Cinema Junkie by Beth Accomando

After 20 years of trying to break into Hollywood, Asian superstar Jackie Chan now has the U.S. market wired. The formula thats reaping profits for Chan is to pair him with an American actor--the blonde Owen Wilson in Shanghai Noon and African American comedian Chris Tucker in Rush Hour--and then kick back and let the franchise begin. Rush Hour 2 rolls into theaters this week (and the film implies part 3 might be on the way) and Shanghai Noon gives birth to Shanghai Knights in 2002. These action comedies dont showcase Chan as well as his classic Hong Kong films have but they are hugely appealing and for a long time Chan fan its nice to see him finally getting recognition on this side of the Pacific.