Film
What's on at the cinema plus reviews of the latest movie and DVD releases
Shanghai Knights (2003)
Director: David Dobkin
Movie review
From Time Out Film Guide
Those piqued by Hollywood's pick and mix 'theme park' approach to British culture will find multiple violations in this boisterous sequel to Shanghai Noon, which jettisons that film's Wild West setting for a Victorian London fantasy ride. Chan and Wilson reprise their appealing double act as sheriff Chon Wang and Roy O'Bannon to track down a stolen Chinese imperial seal and avenge the murder of Chon's father. Scenting Old World skulduggery, they're soon crossing swords with sneering Lord Rathbone (Gillen), who's plotting to wipe out those preceding him in the line of succession with the help of Boxer rebels. Jack the Ripper, Charlie Chaplin and Inspector Artie Doyle are all to hand, while Big Ben and Madame Tussaud's provide novelty settings for Chan's trademark choreographed mayhem. These sequences seem rather pedestrian alongside the reckless invention of the star's earlier work. Fortunately, Wilson confirms he's a more entertaining foil than Chris Tucker in the Rush Hour franchise by effortlessly replenishing the laughter quotient every time he opens his mouth.Author: ARI
Cast & crew
Director: David Dobkin
Producer: Roger Birnbaum, Gary Barber, Jonathan Glickman
Cast: Jackie Chan, Owen Wilson, Aaron Johnson, Thomas Fisher, Aidan Gillen, Wong Fann, Donnie Yen, Oliver Cotton, Alissa King, Gemma Jones full cast
Genre(s): Action/Adventure
Duration: 114 mins
Most popular on this site
Top Stories
Stephen Poliakoff discusses 'Glorious 39'
Stephen Poliakoff’s ‘Glorious 39’ is his first film for cinema since ‘Food of Love’ in 1997. Dave Calhoun met him
Is 'Paranormal Activity' the new 'Blair Witch'?
How does a film go from DIY experiment to box-office smash? 'Paranormal Activity' director Oren Peli explains
Steven Soderbergh on 'The Informant!' and 'The Girlfriend Experience'
We talk to Steven Soderbergh about his two forthcoming films: one featuring a porn star, the other a chubby Matt Damon
A gateway to all things 'New Moon'
In anticipation of 'The Twilight Saga: New Moon', Time Out is offering the chance to pick up a limited edition pack with three exclusive magazines and a free poster.
London Children's Film Festival
Read our exclusive reviews of films playing at the 2009 London Children’s Film Festival
The films that deserve a TV spin-off
With Roland Emmerich suggesting he'd like to make a '2012' TV spin-off, we propose some more movie-to-TV serialisations
The Coen brothers discuss 'A Serious Man'
Masters of contrary comedy, Joel and Ethan Coen have struck gold again with their latest, ‘A Serious Man’
Michael Haneke discusses 'The White Ribbon'
Dave Calhoun met with Michael Haneke in Munich to mull over the details of his Palme d'Or winner, 'The White Ribbon'
Ten inspirations behind 'Avatar'?
Time Out ponders the influences behind James Cameron's anticipated space-opera on the basis of the trailer
Time Out's 50 greatest animated films with commentary by Terry Gilliam
In celebration of the release of Pixar's 'Up' and Wes Anderson's 'Fantastic Mr Fox', read our rundown of fifty classic feature length animations












What do you think?
Post your review now