Rating of
2/4
Not forbidden, but take caution
kcvidkid - wrote on 04/21/08
Had I grown up watching martial arts movies, I may have loved "The Forbidden Kingdom". I may have identified with its hero, a young boy who has seen every move, from "the crane" to "the praying mantis", but must learn to use them when he is transported from present day to ancient China in order to return a magical staff to its original owner. As it is, I'm more of a "wax on, wax off" kind of guy, so I experienced no extra value in what I can only rate as an average movie.
"The Forbidden Kingdom" contains exhilarating highs with its fantastical fight sequences, but excruciating lows with its modern-day "Karate Kid" drama. It has energy to spare, but may be artificially propelled by an overeager musical score.
Skin Rating = 2 (out of 4). After many teasing scenes with chest hair peeking out from Michael Angarano's robes, there are a couple of robe-less training sequences which reveal that Jack's son from "Will & Grace" is indeed growing up to be nice and buff!
