SHANGHAI KNIGHTS (2003) ** Perhaps the most representative sequel ever, and I don't mean that in an entirely bad way. The innate strength of a sequel is that it reminds you of something [probably] better, and the imbedded weakness is the same thing. There's none of the seemingly random genius that appeared to come so easily in Shanghai Noon, but the important bases are touched and there are worse ways to spend an hour or two. Bunch of fight scenes, too often strung together with two-minute music videos. When they actually have an inspiration and play a Hoyt Axton song the cover band misses the simple lyric modification necessary to render it appropriate. It's like that. Part of it, I guess, is that we've seen so much of Jackie Chan by now that he don't surprise us much. Yeah, yeah, jumpin' around, whuppin' booty with a tablecloth, or ladder or whatever. The stunts are remarkable by not quite up to the level of his best (measured in my mind by how funny they are), and it's not until the outtakes that it's really brought home what a tough muthah the man really is. Same thing with Owen Wilson; it's a good puppy dog act that works its lines effectively, but it's had better ones and shone more even without needing 'em. The buddy camaraderie feels real enough, but it's not manifest at a level to amaze. Actually, the inevitable and pasted on romantic subplot may be the best of the bits. Owen and Fann Wong are both sympathetic actors, and it's easy enough to see how their characters would almost have to be attracted. The appeal is evident, and Owen needs straightenin' up enough that you figure it's just a matter of time before she straightens him up with one of those roundhouse kicks.again, an opportunity lost.

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