Treasure Hunter 刺陵

The film stars Jay Chou (周杰倫) as Ciao Fei, a chivalrous young man, and model-turned actress, Lin Chiling (林志玲), as Lan Ting, the daughter of Ciao's mentor.

The film, intended as Taiwan's answer to “Indiana Jones,” “National Treasure” and “The Mummy” rolled into one, eventually fails to surpass any of them. This time round, it's a skull-masked horse-rider — a cross between 80s cartoon character 'Skelator' and General Kael from “Willow” that takes the reins. Oh dear.

Set in the desert in the northwest corner of the world, where numerous dynasties have risen and fallen, “The Treasure Hunter” is about a group of mysterious guardians who protect a map that reveals treasures of unimaginable riches within the arid landscape. When the map resurfaces after thousands of years, a fierce competition between bounty hunters and bandits ensues, and its keeper is forced to pass it onto an honorable soul, Ciao Fei.

Ciao is forced to surrender the map to save the life of Lan Ting, and together they team up with archaeologist, Hua Ding Bang (Chen Dao-ming/陳道明), to retrieve the stolen map and secure the location of the treasure.

Director Chu (Kung Fu Dunk) again joins forces with Mandopop prince Chou, as well as the beautiful Lin — two of Taiwan's most bankable stars — in what will likely be a direct conflict at the box office with “The Storm Warriors II.”

Unfortunately, on a par with this recently reviewed title, it has similar faults, putting most of its emphasis on CGI effects and not the plot.

Due to the popularity of its main stars, the film will undoubtedly put bums-on-seats in theaters during the holiday period. Though, Chu's inability to choose a decent script (this one took five writers), will probably lose a large portion of viewers before the credits roll.

Having also starred in “Curse of the Golden Flower” and soon to follow in Bruce Lee's footsteps in the remake of “The Green Hornet,” Jay Chou is a name that is becoming ever-more familiar in the Hollywood hills.

Yet his acting is fallible. He is a one trick pony — the right look, but no substance. Like Keanu Reeves, Chou suits a role that requires limited emotion and expressions.

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