SHANGHAI KNIGHTS (2003) Movie Reaction! | First Time Watch! | Jackie Chan | Owen Wilson | Donnie Yen
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Quick Read
Summary
Takeaways
- ❖The hosts found 'Shanghai Knights' to be better than 'Shanghai Noon,' praising its ability to build upon the original's strengths.
- ❖Jackie Chan's action choreography, particularly the ladder fights and marketplace tarp sequence, was significantly leveled up in the sequel.
- ❖The shift in setting to Victorian England allowed for fresh comedic dynamics and integrated historical context like the Boxer Rebellion.
- ❖Roy O'Bannon's character arc, including his romance with Chon Lin, was a highlight, offering a more engaging relationship than the first film.
- ❖The movie features notable early career appearances from actors like Aaron Taylor-Johnson (as Charlie Chaplin) and Aiden Gillan (as Lord Rathbone).
- ❖The film cleverly incorporated references to historical figures and literary characters, such as Sherlock Holmes and Arthur Conan Doyle.
Insights
1Sequel Exceeds Original's Quality
The hosts unanimously agreed that 'Shanghai Knights' was superior to 'Shanghai Noon,' effectively building on what they loved about the first film while enhancing its elements. They noted that sequels often lack the 'je ne sais quoi' of the original, but this one successfully avoided that pitfall.
Michael Boost states, 'I think this one ate it up. I think this one's like my favorite out of the two of them.' Ashley Morgan seconds this, adding, 'It built upon what we already loved about the first one.'
2Elevated Action Choreography in New Setting
The move to Victorian England provided a fresh canvas for Jackie Chan's iconic action sequences. The hosts specifically highlighted the innovative use of the marketplace tarp as trampolines and the multiple, impressive ladder fight sequences, which they felt were 'leveled up' from the first movie.
Michael Boost observes, 'What can we do with Victorian England? And they really like leveled them up in a lot of ways. Like the whole gimmick with the tarp covering the marketplace as like trampolines.' He also mentions, 'Jackie Chan is kind of iconic for his ladder fights... this one had like three different ladder sequences that he worked in there that were all like incredible.'
3Engaging Character Arcs and Romance
The romantic subplot between Roy O'Bannon and Chon Lin (Jackie Chan's sister) was a significant improvement, offering genuine chemistry and a more invested relationship compared to the 'destined to be together' feel of the first film's romance. This development contributed to Roy's character arc and added a 'rom-com funny comedy thing' dynamic.
Ashley Morgan states, 'I honestly like I think I liked the romance story between his sister and Roy more than cuz with Jackie and Princess Pee... it felt like, oh, obviously they're destined to be together... but we didn't get a lot of like interaction.' She continues, 'Actually getting to see these two fall in love and like have interactions with each other and actually have chemistry was fun and engaging.'
4Clever Historical and Cultural Integration
The film effectively used its historical setting, referencing the Boxer Rebellion and British encroachment on China's sovereignty, which kept the narrative grounded. Additionally, the inclusion of characters like a young Charlie Chaplin and Arthur Conan Doyle (as Inspector Doyle/Sherlock Holmes) added a layer of cleverness and humor, even if historically inaccurate for Doyle's personality.
Michael Boost notes, 'The placing it in England and also using the historical context of like the Boxer Rebellion and British encroachment on China's sovereignty and stuff like that still kept it very like feeling historical.' Ashley Morgan adds, 'I love the play on all of our favorite uh English uh famous people and like our young Charlie Chaplain.'
Notable Moments
Jackie Chan's innovative marketplace fight scene using tarps as trampolines.
This sequence exemplified the 'leveled up' action choreography and creative use of environment in the sequel, a key factor in the hosts' preference for 'Shanghai Knights'.
The multiple ladder fight sequences, a signature of Jackie Chan's style.
The hosts noted three distinct and incredible ladder sequences, reinforcing Chan's iconic action and demonstrating the film's commitment to high-quality stunts.
The reveal of young Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Charlie Chaplin and Aiden Gillan as Lord Rathbone.
These early career appearances of now-famous actors were a 'where were they now' moment for the hosts, adding an unexpected layer of interest to the film's casting.
Roy O'Bannon's development from a '30-year-old waiter, gigolo' to a published author and romantic lead.
This character arc, particularly his romance with Chon Lin, was a major highlight for the hosts, providing a more engaging and invested relationship dynamic for the sequel.
Quotes
"I think this one ate it up. I think this one's like my favorite out of the two of them."
"It built upon what we already loved about the first one."
"What can we do with Victorian England? And they really like leveled them up in a lot of ways. Like the whole gimmick with the tarp covering the marketplace as like trampolines."
"I honestly like I think I liked the romance story between his sister and Roy more than cuz with Jackie and Princess Pee..."
"The placing it in England and also using the historical context of like the Boxer Rebellion and British encroachment on China's sovereignty and stuff like that still kept it very like feeling historical."
Q&A
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