Holly Leber: I went into “Forbidden Kingdom” with trepidation. Not being a devotee of martial arts films, I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to appreciate this movie. Instead, this is my favorite film we’ve written about in this column so far. It’s sharp, funny, the scenery is lush, and the fight scenes seemed pretty spectacularly choreographed, though Casey will know better if that’s true.

Casey Phillips: As a HUGE fan of martial arts films, I definitely didn’t have any concerns. As long as people were beating each other senseless in a beautifully choreographed dance of fist and flesh, I was going to be happy. I’ve been waiting for years to see Jackie Chan and Jet Li star together, and “Forbidden” was worth the wait. Chan’s comedic, slapstick performance has been honed to perfection in the “Rush Hour” and “Shanghai” movie series, and his interplay with Li, who thrives on no-nonsense fighting, was a joy to see on screen.

Holly: I’ve seen one each of the “Rush Hour” and “Shanghai” movies, but I was most familiar with Angarano’s work, from “Seabiscuit,” “One Last Thing” and “Will & Grace.” He’s kind of a poor man’s Shia LaBeouf, but this wasn’t really the kind of movie where deep, nuanced acting was the goal. The kid held his own and gets major points for signing on to essentially get his behind kicked by Chan and Li in a lengthy training sequence that was part “Karate Kid” and part “A Knight’s Tale.”

Casey: Ultimately, I think the key to enjoying “Forbidden” — or any martial arts movie, for that matter — is to just forget there’s a story. The “plot” involves a staff, a warlord, simian royalty and an immortal emperor, but you could be forgiven for forgetting that after 10 minutes. Martial arts flicks are all about setting up intricate, fluid fight scenes, and this film has them in spades courtesy of seasoned choreographer Woo-ping Yuen, whose work includes “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” the “Matrix” and “Kill Bill” movies.

Holly: Casey prepared me for this movie by making a comparison to “Last Action Hero,” which is a spot-on analogy, though “Forbidden Kingdom” was far better. The film definitely struck me as formulaic, but unlike some movies that don’t have enough fun with what they do to make it not matter that there are no surprises or sophistications plot-wise, here I wasn’t really bothered. “Forbidden Kingdom” does a great job of not taking itself too seriously.

Casey: One aspect of the film I really appreciated was the judicious use of wires and pulleys for the action sequences. Some martial arts films like “Crouching Tiger” or “House of Flying Daggers” use wire work to exaggerate movements beyond any degree of realism, but in “Forbidden,” what’s there is pretty toned down. That, combined with beautiful, period-appropriate costuming and the setting in rural China, made the film feel more grounded.

Holly: Recognition is owed to hair and makeup as well. Between Jackie Chan’s dreadlocks, Jet Li’s shocking blond facial hair and one of the few females having lethal white locks that she uses as both lasso and garotte, I was impressed and amused. Yes, there are storyline faults, including a bland budding romance subplot that includes the old finding shapes in the clouds routine, but the pure energy of the film makes up for where it lacks. “Forbidden Kingdom” isn’t going to win any critics’ awards, but it’s a great example of why we go to the movies — for enjoyment.

Casey: Of the movies we’ve reviewed, “Forbidden Kingdom” was easily the most fun of the bunch. The athletic prowess of its characters is astounding, and despite a pretty pathetic excuse for a plot, it manages to be exciting and engaging. Much of movie-watching enjoyment stems from having the proper expectations in mind — knowing what you’re getting in to. There’s no doubt that “Forbidden” is cookie-cutter, but think of it this way: some of the best cookies in the world are still round.