Jason (Michael Angarano) is an outcast growing up in South Boston. He is picked on, has few friends, and has a love for old school kung fu flicks. His love for kung fu has endeared him to an elderly Chinese shop owner named Hop (Jackie Chan). Jason goes to Hop to buy DVDs of obscure kung fu movies. One day, Jason is forced by a group of bullies to get the old man to open up the shop late, where they proceed to rob the place. This is where Jason comes into possession of a staff. Do you see where this is going? Good.

Within minutes of getting the staff, he finds himself transported into ancient China, where the mortal and the immortal intermingle. He immediately finds himself in trouble, as the staff is recognized. Coming to his rescue is an inebriated man named Lu Yan (Chan), who informs him of the staff's origin and his newfound destiny.

So, off Jason and Lu Yan go, journeying to the distant stronghold of the Jade Warlord. They are soon joined by a young woman with a vendetta, Golden Sparrow (Liu Yifei), and the mysterious Silent Monk (Jet Li). It is a dangerous journey, one that builds to an explosive final showdown that helps young Jason find the courage he needs to overcome adversity.

Yes, Jason is the main character, and his journey is one we have seen before. There is also that this story, which is steeped in Chinese myth, centers on an American from Boston. This has caused issue among those familiar with the Journey to the West story. While it may not be ideal for the story, I understand the need. A film like this needs a way in, someone to identify with to go on the journey. Plus, the screenplay was written by a Westerner (John Fusco). The boy could have been any race, but he was made white, and I suspect the screenwriter purposefully chose this.

I have to wonder if this mirrors John Fusco's youth, his initial interest in martial arts, and his dreams? He is a practitioner of Shaolin Kung Fu, after all. The way the story plays out makes me wonder if he was picked on as a child and found an escape in old kung fu movies, often dreaming of being in ancient China, being taught by the masters, and going on a quest of high importance? So, as an adult, has he found a way to share his youth that offers an easy way in to martial arts films? It is definitely an interesting idea. I also like the traditional elements that are peppered throughout, without an explanation - things like chi magic and Taoist scrolls. I am sure there are many that I missed, but they are there.