Around the World in 80 Days (2004)

Around the World in 80 Days Poster

A bet pits a British inventor, a Chinese thief and a French artist on a worldwide adventure that they can circle the globe in 80 days.

Introduction
"Around the World in 80 Days" is a 2004 adventure funny movie directed by Frank Coraci. The plot is a modern adjustment of Jules Verne's 1873 classic novel of the same name. The movie stars Jackie Chan, Steve Coogan, and Cécile de France.

Plot Synopsis
The movie is embeded in 19th century England. Phileas Fogg (Steve Coogan) is a developer sidelined by the mainstream society of creators. After an altercation with his associate, Lord Kelvin (Jim Broadbent), Fogg rises to his challenge of circling around the world in 80 days to show that it is undoubtedly possible.

Fogg teams up with his brand-new valet, Passepartout (Jackie Chan), who, unbeknownst to Fogg, is really a Chinese thief, Lau Xing, who took a valuable jade Buddha from the Bank of England. Xing accepts accompany Fogg worldwide, as he plans to return the Buddha to his town in China.

Journey Begins
As they start their journey, they are joined by Monique La Roche (Cécile de France), an enthusiastic but struggling artist who wishes to see the world. Fogg, Passepartout, and Monique travel to France, Turkey, India, China, and the United States, experiencing exhilarating adventures in each destination.

Adventure and Challenges
Along their journey, they face numerous odds, including being trapped, attacked, and even chased by Scotland Yard and a Chinese warlord who desires the Buddha statue back. Despite the obstacles, they manage to keep moving around the globe, driven by Fogg's ambition to win the wager and Passepartout's decision to return the artifact.

Climax and Conclusion
The climax arrives in the United States, where Fogg is fooled by Lord Kelvin into thinking he has lost the bet since he has actually gotten here a day late. Fogg, disheartened, deserts his whirlpool and yields defeat. Nevertheless, upon understanding that they crossed the worldwide date line and hence got an additional day, Fogg rushes back to the academy and is stated the rightful winner of the bet.

In the end, Fogg renounces his victory and his stand amongst the other researchers, affected by the lessons he learnt from his companions and the wider world. He realizes that his greatest discovery is not the speed at which they traveled but the comprehension of the world outside his lab.

Evaluation
"Around the World in 80 Days" is a hectic experience flick with a mix of humor, action, and drama. The performances, specifically by Jackie Chan and Steve Coogan, are admirable. The movie attempts to provide a wholesome cinematic experience with good visuals, humor, sentiment, and an underlying message. It showcases that travel not just broadens the horizon but also assists in self-discovery.

Top Cast

  • Jackie Chan (small)
    Jackie Chan
    Passepartout / Lau Xing
  • Steve Coogan (small)
    Steve Coogan
    Phileas Fogg
  • Cécile de France (small)
    Cécile de France
    Monique Laroche
  • Jim Broadbent (small)
    Jim Broadbent
    Lord Kelvin
  • Ewen Bremner (small)
    Ewen Bremner
    Inspector Fix
  • Karen Mok (small)
    Karen Mok
    General Fang
  • Ian McNeice (small)
    Ian McNeice
    Colonel Kitchener
  • Roger Hammond (small)
    Roger Hammond
    Lord Rhodes
  • David Ryall (small)
    David Ryall
    Lord Salisbury
  • Mark Addy (small)
    Mark Addy
    Steamer Captain
  • Richard Branson (small)
    Richard Branson
    Balloon Man