(rated PG-13)
Bouncing back from two failures “The Tuxedo” and “I Spy”, as though taming the west in “Shaghai Noon” wasn’t enough, now Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson re-team for this sequel about settling a score in London. Chon Wang (Chan) finds his father mysteriously murdered and sets out to track down the killer. Chon’s sister Lin (Fann Wong) has the same idea and uncovers a worldwide conspiracy hot on a trail to murder the royal family – but no one will believe here, although Wilson is smitten and hot on her trail as well. With some help from a Scotland Yard Inspector, and a friend who can’t use chopsticks (Wilson) the two give Britain a royal kick in the pants to avenge his father’s death. Big Ben, Madame Toussaud’s, and the Covent Gardens and ‘Jack the Ripper’ will never be the same. But whether this new franchise team is doing tumbleweed or teacups, they have a niche built on the Chris Tucker/Jackie Chan chemistry from “Rush Hour.” What worked before here works again simply because Wilson and Chan’s friendship is enjoyable to watch without the abrasion and annoyance of Tucker. And, Chan limits those “Crouching Tiger” roof top karate scenes to only one.