Shanghai Knights

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.