Greetings,
When it comes to Westerns, they have always been hit or miss with me. I think a lot of it rests on the fact that the movies in this genre have to know exactly to what extent to take themselves seriously. You can make it funny or serious, but know which one you're doing. Yes, this can go for other genres, but I think film makers can most teeter on this one. And this is why I loved 2000's Shanghai Noon. It was a comedy and it did not take itself seriously. It starred Owen Wilson and Jackie Chan, for crying out loud. What does one expect? Did we expect a sequel? Did we need one? I don't know, but because of reasons, which I'll get to later, I'm glad it exists. On a less personal note, I think the fantastic chemistry between the aforementioned actors made it one people were looking forward to. So, let's get to today's sequel review, Shanghai Knights. Because it's in old England. And they have knights there, apparently. Get it. Like Shanghai Noon. High Noon, like a Western. GETITGETITGETIT!!!!!! Moving on.
Okay, the story of Chon Wang (Chan) and Roy O'Bannon (Wilson) actually starts in China, where we see Wang's father (Kim Chan) and sister, Lin (Fann Wong), having tea, and we find out that he has disowned his son for staying in America. Then, suddenly they are attacked by a guy named Lord Rathbone (Aidan Gillen) and the Boxers, and Wang's father is killed. When he receives news of this, Wang is understandably devastated, and this is an ongoing thread throughout the film, which includes his having to figure out a puzzle box, something he will be able to solve only when he is ready. After a time of mourning, Wang seeks out Roy to get his share of their gold. See first movie for details. Turns out that Roy is just as lovably sleazy as we hoped he would still be, leading to hijinks and shenanigans, including attempted male prostitution. Ya know? For the kids. In the end, everything leads them to where the meat of the story happens, England.
Speaking of which, I guess I should say something before I move on. If you think this movie believes it is above making the typical "England" jokes, you would be wrong. As well it should not be, as it is a comedy. But, yes, they did take advantage of everything you would expect. Hey, let's play with the Buckingham Palace guards because they can't move! Hey, English people have bad teeth! Hey, their food sucks, and even if it doesn't, it has a name that sounds like something no one would want to eat! Yeah, all of those things. However, I am letting it slide, because it's all in the execution. And they carried it out very well.
Anyway, whilst in England, we watch the boys partake in several adventures and meet some new faces, including a young boy (Aaron Johnson) named Charlie (who could it be?) and a Scotland Yard inspector (Tom Fisher) named Artie Doyle (WHO COULD IT BE!?!? Okay, that second one will probably be easier to guess.). Also, they must rescue Lin from jail as she tried to assassinate Lord Rathbone, who is like the 87th in line to the throne or some such number. It's a thing that comes up a lot, and always in a funny way. So, both Lin and the boys have to find a way to expose Rathbone and avenge the death of the Chons' father, a quest that is complicated by Roy's developing feelings for Lin, which causes a few problems in his friendship with Wang. As it does. But, after finding out the hilarious ridiculous plan of Rathbone to overtake the throne, a plan that also included a guy named Wu Chow (Donnie Yen) the boys and Lin partake in even more adventurous behavior to thwart him, as well as his accomplices. I wonder if more hijinks and shenanigans will come to pass. Indeed.
I must say, as a whole I think I like this one even better than the first. Now, if we get specific, I usually would never say that without Lucy Liu is better than with Lucy Liu, as she was the female protagonist in Shanghai Noon, but, again, looking at the big picture, I prefer Shanghai Knights. And now it's time for my personal corner, as I hinted at before.
Okay, in early 2003, I went through a very difficult event in my life. One with a very serious and painful loss. I was in a state of not wanting to smile, and certainly not laugh, because I convinced myself that if I was laughing, I wasn't grieving and if I wasn't grieving, I was forgetting. I know now how wrong I was to feel that way, but then, I was really in a bad way. So, one night, I was watching an interview with Owen Wilson and Jackie Chan concerning this movie, and Owen said something funny. I smiled and then, I laughed. It felt really good, and I was able to feel okay doing it. Frankly, that one act managed to help me out of something of a depression. So, believe it or not, I associate this film with people bringing light into the lives of others just by trying to bring smiles to their faces. And there you go.
In closing, I am, of course, recommending this. See the first one, and then, see this one. Both of them are just plain fun and funny and definitely worth the watch. And, yes, I am still holding out hope for a third installment. Shanghai...Dawn..or Shanghai Don? Who's Don? I don't know. I can only come up with titles. Someone else has to come up with the idea.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
