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* The 1956 version includes Georges Melies' fascinating 1902 film, Le Voyage dans la Lune (The Voyage to the Moon). This short is worth the cost of the rental/purchase alone.

Talk About It

1. Did you enjoy this adaptation of Jules Verne's classic novel? Have you read the novel? How might you have adapted the story? Is Hollywood "obligated" to stick to the original story?
   
   
2. Passepartout lied to Fogg in order to get the Jade Buddha back to his village and save his people. Was that deception acceptable? Why or why not? Does the end ever justify the means?
   
   
3. Fogg places a great importance on traveling, saying he's seen great things and learned much. Do you believe that traveling is important? What are the benefits to learning about other cultures?
   
   

The Family Corner

Around the World in 80 Days is rated PG for "action violence, some crude humor and mild language." Jackie Chan's choreographed fight scenes account for most of the action violence, much like other Chan films. There are several sexual undertones, including the flirting between Fogg and La Roche (at one point, Fogg stares at La Roche's legs) and Passepartout losing his pants. A boat captain shows how a shark bit off both of his "nipples." There's a running gag of Fogg wearing women's clothing.

Photos © Copyright Walt Disney Pictures

Jackie Chan's fight scenes are once again winning cheers this week as director Frank Coraci's adaptation of Around the World in 80 Days comes to the big screen. But only a few of those critics are willing to give their approval to the movie as a whole.

Fans of the Jules Verne novel of the same name may be bewildered by the movie's lack of resemblance to it. British comedian Steve Coogan (Coffee and Cigarettes, 24 Hour Party People) plays a nutty inventor who teams up with a kung–fu–fighting sidekick to travel the world in a flying machine in order to win a wager. The film features numerous celebrity cameos, including the last big screen performance by Arnold Schwarzenegger before his metamorphosis into the governor of California.

But in spite of its all–star cast, as Steven D. Greydanus (Decent Films) notes in his review, there are some distracting holes in this version of the plot: "Without a doubt, the best thing about [the film] is the fight scenes … the best fight scenes in any Jackie Chan Hollywood buddy movie to date. They're actually so good, it's a shame there had to be that annoying filler about a race to circumnavigate the globe." He concludes, "The final act, in particular, is one of the most aggressively stupid things I've seen in a long time. Around the World is lamer as a movie than any of Jackie's previous U.S. films, even The Tuxedo."

Mary Lasse (Christianity Today Movies) says, "If you want to see a great film adaptation of Jules Verne's novel, Around the World in 80 Days, check out the 1956 version starring David Niven as Phileas Fogg. If you want to see an awful adaptation of Verne's classic novel, go to your local theater and watch this 2004 version. But don't say I didn't warn you. 80 Days proves that two hours of chaos and 'eye–popping special effects' do not entertain the masses."

Bob Waliszewski (Plugged In) writes, "It had the potential to be one of the year's foremost films for the whole family. But it didn't use it fully, or faithfully. It's funny, chockfull of action, clever and engaging for all ages. It's also sprinkled with enough problematic content to prompt me to wave a yellow flag in front of families considering making the journey."

Brett Willis (Christian Spotlight) criticizes it for "making fun of historical figures. Legally, you can say almost anything you want about a deceased person. But that doesn't mean it's appropriate." He concludes, however, that this movie is "probably one of the 'least bad' choices of the summer for a family outing."

A couple of critics gave the film higher marks. Annabelle Robertson (Crosswalk) says, "Unlike its predecessor, this film won't garner any awards, and adults aren't likely to be impressed. But, with a few exceptions, it is decent entertainment for the family."

Michael Elliott (Movie Parables) says it's "an enjoyable and fanciful family film. The film is well paced and certainly entertaining in a family friendly sort of way."

David DiCerto (Catholic News Service) calls it "an entertaining, continent–hopping spectacle that is both campy and clever—and, as an added attraction—quite fun."

Mainstream critics find it frivolous and full of hot air.

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