If you’ve read any of Robert Van Gulik’s Judge Dee mysteries, you’ll enjoy Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon (2013). Conspiracies swirl in Seventh Century China. Dee is just a minor official in the fledgling national police force, but he’s always in the Right Place at the Right Time. Dee uncovers a plot to destroy the Royal Court and result in a regime change. Treachery, spies, betrayal, and weird secrets are just part of the plot Dee investigates. As a first case in a long and illustrious career, this Sea Dragon adventure has a little bit of everything. I particularly enjoyed the fight on the side of a mountain. Eye-popping action! This is the second Detective Dee movie and it’s just as enjoyable as the first one: Detective Dee: Mystery of the Phantom Flame (2010). You can find my review of that movie here. GRADE: A
I was disappointed in Stan and Ollie. Not enough story there.
Patti, I’ve heard the same thing from other friends who have seen STAN AND OLLIE. Lack of substance and story.
We did watch the first one after your review – can’t remember if I got the DVD from the library or one of the channels was showing it – and though it wasn’t exactly the Judge Dee of the books, it was certainly action filled. Will look out for this one.
Just checked and the library has a copy, so I put it on hold.
Jeff, YOUNG DETECTIVE DEE is a fun pop-corn movie. It gets a little silly, but the stunts are eye-popping!
Jeff, be prepared for plenty of scenes of dancing on rooftops! Loved the action and the cast!
I had a lot of fun with this one.
Scott, you’ll enjoy tomorrow’s review of the latest DETECTIVE DEE: THE FOUR HEAVENLY KINGS.