Travis Simpkins

Saturday, April 16, 2016

Chinese Zodiac CZ12 (2012): Jackie Chan and Stolen Antiquities

Written, produced, directed by and starring Jackie Chan, CZ12 or Chinese Zodiac (2012) is full of kung-fu action, comedy and intrigue. The problem of antiquities smuggling seems to be something meaningful to Chan, as several of his films deal with the subject. The story concerns a relic hunter and art thief, skilled in ninja-precision heists, who seeks 12 immensely valuable bronze heads of Chinese zodiac animals that were stolen from the Old Summer Palace in the 19th Century. A fast-paced treasure quest ensues. The fight scenes in which Chan uses art objects and equipment as weapons (tripods, ornate gilded frames, etc.) can be a bit hair-raising. The locales, karate and art theft scenes mix well with CGI effects culminating in an epic climax involving a volcano skydive. Jackie Chan is great in the lead role. The supporting cast is good as well, including Kwon Sang-woo, Liao Fan, Helen Yao, Zhang Lanxin and Laura Weissbecker.

Jackie Chan: Chinese Zodiac. CZ12

: Chinese Zodiac. CZ12

Jackie Chan: Chinese Zodiac. CZ12

: Chinese Zodiac. CZ12

Jackie Chan: Chinese Zodiac. CZ12

: Chinese Zodiac. CZ12

Jackie Chan: Chinese Zodiac. CZ12

: Chinese Zodiac. CZ12

Jackie Chan: Chinese Zodiac. CZ12

: Chinese Zodiac. CZ12

"Chinese Zodiac"- movie trailer

Shakespeare in Love (1998): Gwyneth Paltrow Inspires Romeo and Juliet

Directed by John Madden, and written by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard, Shakespeare in Love (1998) brought new life to 16th Century English Playhouses and took home a slew of accolades and awards including the Best Picture Oscar. Presenting a historical-fiction scenario about the inspiration behind William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet", Shakespeare in Love is full of style, Renaissance-period detail and a wondrous range of emotions. Gwyneth Paltrow looks ravishing, lusciously photographed, showcasing her elegant physique and demeanor... and she deservedly won the Best Actress Academy Award for her role. The rest of the cast is great as well, including Joseph Fiennes as Shakespeare, Geoffrey Rush, Colin Firth, Ben Affleck, Tom Wilkinson and Judi Dench.