“Shanghai Knights,” starring Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson, is hit-and-miss entertainment at best. And that is not a reference to the martial arts action.

This time around the East/West duo find themselves in 1880s London trying to save the thrones of both England and China from the hands of ruthless villains.

Chon Wang’s (Chan) estranged father dies trying to protect an ancient seal of the Chinese throne. Chon Lin, Wang’s sister (Fann Wong), Wang, now a sheriff in the American southwest, and Roy O’Bannon (Wilson) join forces to save the day.

The devious royal Lord Rathbone (Adien Gillen), 10th in line to the British throne, is working with his Chinese counterpart Wu Chen (Donnie Yen) to take control of both countries.

What follows is a unique cinema experience. The action scenes are genuinely exciting. Chan’s, Wong’s and Yen’s various combats are the highlights of the film. These are creative and provide a fresh use of martial arts in film.

Some real flaws are Owen Wilson’s performance that is as exciting as watching paint dry and a soundtrack from the 1960s British Invasion in an 1880s period piece. Harry Nilsson, The Zombies and The Who, although great, simply don’t belong.

Sadly, this is a good film that could have been so much better.