Shang-High Noon

I don't really like Chan's Hollywood period, but his "Shanghai" comedies are an exception. I had a great time with Shanghai Noon, and although this older sibling doesn't reach the quality of the younger one, it's still decent fun. The script is full of funny moments, Wilson drops solid lines from time to time, and Chan's acting isn't bad. The choreography of the fight scenes is simply superb, funny and interesting (e.g. the fight with the horseshoe tied to a rope), Chan is a master at this, hats off to him here. There are also charmingly mischievous moments that make it clear that the film crew had a lot of fun. In the other movie it was a pillow fight with prostitutes, here it was a bathroom scene with a dummy. All in all, a cool movie, spiced up with a charming parody reminiscence of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid at the end. And to conclude, a sample of one of the dialogues between Chan and Wilson: - “Yes, John, I've heard all about the Emperor. Must be one hell of a man.” - “He’s only twelve.” - “Are you kidding me? You're sitting here, waiting to die for someone whose balls haven't even dropped?” (14.03.2004)

Ein recht unterhaltsames Western-Märchen mit einem asiatischen "indischen" Jackie Chan und anderen Kuriositäten, das die westernlichen Konventionen ziemlich genau trifft und sie damit sowohl sanft zu Fall bringt als auch nostalgisch verherrlicht. Die Actionszenen sind in Ordnung (hohe Tritte in einem Saloon zu sehen ist eine interessante Erfahrung), die Geschichte stört nicht und das Duo Chan-Wilson ist gut aufeinander abgestimmt... Erfreulicherweise über dem Durchschnitt des Genres. (17.03.2005)

Lo and behold, much weaker than the sequel. The combination of western and kung-fu squeaks despite the new horizons that the Wild West can bring to such a story, and the script, however filled with eager references, is too drawn out and, above all, rather uninteresting and full of clichés. The only thing that really works 100% is the chemistry between Wilson and Chan, who really hit it off, and just watching them talk together is a much more rewarding experience than listening to the whole "someone got shot, let's laugh at him" story. 60% (26.01.2013)