo as a member of Fang's gang
in Paris, Sammo Hung makes an appearance as Chinese folk legend Wong
Fei-Hung, a rather muscular Daniel Wu also appears, not to mention Maggie
Q has a quick appearance as one of the female agents sent after Jackie,
but ends up confronting Coogan.
Now other appearances
include Billionaire Richard Branson, The Govern Arnold Schwarzenegger,
Adam Sandler funny man Rob Schneider, Shanghai Noon/Knight Co-Star Owen
Wilson and younger brother Luke Wilson and Faulty Towers legend Jonathan
Cleese.
With this amazing mixture
of stars the film is easily enjoyable on different levels for asian
film fans and the fans of american/british cinema. Enjoy!
Rating: 7.5 out
of 10.0