Phileas Fogg (Steve Coogan, "24 Hour Party People") is an anxious English
inventor who is obsessed with impressing The Royal Academy of Science, run by
the snooty Lord Kelvin (Jim Broadbent, paying bills). Tired of Fogg's antics and
extreme inventions, Lord Kelvin challenges Fogg to cross the globe in 80 days,
the reward being a chance to run the Academy with Lord Kelvin's removal from
office. Fogg accepts and takes his accidental new valet, Passepartout (Jackie
Chan, who also produces), with him on this perilous journey. But Passepartout
has his own reasons for joining Fogg: he must return a stolen "Jade Buddha" to
his homeland in China, evading a team of deadly assassins (lead by Karen Mok)
along the way, as well as make sure Fogg has his tea on time.
Jules Verne's adventure, "Around the World in 80 Days," has been adapted in
practically every decade since the film industry was formed, most famously in a
1956 epic comedy, starring David Niven and Cantinflas. This latest incarnation
of the famous race around the globe has taken a very different path: that of a
Jackie Chan film, complete with heavily choreographed fight sequences and stacks
of slapstick. If Jules Verne could see what Chan has done to his story, I'm sure
he would weep for 80 days.
Directed by the inexperienced Frank Coraci ("The Wedding Singer," "The
Waterboy"), the new "80 Days" (IMDb listing) seems to throw a big pile of cash (there is a load
of CGI in the film, in place of actual locations) at the screen whenever their
halfhearted story has failed them. To combat this perception, Coraci and Chan
load the film up with fight sequences and stunts, most of which, like in almost
every recent Chan film, are basically the same mix of silly pratfalls and PG
slap fights that are, frankly, becoming an eyesore. Chan is unquestionably a
spirited performer, and the film's twist in focus, making Passepartout the lead
character of the tale, clearly states from the opener that this isn't your
father's "80 Days." This one is strictly for the kids who love their Chan.
Mercifully, "80 Days" is paced furiously enough to whiz by before the absence of
quality can get a chance to sink in. Coraci knows what he's doing by mounting a
brightly colored action film, and every scene of this picture contains some type
of visual that keeps the mind at bay. However, there is a distinct lack of
character in the characters found in this new incarnation, and the film is only
marginally interested in Fogg's internal journey as he opens his eyes to people
and cultures.
What really rescues the film are the performances outside of Chan. Steve Coogan
is a perfect choice for the uptight, eternally curious Fogg. Coogan is blessed
with crack comic timing and an appreciable level of wonder in his performance,
helping to sell the raging artificial splendor of "80 Days." Matching him note
for note in the charm department is actress Cecile De France, a French actress
making her Hollywood debut here as a Parisian distraction for Fogg and
Passepartout. With her gigantic eyes and jubilant bubble gum spirit, De France
is a welcomed sight to the insignificant role of the love interest, and her
chemistry with Coraci's pace is a nice fit.
This wouldn't be a true "80 Days" production if there weren't any cameos. The
quality of the secret stars presented here are a little low on wattage (Rob
Schneider?), but fun nonetheless, including a turn by the current governor of
California. They boost a sagging story, and add grease to an already blistering
pace. Blink, and you actually might miss them.
Filmfodder Grade: C-
