My first response to this film, when I saw it in the theater in 2008, was "WOW!"

I probably would have turned around and seen it again if my spouse would have agreed to sit through it twice.

Forbidden Kingdom opens with a fabulously staged fight scene atop a mountain. The Monkey King (Jet Li) is taking on a handful of enemies and wiping them out.

Then we're in Boston, where Jason Tripitikas (Michael Angarano), a Chinaphile and kung fu fanatic, discovers an ancient staff in the pawnshop where he buys kung fu movies from Old Hop (Jackie Chan). Hop tells him that the staff was left there for a messenger to claim and return to its rightful owner.

Jason tells Hop he's been dreaming about this staff. Hop tells him he's been watching too many kung fu movies.

Next, some toughs force Jason to help them rob Hop's store. Hop is shot in the attack, and Jason awakens from injuries to find himself in ancient China (with the staff) to rescue its rightful owner, the Monkey King, who's been imprisoned in stone by an evil warlord for 500 years.

Along the way, he meets Lu Yan (also Chan) who is a drunken immortal, Golden Sparrow (Yifel Liu), an orphaned musician-warrior who's sworn vengeance on the warlord for killing both of her parents in a raid, and a silent monk (Li again).

As they journey, Jason learns kung fu from Lu Yan and the monk. He also discovers values critical to overcoming the warlord.

Scenery, fight scenes and music are gorgeous. There are some hilarious moments in this film, too -- particularly when Lu Yan makes rain.

I did manage to see Forbidden Kingdom again in the theater (spouse notwithstanding), and I bought the DVD as soon as it came out. I love both Li and Chan, and this, in my opinion, is one of the best of both of their impressive collection of films. Visually, it's just a stellar pleasure to watch.

Forbidden Kingdom begins with a "WOW" and ends with one as well. Kudos to its cast and creators.