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Enjoyable return to Chinese roots Oct 01, 2008
Chan brings his unique blend of martial arts mastery and pratfalling physical humor to this enjoyable movie. The central mystery arises from a modern archaeologist with recurring dreams of a time millenia ago. In those dreams, Chan plays loyal general Meng Yi, dedicated to preserving the life of lovely princess Li. The modern character (named Jack Chan, for some reason) awakens each morning even more certain that some reality underlies that dream.
The dramatic buildup falters a bit early on, but really gets moving when his modern benefactor and nemesis emerges from the shadows. Then the race is on, with Jackie/Jack/Yi and sidekick traveling the east in search of - well, that seems a bit murky. Along the way, Jackie executes some of the funniest martial arts choreography ever. The gorgeous babe on his side trip to India gets a few good kicks in, too, not least in that hilarious routine on the conveyor belt.
The final sequence combines a James Bond setting with flying warriors from the wu shia tradition. It also reaches into bits of Taoist alchemy that Western viewers might not recognize, but don't need to. This never rises above the "good entertainment" category - but it does offer good entertainment with a delicious non-Western flavor.
-- wiredweird
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
 One of Jackie Chan's Better Releases, of Late. Jul 28, 2008
Lately I'm on a martial arts kick (no pun intended). Very much enjoyed the visual artistry of fare such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Curse of the Golden Flower, Hero, Iron Monkey and House of Flying Daggers. But, I've always been a fan of Jackie Chan's "modern" work. Can't wait to pick up The Forbidden Kingdom, too...
I think this movie does a beautiful job blending the old-school and the modern, the "art house" style and the "Jackie Chan over-the-top martial arts" style.
The "Jackie Chan" modern stuff takes place more-or-less in the present day, where "Jack" has strange dreams of ancient China and a beautiful princess. The "art house" stuff is packaged in flashbacks and visual exegesis about the "actual" events Jack is remembering from a past life. Eventually, the two worlds / times collide at the end of the movie.
Quite an enjoyable piece of work. I didn't even realize it existed until my roommate bought a copy at Hollywood Video. I decided I needed my own copy (being both a Jackie Chan fan and an asian "art house" cinema fan).
I'd certainly give this a recommend to anyone who like either Jackie Chan or the "art house" style of the movies I mentioned previously.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
World class family viewing Jun 23, 2008
Jackie Chan's action choreography only keeps getting better and I have to keep asking how does he do it as he keeps getting older?
That aside, the action is amazingly slick and not CGI'ed to death.
The film as a whole is an enjoyable family-viewing action movie. Recommended for father's of young boys.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
A different type of action film from Jackie Chan Jun 09, 2008
The Myth is a movie that mixes fantasy and amazing martial arts action together! Although parts of the film flash between the present and the past quickly, the overall idea of the film is interesting. The dream sequences of Jackie as a general in ancient China are well done with lightning fast use of weapons including swords and arrows!
I rate this movie with five stars-
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Fantasy Kinda Works May 13, 2008
I'm a long time fan of Chan's films and fully aware of his humble beginnings, rise to superstardom, and eventual leveling off in status. "The Myth" is a different take on Chan's early attempts at Indiana Jones-like adventures ("Operation Condor" aka "Armor of God" series). I never expect to take Chan's films seriously because I watch them for the action and that Jackie did the stunts himself (however, he's been using stunt men now). I liked the fantasy elements when Chan in modern day, gets flashbacks from what seems to be a past life. The problem is that the modern day elements are mostly fun and comedy whereas the flashbacks are serious confusing your emotions. The ending wasn't a typical Chan one, but overall the attempt at this adventure is worth at least renting.
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