The Forbidden Kingdom – 3 stars
This was the most unabashedly cheesy movie I think I have ever seen. It was so over the top, from the hambone score to the ridiculous script, which seemed to be cobbled together entirely from fortune cookie wisdom, that it almost had to be intentional. Which made the movie both awesome and disappointing. Overall, though, it was a throwback to every kung fu movie cliche you’ve ever seen, with just enough plot to get you between fight scenes—the hallmark of the great martial arts flick—tipping the scale firmly to awesome. Getting to see Jet Li and Jackie Chan sparring didn’t hurt on that account, either. Thoroughly enjoyable!