The Forbidden Kingdom

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The Forbidden Kingdom

PG-13

2008

1h 45m

Action

Adventure

Fantasy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

63%

Tomatometer

128 Reviews

60%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

Jason (Michael Angarano), an American teenager, is a huge fan of Hong Kong cinema and old kung-fu movies. While browsing in a Chinatown pawn shop, he discovers the stick weapon of an ancient Chinese sage and warrior, the Monkey King. The magic relic transports Jason back in time, where he joins a band of legendary martial-artists on a quest to free the imprisoned man.

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Critics Consensus

This hotly-anticipated pairing of martial arts legends Jackie Chan and Jet Li features dazzling fight scenes but is weighed down by too much filler.

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Richard Roeper

Ebert & Roeper

04/21/2008

One of the more entertaining movies we've seen in recent months.

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David Fear

Time Out

04/18/2008

3/6

Every time the focus switches to Michael Angarano channeling his inner Ralph Macchio, The Forbidden Kingdom reminds you that it's primarily an act of occidental tourism.

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Mark Rahner

Seattle Times

04/18/2008

2.5/4

It might take a Zen master to explain exactly what audience this is aimed at.

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Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

09/08/2023

... has fun with the tale and Americanizes the genre without losing the pleasures of its Asian inspirations.

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

11/28/2020

4/10

Why would a Jet Li/Jackie Chan picture actually star a scrawny American boy instead?

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Debbie Lynn Elias

Behind The Lens

11/08/2019

The Forbidden Kingdom spins a web of fantasy and enchantment. A gift for the ages. A timeless classic. A masterpiece. Pure Oscar gold.

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Kelsey G.

@vampwolf2528 Nov 13

Loved watching this as a kid growing up and now as an adult!!! Classic!!!

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Pedro Henrique C

@Pedro2005 Sep 23

The Forbidden Kingdom (2008) is a very enjoyable film to watch, it has its flaws in the script but also delivers good acting and well-choreographed fight scenes. This is the second time I've watched it and I still have the same opinion, it's an adventure full of adrenaline and fun.

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Dave L

Aug 16

I found The Fogotten Kingdom a real gem.

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Tyler N

Feb 16

Basically the Karate Kid but with Kung Fu instead of karate and not nearly as good. Not recommended unless you like mindless action (some do).

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Spooky Crumbles M

10/23/2024

“The Forbidden Kingdom” is clichéd, too formulaic, and oftentimes predictable. Though the performances of Li and Chan are commendable, no amount of action is enough to save the film from its overdone ideas and overwrought execution.

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SkyRo P

@TheMovieSearch 10/20/2024

"The Forbidden Kingdom" is an ancient Asian martial arts film that initially drew viewers in with its stunning cinematography and imaginative world-building. However, I found the film to be somewhat disappointing, riddled with numerous flaws. The script often felt clunky and difficult to navigate, leaving much to be desired. With more time and effort put into the writing process, along with feedback from others, the story could have been significantly more engaging and well-developed. Instead, it seemed hastily put together, as if the creators simply threw it together without much thought. The lead actor's performance felt forced; he seemed more like a placeholder than a fully realized character. Rather than embodying the role in a way that would captivate the audience, he appeared to be merely filling a void, which detracted from the potential of the film and its ability to launch a new franchise. His character lacked depth, which ultimately left me wanting more. While the fight scenes had their moments, they were often overshadowed by underwhelming moments that failed to deliver the excitement they promised. Overall, despite some redeeming qualities, "The Forbidden Kingdom" fell short of its potential.

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Synopsis

Jason (Michael Angarano), an American teenager, is a huge fan of Hong Kong cinema and old kung-fu movies. While browsing in a Chinatown pawn shop, he discovers the stick weapon of an ancient Chinese sage and warrior, the Monkey King. The magic relic transports Jason back in time, where he joins a band of legendary martial-artists on a quest to free the imprisoned man.

Director: Rob Minkoff
Producer: Casey Silver
Screenwriter: John Fusco
Distributor: Lionsgate Films
Production Co: Casey Silver Productions, Lions Gate Films, Lionsgate Television
Rating: PG-13 (Some Violence|Martial Arts Action)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 18, 2008, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 26, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $25.0M
Runtime: 1h 45m
Sound Mix: Dolby SRD, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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