The Forbidden Kingdom **1/2
Cast: Jet Li, Jackie Chan, Michael Angarano, Yifei Liu, Bingbing Li, Collin Chou
Director: Rob Minkoff
Running Length: 1:50
MPAA Classification: PG-13

Jason (Angarano), a high school student who likes kung fu movies, likes to hang out at a local pawn shop in Chinatown. One day, while there, bullies attack him and soon the owner of the store is shot and Jason is transported to ancient China by a magical staff. The staff belongs to the Monkey King (Li), who needs it to defeat the Jade Warlord (Chou). The Jade Warlord sends his minions to get the staff, but Jason has help in protecting it from Lu Yan (Chan), Golden Sparrow (Liu), and the Silent Monk (Li). Together they embark on a journey to help the Monkey King and free his kingdom from tyranny.

“The Forbidden Kingdom” plays more like a Jackie Chan film than a Jet Li film. The tone is light and it is a bit on the hokey side. Those looking for an epic matchup between Chan and Li will be sorely disappointed. As a family film it works fairly well, illustrating Jason’s struggle for inner strength and confidence. The acting is average, but the fight scenes are well done. This film won’t be at the top of either’s best of lists though. Wait until DVD if you must see it.