"Around The World In 80 Days" is the latest film adaptation of the famous novel by Jules Verne. Most memorably this story was told on the screen in 1956, and this time around the story centers largely around Jackie Chan’s character Passepartout. The tale follows English inventor Phileas Fogg (Steve Coogan) and his reluctant valet Passepartout on a challenge, initiated by the stuffy 19^th Century English science establishment, to circumnavigate the globe in 80 days. They pick up the beautiful and brazen Monique La Roche (Cecile De France) along the way, giving this version a little spice for good measure.

Like the 1956 adaptation this film is filled with cameo appearances from various celebrities. Some of them are quite entertaining, like a brief scene with Virgin tycoon Richard Branson, and a great twist with Arnold Schwarzenegger as a skirt chasing Turkish prince. Less successful is the role of a vagrant played by Rob Schneider, who overacts, isn’t funny and nearly trumps his last terrible performance in "50 First Dates."

Thankfully, the three leads are charming and serve their roles perfectly. Steve Coogan plays the straight man convincingly and is somewhat reminiscent of English horror flick veteran Christopher Lee. Chan gives the movie some terrific stunt sequences that were a refreshing sight after watching the largely animated action scenes in the "Spider-Man 2" previews that came before the feature presentation. And French actress Cecile De France is an absolute joy to watch and I was refreshed by her unaffected presence and the fact that the role didn’t go to the usual Hollywood starlets du jour.

This is not a serious film but it is not meant to be and it delivers what we expect from it. We get an amusing jaunt around the planet with a dash of adventure and slapstick at every stop. Chan’s talents as a comedic character actor combined with his true talent as a Kung Fu fighter make this film a fun ride in spite of the bumps.