The Forbidden Kingdom stars Jet Li and Jackie Chan in a martial arts junkie's dream matchup.  The dream ends there.  If you're looking for a hardcore Martial Arts flick - or even a Jackie Chan buddy film - this is not it.

This is a family oriented martial arts film with a premise that is not unique nor is it entirely unfamiliar.  What results is an enjoyable, family oriented, action film.  Li and Chan fill their roles admirably, playing up to the audience and staying true to the light hearted, coming of age nature of the film.  Michael Angarano does a fairly decent Ralph Macchio impersonation as Jason, a Boston area boy who is obsessed with Kung Fu films and apparently unable to make his way in a world of mean girls and bullies.

The real disappointment was that the Chan - Li showdown happened way too soon and was unmatched again for the rest of the film.  With a moderate set of expectations you will enjoy this movie - as long as you understand that there are no trophies or awards in its future.

If you're looking to suspend reality, immerse yourself in the movie with the purpose of enjoying it for the sake of entertainment, you will like it.  If you're expecting vintage Jackie Chan and Jet Li, you will surely be disappointed. 

I give this movie a 3 out of 5 nunchuks.  "Those kicks were fast as lightning."