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!
