In an article in the RepublicanAmerican, Brynn Mandel writes about John Fusco, author of the film, “The Forbidden Kingdom.” The article says Fusco credits his screenwriting success — "Young Guns" and "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron" are among 10 he's written— with his determination to reconnect with the wonder and excitement of childhood.
“The Forbidden Kingdom” came from a bedtime story Fusco told his son, based on the Chinese legend of the Monkey King and a magical staff. In his version, an American teen-ager finds in a pawnshop a special weapon belonging to a Chinese sage, and it transports him to ancient China.
"It all goes back to this creative well that was established in my younger years," Fusco said.
I don’t know how good the film is but the principle of going back to what inspired you as a child, rather than being unduly influenced by other current films and novels, is a great one.
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