Watch Around the World in 80 Days
- PG
- 2004
- 2 hr
-
5.9 (96,056)
Around the World in 80 Days is a 2004 adaptation of Jules Verne's classic novel of the same name. Directed by Frank Coraci, the film stars Jackie Chan as Passepartout, Steve Coogan as Phileas Fogg, and Jim Broadbent as Lord Kelvin. It follows Fogg, a wealthy and rigid British gentleman, who bets his entire fortune that he can circumnavigate the globe in just 80 days.
In an effort to win the wager, Fogg hires Passepartout, a Chinese martial arts expert who is trying to recover a valuable statue that was stolen from his village. The two set off on a journey that takes them from London to Paris, across the Atlantic Ocean to New York City, and then to other exotic locales such as India, China, and San Francisco. Along the way, they encounter a variety of obstacles and challenges, including a group of Chinese rebels, an Indian princess, and a vengeful rival who is determined to stop them from succeeding.
As Fogg and Passepartout travel the world, they make several detours from their original route in order to help those in need. In doing so, Fogg learns to loosen up and embrace new experiences, while Passepartout discovers that there is more to life than just his mission to retrieve the stolen statue. Along the way, they also forge a strong friendship that is tested when their journey takes an unexpected turn and Fogg's entire fortune is lost.
The film's lead actors, Chan and Coogan, work well together and provide plenty of humor and action throughout the film. Chan's martial arts skills are on full display, and he brings plenty of heart and comic relief to the role of Passepartout. Coogan's performance as Fogg is spot-on, capturing the character's stiffness and arrogance while also revealing a vulnerable side as his journey progresses.
Alongside the two leads, a stellar ensemble cast helps to elevate the film. Broadbent is delightfully menacing as Lord Kelvin, Fogg's rival who will stop at nothing to make sure he loses the bet. Cecile de France is charming as Monique La Roche, a French artist who becomes a romantic interest for both Fogg and Passepartout. And Arnold Schwarzenegger, Kathy Bates, and Owen Wilson all make memorable cameos in the film.
One of the highlights of the film is its stunning visuals. The filmmakers went to great lengths to recreate the various time periods and locations that Fogg and Passepartout visit, from the bustling streets of London to the tranquil temples of China. The film's production design and special effects are top-notch, and the action sequences are exciting and well-choreographed.
Overall, Around the World in 80 Days is a fun and entertaining adventure film that pays homage to Jules Verne's classic story while also infusing it with plenty of humor and heart. Chan and Coogan make a great team, and the film's impressive visuals and action-packed set pieces make it a thrilling journey for audiences of all ages.
Around the World in 80 Days is a 2004 action movie with a runtime of 2 hours. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9 and a MetaScore of 49.