"Shanghai Knights" just might be the most haphazard, nonsensical action-comedy in recent memory. Fortunately it's also furiously paced and fun.
Moreover, it's one of those increasingly rare instances when a sequel has come close to matching its predecessor (the 2000 Western-comedy "Shanghai Noon").
In addition to having more action than the original, "Shanghai Knights" is also something of an homage-fest, with nods to several classic films (including Harold Lloyd's "Safety Last," "Singin' in the Rain" and "Midnight Cowboy," some of which only real movie buffs will get). The resulting silliness — which also includes tributes to Sherlock Holmes and Charlie Chaplin — is appealing enough to make up for unfortunate moments of crass humor.
Jackie Chan reprises his role as Chon Wang, who is the sheriff of Carson City when he receives news that his father has been killed and the Royal Seal of China has been stolen.
So Chon heads for New York City, to get money owed him by his cowpoke pal Roy O'Bannon (scene-stealing Owen Wilson), unaware that O'Bannon is in trouble with local authorities. Eventually, they make their way to London, where they hope to find the parties responsible for the theft and murder. But their main suspect is Lord Rathbone (Irish actor Aidan Gillen), a nobleman in line for the British crown. Chon's younger sister Lin (Fann Wong), who's out for blood — blue blood, also shows up.
You'd never know it by looking at this film, but director David Dobkin is actually a student of style-heavy filmmaker Ridley Scott. Well, maybe you would, by both the awful use of rock songs and the way in which he overplays the music over the "Singin' in the Rain" routine.
However, this is the best Jackie's looked in a fight scene in quite some time. It helps that he finally has a worthy opponent in another former Hong Kong star, Donnie Yen (who was one of the good guys in "Iron Monkey").
Wilson's constant riffing is quite funny and helps cover the many plot holes. And Singapore actress Wong is charming in her U.S. debut. Also, unlike some of the more recent Chan films, this one features outtakes that are actually worth sticking around for.
"Shanghai Knights" is rated PG-13 for violence (martial-arts, slapstick, sword fighting, stabbings and explosive mayhem), vulgar humor (mostly sexual innuendo and sex-related gags), scattered use of profanity, a scene of torture and glimpses of nude artwork. Running time: 107 minutes.
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com