The Forbidden Kingdom

NEW YORK (CNS) -- "The Forbidden Kingdom" (Casey Silver/Relativity/Huayi Brothers/Weinstein/Lionsgate) is a glossy, scenic kung fu fantasy with a plotline borrowed partly from Chinese mythology and partly from "The Wizard of Oz."

Knocked out by a bully, Boston teen and martial-arts fan Jason (Michael Angarano) finds himself in ancient China where he's taken prisoner by the Jade War Lord (Collin Chou). Rescued by Lu Yan (Jackie Chan), a deceptively benign, tippling, itinerant poet who's actually a fierce fighter, the young man learns that he is "the seeker" foretold in an ancient prophecy.

The seeker's task is to return a magical staff from the contemporary world to its rightful owner, the Monkey King (Jet Li). This will enable the impish simian monarch to resume his age-old struggle against the Jade War Lord, who had turned him to stone.

Jason and Lu are soon joined on their quest by Golden Sparrow (Liu Yifei), an orphan who's out to avenge the murder of her parents by the tyrannical warlord. Also taking the side of right, but not before a spectacular battle with Lu, is the Silent Monk (played by Li as well).

Under the tutelage of his two ever-quarreling masters, Jason works to turn his theoretical knowledge of kung fu into real-life skills and sinew in preparation for the final showdown. But he also finds time to romance the meditative, lute-playing Sparrow, in an agreeably wholesome manner.

Director Rob Minkoff's saga features impressive action sequences and special effects, and the panoramic Chinese landscape is enchanting. But the script's humor is only passable, and a few attempts at emotional depth unconvincing.

The film contains a crass scene of urination, two uses of the s-word, occasional crass language and vulgar expressions, one profanity, and fantasy violence. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

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Copyright (c) 2007 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops