AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS

RATING:

Starring: Steve Coogan, Jackie Chan, Jim Broadbent, Robert Fyfe, Ian McNiece, David Ryall. Written by David Benullo, David Goldstein, David Titcher. Directed by Frank Coraci.

Rated PG- for action violence, some crude humor and mild language.

Jackie Chan fans are in for a good time with the remake of Around the World in 80 Days. It’s classic Jackie, silly and funny with awesome fight scenes. He’s made some duds as of late, e.g. The Medallion, but is back in form with this film. I’ve heard some negative reviews and I totally disagree. This is an amusing family film that spans all age groups. Director Frank Coraci takes some creative license with the art direction and gives the film a vibrant look. It looks great, like a pop-up adventure book. Disney might have a sleeper hit on their hands. The film is just below the radar of the other summer juggernauts. I think audiences will see it and be pleasantly surprised by how entertaining it is.

The story has been revamped around Jackie Chan, but not enough to change anything too drastically. He plays Lau Xing, a Chinese villager that steals a statue of Buddha from the Bank of England. An evil gang, The Black Scorpions, took it from his village. He inadvertently hides in the garden of kooky inventor Phileas Fogg (Steve Coogan) and is mistaken for his new valet. Lau Xing lies to Phileas and tells him his name is Passeportout (passport too), a French valet of Chinese descent. Phileas is at odds with the scientists of the Royal Academy in London. He goes there with his newest findings and is ridiculed by everyone, especially Lord Kelvin (Jim Broadbent), the treacherous Minister of Science. Lau Xing sees their argument as an opportunity to get home. He manipulates them into a bet. If Phileas can go around the world in eighty days, he will become the new science minister. If he doesn’t make it back in time, his wealth will be confiscated and he can never invent again. Lord Kelvin is in league with The Black Scorpions. He will stop at nothing to regain the Buddha and prevent Phileas from finishing the race.

The key to the film’s success is the fantastic chemistry between Jackie Chan and British comedian Steve Coogan. They play well of each other and have a great time with their parts. They look like they’re having fun and the mood becomes infectious. There are also quite a few cameos from famous Hollywood stars. My favorite is when they bump into the Wright Brothers, played by Owen and Luke Wilson, while stuck in the desert. Just seeing Jackie and Owen together again on screen is hilarious. They are a great comedic team. I love their Shanghai films and look forward to another one. Look out for an appearance by California’s newest governor, or should I say governator.

The action is a bit more even keeled. Jackie still amazes with his acrobatics, but it takes a back stage to the comedy. Some Jackie Chan films are wall to wall fights with nothing of substance to back them up. The fisticuffs here propel the story and never overtake it. But don’t worry, there’s enough chop-socky and backflips to satisfy the most hardcore martial arts fan. Just don’t expect anything more than cartoon-like violence.

Expectations have to be in check when you walk in. This is a family film and that’s what you get, good, clean, wholesome entertainment. It’s a lighthearted movie meant to put a smile on your face. It’s not serious at all and shouldn’t be viewed as such. Frank Coraci, who also directed Adam Sandler in The Wedding Singer and Waterboy, shows he has the stuff of a good comedy director. Around the World in 80 Days is worth seeing, trust me on this one.

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