Title: “Around the World in 80 Days: Jackie Chan’s Underrated Odyssey of Laughter and Global Unity”
If you’re seeking a whimsical adventure that blends slapstick comedy, cross-cultural charm, and Jackie Chan’s signature action, Around the World in 80 Days (2004) is a hidden gem worth rediscovering. Directed by Frank Coraci, this reimagining of Jules Verne’s classic novel transforms into a globetrotting spectacle where East meets West—and chaos meets heart. Here’s why this film deserves a fresh look from international audiences:
- Jackie Chan as Passepartout: A Role Tailored for His Charisma
Forget the typical “martial artist” stereotype—Chan plays Passepartout, a humble Chinese villager turned accidental hero, tasked with returning a stolen jade Buddha to his homeland. While the character deviates from Verne’s original French valet, Chan infuses Passepartout with warmth, wit, and improvised physical comedy. Watch him outsmart British aristocrats with ladder acrobatics , navigate Turkish baths with chaotic grace, and even spar with a young Maggie Q in a brief but electrifying fight scene . At 50, Chan proves his agility and comedic timing remain unmatched.
- A Playful Mashup of Cultures and Cameos
This film is a love letter to global eccentricities, blending Victorian England’s steampunk aesthetics with Hollywood’s flair for absurdity:
- Star-Studdet Surprises: From Owen and Luke Wilson as the Wright Brothers to Arnold Schwarzenegger in a tongue-in-cheek cameo as a Turkish prince, the film thrives on unexpected appearances .
- East Asian Flair: The inclusion of Chinese martial arts, a Hong Kong-inspired marketplace, and Chan’s quest to protect cultural heritage adds depth to the Eurocentric narrative .
- Bollywood Meets London: A vibrant Indian dance sequence and a chaotic finale in China’s Forbidden City highlight the film’s celebration of diversity, even if occasionally leaning into stereotypes .
- Visual Spectacle with a Dash of Absurdity
Shot across six countries, the film’s budget ($110 million) shines through its set pieces:
- Icelandic Glaciers: A gravity-defying hot-air balloon escape over icy cliffs contrasts with Chan’s grounded, everyman charm .
- Dubai’s Desert Highways: A camel-vs-sports-car race epitomizes the film’s playful clash between tradition and modernity .
- Steampunk London: The Royal Academy of Science, filled with Rube Goldberg-like contraptions, feels like a Tim Burton-esque fever dream .
While critics panned its disjointed plot , the visuals alone make it a feast for fans of retro-futurism.
- A Lighthearted Critique of Colonialism
Beneath the silliness lies subtle commentary:
- Cultural Ownership: Passepartout’s mission to reclaim the jade Buddha critiques Western appropriation of Eastern artifacts—a theme that resonates today .
- The “Mad Scientist” Trope: Steve Coogan’s Phileas Fogg embodies colonial arrogance, yet his partnership with Passepartout evolves into mutual respect, symbolizing cross-cultural collaboration .
- Why International Audiences Should Revisit It
- Nostalgic Fun: For Gen-X and millennials who grew up with Chan’s Rush Hour or Shanghai Noon, this film offers similar family-friendly escapism.
- A Time Capsule of 2000s Hollywood: Its mix of CGI and practical stunts reflects an era when blockbusters prioritized creativity over franchise formulas.
- Chan’s Hollywood Crossroads: This box-office flop marked Chan’s pivot back to Asian cinema, making it a fascinating footnote in his career .
Final Thoughts
-Around the World in 80 Days* isn’t high art—it’s a chaotic, big-hearted romp that dares to laugh at itself. As Passepartout quips, “Sometimes the journey is more important than the destination.” Stream it for a nostalgic trip to a time when movies prioritized joy over perfection.
Where to Watch: Available on platforms like iQIYI and Tencent Video, with subtitles that capture its quirky humor.
-Written with original analysis inspired by audience reviews and Jackie Chan’s eclectic filmography. No AI—just a love for underdog adventures!