Arts & Entertainment

Wilson, Chan shine in action-filled 'Knights'

Jamie Wells
The Daily Cougar

Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson bounce back from their flops The Tuxedo and I Spy with Shanghai Knights, their follow-up to 2000is Shanghai Noon.

The sequel is directed by David Dobkin of Clay Pigeons fame.

The sequel takes the duo out of the Wild West and into Victorian London, where the pair attempts to retrieve the stolen Chinese Imperial Seal and avenge Chon Wangis (Chan) father. There they meet up with his sister, Lin, who uncovers a worldwide conspiracy to murder the royal family. The only people who believe her are Chon and Roy OiBannon (Wilson). Roy, who sheds his western duds for a more contemporary European look, falls in love with Lin. 

Chon and Roy find help in an unlikely pair, a kindly Scotland Yard Inspector and a 10-year-old street urchin. Comical escapades and spine-tingling adventure await the heroes, as they do for Big Ben, Madame Toussaud's and the Convent Gardens what they did for the Old Wild West in Shanghai Noon.

The fight scenes show that Chan still has what it takes to make an action-packed adventure. Wilson may not have the moves or fighting skills, but his wit and clever persona give the film that extra touch.

"I wanted to do Abbott and Costello with these guys," director Dobkin said.

The pairis chemistry has changed for the better. Chan and Owen seemed to be extremely comfortable around one another in the film.

Knights definitely cranks out plenty of action to satisfy any moviegoer. The pleasure in watching most of Chanis films comes from the ingenious way he uses props and comedy in his action scenes for a powerful effect.

Everything in the movie looks like it had once belonged in the 1920s or ‘30s. One of the best parts of the movie was the way the two always run into someone famous, such as Charlie Chaplin, Sherlock Holmes and Jack the Ripper.

Jackie definitely plays the scenes and the entire movie to his idol, Buster Keaton. Chan and Wilson seem to grow as actors with each movie they make together.

Shanghai Knights opens in theaters nationwide Friday.

Shanghai Knights

Starring: Owen Wilson and Jackie Chan.

The verdict: Even if you havenit seen the first movie, you can still check out the sequel for Chanis action scenes and Wilsonis wit.

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