I saw this film on its opening day with friends. I see the movie has topped the box office charts. If you see this movie, you will understand why - it is amazing on so many levels...

A collaboration between two superstars in their field - Jackie Chan and Jet Li - A charming story of a Chinese legend of The Monkey King, (played in flashback by Jet Li), who loses his golden staff - and is encased in stone until the one day it is returned to him. It is based on one of the great epic stories of China, and added to the mix is a Western young man in Boston who is obsessed with Kung Fu and buys old tapes from and old Chinese pawnshop, and this boy, Jason, ends up with the Golden Staff.

Actions follow as the young man, Jason (Michael Angarano) is hurtled back to the time of legends where the Monkey King remains imprisoned in stone, and the Jade Emperor and other meanies create havoc among the people.

Jason, with the Golden Staff, wanders and finally meets Lu Yan, a drunken Immortal, (Jackie Chan), and then meets up with The Silent Monk (Jet Li), and a beautiful maiden, Golden Sparrow (Yifel Liu), who is a warrior/musician.

The two masters set out to train Jason for his quest in their separate disciplines, each fighting the other until they reach a truce and work together to train the one whose destiny is to return the Golden Staff to the Monkey King. With their combined knowledge, Jason becomes quite a warrior.

They begin their journey toward the Monkey King.

The fight scenes are classically done. The staging of them is in rapid fire and is so beautifully choreographed, you will not want to blink your eyes lest you miss a thing. Defying gravity, delighting in the pleasure of watching the best of the craft before you on screen. It just doesn't get much better.

Jackie Chan and Jet Li are magic together. Both charismatic, both masters of not only battle, but the talent to act as well as move as warriors.

I saw this movie with new eyes as I am beginning my journey of into screenwriting and cinematography. I marveled at the filming process, and the beauty of the land. And the ease we are put there in the action.

I am amazed that East and West blended so well in this charming story of the Monkey King, and brought us back to Boston, where the ending is as magical as its beginning. Great script by John Fusco, excellent direction by Rob Minkoff. Beautifully filmed.

It is a joy to watch a movie like The Forbidden Kingdom, and I plan to see it many times more, and get the DVD - can you tell I love this one?

You will find it's a WOW too!

Also many thanks to John for information before the movie was released, when this bookworm asked if the movie was based on a book - To my delight, he answered with suggestions and sites - I got some of the books and was rewarded by the knowledge that made my movie experience more exciting. thanks John! ellen

ellen george