Yet itвЂ™s still a highly visual treasure hunt that even manages to work in some deeper emotions and themes of letting go of past tragedy. Plus, the whole thing is a little too long for its own good. Likewise, the special effects are one of the filmвЂ™s strengths, yet there are moments that overuse slow motion and CGI to the point of being overblown and almost laughable, especially during the climax. While it does mix a lot of aspects of adventure films I love, it is hard not to view those ingredients as copied or borrowed, even if thereвЂ™s originality in how they are combined. Anyone who enjoyed The Mummy or National Treasure should also find much to enjoy, from the playful banter to the horror elements of a particularly thrilling flashback to the way Chinese history and myth are used as clues and solutions along the way, not that I understood all of it. It takes a little while to get into tomb-raiding mode, but once it does, the pace stays brisk, and the set designs are impressive and elaborate, like the Moria of the Orient mixed with the Temple of Doom. While the acting is all serviceable and sometimes quite good (the heroes are better than the villains), Mojin: The Lost Legend is most interesting as an example of how the Chinese do an Indiana Jones-style adventure. Compelled by a personal connection from his past, Wang accepts, dragging Hu Bayi and Shirley back into the dangerous business of booby traps, double-crossing villains, and supernatural(?) threats. Fed up with their washed-up lives in America, Wang is approached by a wealthy patron to locate an ancient Mongolian tomb. Hu Bayi (Chen Kun), his temperamental girlfriend Shirley (Shu Qi), and his reckless longtime friend Wang (Huang Bo) were all once Mojin, official treasure seekers and tomb raiders (Lara wasnвЂ™t available), but have since fallen into disgrace. Apparently based on a Chinese book series, this tale of three grave robbers may have its weaknesses, but itвЂ™s also evidence of the blockbuster action and visual merit that Chinese cinema has to offer.

MPAA rating: Not Rated (PG-13 content, though the profanity in the subtitles can get strong)ДЄt least one good thing came out of my watching the utter waste of time that was The Assassin: I saw a trailer for Mojin: The Lost Legend and was intrigued enough to seek out this rather fun Chinese adventure movie.

I went with the Moon, which has some personification and mentions imagination, light, and the unknown.) (TodayвЂ™s NaPoWriMo prompt was for a poem inspired by our choice of tarot cards, whether the image on it or the symbolism behind it.

Mojin the lost legend (2015)