If you are in a mood to watch an action movie, flicks of fast flying fists or serious gunfights may enter your mind. If you are in a mood for a comedy, the use of exaggeration or sarcasm could play an important role in your movie selection. Due to the characters' personalities, music, and fight scenes, Shanghai Noon fits into both of these categories while maintaining a western theme.
             Placed in 1881, Carson City, Nevada, surrounded by landscapes, Chinese immigrants, and bounty hunters, imperial guard from the Forbidden City in China, Chon Wang [pronounced John Wayne], played by Jacky Chan, and outlaw Roy Obanan, played by Owen Wilson, have to fight the masses of discrimination and stereotypes to learn about each other and ultimately become better friends to save the kidnapped princess, Princess Pei Pei (Lucy Lui).
             Although the movie takes place in the late 1800's and in a western setting, that fact is quickly forgotten due to our modern day views and linguistics implemented in the film. Lines like, "O.K. you just lost your wingin' it privileges", or "The justice system is all screwed up" are just a couple of many that are spread through the movie that help take your mind away from the western movie stereotypes.
             Princess Pei Pei is your typical kidnappee; she gets kidnapped and cannot escape and typically falls in love with the hero in the process. Making it easier for himself, the kidnapper, tricks Princess Pei Pei into leaving the Forbidden City on her own will to go to America.
             Chon Wang is confused in the beginning of the movie. He is sent from the Forbidden City, his homeland, to rescue the princess. Once he gets a little more used to the new culture, he settles in quite nicely with his new friend, Roy. He does have a lot of questions when he finds out that he is a "bad guy". Although not always understanding, he goes with the flow with one goal in
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