Around the World in 80 Days (2004)
Anyone who was bored by the original Around the World in 80 Days should check out the 2004 remake. It’s so action-packed, and the two leads have an infectious, adorable energy that it’s truly impossible to become bored. For the record, I actually love the 1956 original, but I understand it’s not for everyone.
In particular, I love Steve Coogan’s interpretation of Phileas Fogg. Instead of a Mr. Belvedere who is so structuredly British he makes endless puns and insists on drinking tea even on a storming sea, he’s a total eccentric. It makes so much sense, doesn’t it? Only an oddball would take such a crazy bet and go to such extremes to try and win it. So, when Steve storms into the clubhouse with his wild hair and talks of his latest inventions, you’re instantly intrigued. He and Jackie Chan propel the story forward, rather than letting the exotic locations keep the audience interested. Back in 1956, audiences were thrilled with a travelogue. Now, with millions or world travelers, documentaries, and online photos available, the “around the world” factor is no longer the main appeal. We’ve come to see the cast, and, by tradition, the host of cameos: Luke and Owen Wilson, John Cleese, Jim Broadbent, Ian McNeice, Mark Addy, Macy Gray, Kathy Bates, Maggie Q, Rob Schneider, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
There is also a definite improvement in the plot and casting: the love interest. Rather than Shirley MacLaine pretending to be an Indian princess, Cécile de France plays a French artist. Whether or not you think she’s actually necessary is irrelevant; most stories have a romance. I was just glad she didn’t need to wear dark makeup all over her skin.
A whole hour shorter than the original, and two hours shorter than the 1989 miniseries, if you like the story, this Disney version is the fastest paced and definitely the cutest. Jackie Chan makes everything sweet, and Steve Coogan is such a great eccentric.
More Jackie Chan movies here!
More Owen Wilson movies here!
Be sure and check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 1956's Around the World in 80 Days here!
In particular, I love Steve Coogan’s interpretation of Phileas Fogg. Instead of a Mr. Belvedere who is so structuredly British he makes endless puns and insists on drinking tea even on a storming sea, he’s a total eccentric. It makes so much sense, doesn’t it? Only an oddball would take such a crazy bet and go to such extremes to try and win it. So, when Steve storms into the clubhouse with his wild hair and talks of his latest inventions, you’re instantly intrigued. He and Jackie Chan propel the story forward, rather than letting the exotic locations keep the audience interested. Back in 1956, audiences were thrilled with a travelogue. Now, with millions or world travelers, documentaries, and online photos available, the “around the world” factor is no longer the main appeal. We’ve come to see the cast, and, by tradition, the host of cameos: Luke and Owen Wilson, John Cleese, Jim Broadbent, Ian McNeice, Mark Addy, Macy Gray, Kathy Bates, Maggie Q, Rob Schneider, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
There is also a definite improvement in the plot and casting: the love interest. Rather than Shirley MacLaine pretending to be an Indian princess, Cécile de France plays a French artist. Whether or not you think she’s actually necessary is irrelevant; most stories have a romance. I was just glad she didn’t need to wear dark makeup all over her skin.
A whole hour shorter than the original, and two hours shorter than the 1989 miniseries, if you like the story, this Disney version is the fastest paced and definitely the cutest. Jackie Chan makes everything sweet, and Steve Coogan is such a great eccentric.
More Jackie Chan movies here!
More Owen Wilson movies here!
Be sure and check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 1956's Around the World in 80 Days here!