Around the World in 80 Days Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Jackie Chan steals a priceless artifact to help Steve Coogan win a bet that involves flying a janky airplane they built out of a boat, and Arnold Schwarzenegger is there too, probably confused.

🍿 Around the World in 80 Days: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Wager and the Journey Begins

The film opens with Lau Xing, a Chinese thief also known as Passepartout, stealing a jade Buddha from the Bank of England. He seeks refuge with Phileas Fogg, an eccentric inventor who dreams of breaking the 50 mph speed barrier. Phileas, after being ridiculed by Lord Kelvin, accepts a wager to travel around the world in 80 days, betting his entire fortune and the future of his inventions. Passepartout sees this as an opportunity to return the stolen Buddha to his village in China.

Paris and the Artistic Encounter

Their journey takes them to Paris, where Passepartout attempts to evade General Fang, a ruthless warrior seeking the Jade Buddha. Phileas, believing he is attending a meeting with Thomas Edison, is led by Passepartout to an art school. There, he meets Monique, a budding impressionist painter who dreams of capturing the ‘impossible’ on canvas. A chaotic fight ensues in the art studio as Passepartout fends off Fang’s minions, utilizing art supplies as weapons, while Phileas finds himself captivated by Monique’s artistic vision.

Betrayals and Revelations in China

The trio’s travels lead them to China, where Phileas learns the truth about Passepartout’s identity as Lau Xing, a warrior protecting his village’s sacred artifact. He also discovers that Monique was aware of Passepartout’s secret all along, leading to feelings of betrayal. The village is attacked by the Black Scorpions, and Phileas realizes the importance of the Jade Buddha to the village’s safety and the conflict with General Fang.

Across America to New York

Phileas, disillusioned, attempts to continue his journey alone, but Lau Xing and Monique find him in San Francisco. They encounter the Wright brothers in the desert and gain inspiration for a flying machine. Reaching New York, they face one final confrontation with General Fang and her minions near the Statue of Liberty. Although they defeat Fang, they seemingly miss their ship back to England.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Passepartout (Jackie Chan): A Chinese man, also known as Lau Xing, who assumes the role of Phileas Fogg’s valet while trying to return a stolen Jade Buddha to his village.
• Phileas Fogg (Steve Coogan): An eccentric British inventor who wagers that he can travel around the world in 80 days.
• Monique La Roche (Cécile de France): An aspiring French artist who joins Phileas Fogg and Passepartout on their journey around the world.
• Lord Kelvin (Jim Broadbent): The bombastic head of the Royal Academy of Science who challenges Phileas Fogg to the bet and tries to sabotage his journey.
• General Fang (Karen Mok): A ruthless Chinese warlord who seeks to retrieve the stolen Jade Buddha from Passepartout.
• Inspector Fix (Ewen Bremner): A corrupt police inspector hired by Lord Kelvin to sabotage Phileas Fogg’s journey.
• Queen Victoria (Kathy Bates): The Queen of England, who ultimately exposes Lord Kelvin’s treachery.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Phileas Fogg: “I’m glad the bank was robbed because it is outdated.” – Fogg says this in a fit of rage at the Royal Academy of Science, sparking the idea of the journey around the world.
• Passepartout: “To bet on something you believed in made the bet in no way foolish.” – Passepartout tries to confort Phileas when he mourns his rash decision to bet.
• Monique La Roche: “Sometimes the impossible is possible, if you’re willing to risk everything.” – Monique says this to Fogg while trying to encourage him to make an impossible flight with an improvised flying machine.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $110,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $24,008,137
• Worldwide Gross: $72,660,444

💥 Around the World in 80 Days Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into this knowing it’s not exactly high art. But honestly? I had a blast. It’s a total popcorn movie, perfect for a rainy day. Steve Coogan is hilarious, and Jackie Chan’s fight scenes are always entertaining. That part in China with the Ten Tigers? Awesome! Don’t take it seriously, and you’ll have fun.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Jackie Chan fans”
  • “Families looking for a light-hearted adventure movie”
  • “Viewers who enjoy slapstick comedy”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Some mild action violence”
  • “Cartoonish depictions of historical events”
  • “Some suggestive humor”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “This movie is a fun, family-friendly adventure, with Jackie Chan’s martial arts and Steve Coogan’s humor providing solid entertainment. Though not faithful to the source material it offers a lighthearted take on Jules Verne’s classic.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “Around the World in 80 Days is a misfire. While Jackie Chan brings his signature moves, the movie suffers from a weak plot, over-the-top acting, and a general lack of the charm of the original story.

Audience Reactions

Jackie Chan’s action sequences were a fun highlight for many viewers.: Many viewers enjoyed this movie for the action and comedy.

Overall Consensus: A lighthearted and fun movie, it is best not to take the movie to seriously. It’s great for fans of Jackie Chan action movies and for fans of Jules Verne stories.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “This version of ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ significantly deviates from the source material, incorporating elements like martial arts and an emphasis on Passepartout’s backstory, turning it into more of a Jackie Chan vehicle.”
• “Arnold Schwarzenegger’s cameo as Prince Hapi was his last film role before becoming the Governor of California.”
• “The filmmakers used various locations to represent different countries, blending studio sets with real-world landscapes to create a vibrant, global journey.”

🖥️ How to Watch Around the World in 80 Days?

Around the World in 80 Days (2004) is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it on services like Disney+, as it was a Walt Disney Pictures production. For rental or purchase, check digital stores like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Availability may vary depending on your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Around the World in 80 Days, you might like these similar films:

• Around the World in 80 Days (1956): A more faithful adaptation of Jules Verne’s novel, known for its epic scale and numerous celebrity cameos.
• Shanghai Noon (2000): Another action-comedy starring Jackie Chan, blending martial arts with a period setting and comedic elements.
• The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988): A visually imaginative and fantastical adventure film with a similar sense of whimsical storytelling and global journey.
• The Mummy (1999): Offers a blend of adventure, comedy, and exotic locales, appealing to viewers looking for a lighthearted and action-packed experience.

🛒 Around the World in 80 Days Related Products

• Around the World in 80 Days (Blu-ray): Experience the adventure in high definition! This Blu-ray edition brings the vibrant visuals and action-packed scenes to life, offering a superior viewing experience.
• LEGO Ideas Globe: Build your own vintage-style globe with this intricate LEGO set! It’s a fun and educational project that makes a stunning display piece, perfect for fans of travel and adventure.
• Jules Verne: The Definitive Collection: Dive deeper into the world of Jules Verne with this comprehensive collection of his classic novels, including ‘Around the World in Eighty Days’.
• Around The World Travel Scratch Off Poster: Keep track of your adventures. A scratch off poster is perfect for marking the countries that you have visited around the world.

🎧 Soundtrack

Around the World in 80 Days features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “It’s Slinky!” – performed by Homer Fraperman and Charles Wragley

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Jackie Chan Fight Scene – Around the World in 80 Days (2004)

Get ready for some adrenaline-pumping action as Jackie Chan takes on a group of fighters in this exciting clip from ‘Around the World in 80 Days’. His lightning-fast moves and impressive stunts are sure to leave you on the edge of your seat. Don’t miss out on this thrilling glimpse of Chan’s martial arts prowess!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVJ-p-g-bDY

The Fantastic Flamenco Dancer, José Greco – Around the World in 80 Days (1956)

Prepare to be mesmerized by the captivating rhythms and graceful movements of flamenco dancing in this enchanting clip from ‘Around the World in 80 Days’. José Greco’s performance is a true testament to the power and beauty of this traditional art form.

✨ Rate