Chinese Zodiac (2012/2013)

Director: Jackie Chan

Notable Cast: Jackie Chan, Kwon Sang-woo, Lian Fan, Helen Yao, Zhang Lanxin, Oliver Platt

Also known as: Armour of God III, CZ12

I would list Jackie Chan as one of my favorite actors of all time. He has a wide array of talents as an actor and an action guy which has lead a slew of his films to be instant classics the world around. When he announced he was going to head back to one of his classic franchises for a third entry with Chinese Zodiac (which is the third Armour of God film, known in China as CZ12), I was stoked. Even though my love of both Armour of God and Operation Condor are in the silliness of the films and their Indiana Jones-esque knock off ways, I was hoping for some awesome material. What I got with Chinese Zodiac was…not so awesome.

JC (Jackie Chan) and his team of adventurers for hire are sent by a very rich company to recover twelve bronze heads based on the Chinese zodiac. The problem that arises is that the heads have been missing for years and no one seems to know where they have ended up. So its up to JC, with the help of some friends and wacky technology, to track them down before his corrupt employers put an end to his journey…permanently.

You could say he's an accidental spy...

To be honest, the first two films in this franchise aren’t great overall as the humor can be hit or miss and the stories are very cheesy. That being said, the action is phenomenal in them. I expect nothing less from Jackie Chan even 20 years later. Chinese Zodiac takes this to a whole new level or ridiculous and nonsensical though. Right away from the beginning with Chan’s roller-blading suit you know that you are going to have to suspend your belief system for the next hour and a half or else you are in for a shock. There is less classic action and far more spectacle and it can leave the viewer a bit cold. While there is (finally) a solid fight sequence in the last act and highlights the film with a fun camera shoot fight sequence that brings to mind classic era Jackie Chan, the rest can be almost too ridiculous including a sky diving scene that simply doesn’t work and feels tacked in.

The plot for Chinese Zodiac is ridiculously complicated for as basic as it is and most of it comes from the ridiculous amount of characters. As Jackie Chan just turned 60 this year, it’s obvious that he is stepping back from the high-octane action he used to do – and who can blame him? – and allows his team to shine for some good portions of the film. While the idea is sound, the execution of the team is hit or miss. The attempt at building these characters is done enough to get by, but not enough to truly care about what they have to offer. It does make some of the action set pieces more fun (including a pirate one that feels like it truly came from the cartoon Jackie Chan Adventures), but overall the results are wishy-washy at best.

Top this, XXX.

Chinese Zodiac is not a bad film, but it certainly lacks the charm and strong execution that made these films so much fun in the 80s and 90s for Chan. The action tends to be a little too much spectacle oriented, some of the green screen and wire work is awkward, and the story leaves a lot to be desired. It’s still fun in some ways, but overall this is one of Chan’s more disappointing films in the last ten years.

Written By Matt Reifschneider

Operation Condor 2: The Armour Of The Gods [The Armour Of God] (1986)

Director: Jackie Chan, Eric Tsang
Notable Cast: Jackie Chan, Alan Tam, Lola Forner, Rosamund Kwan

*Note: This is a review for the American cut of this film.

As if Miramax and American audiences didn't have enough of a hard time finding Jackie Chan films, this daftly titled "sequel" to "Operation Condor" is actually the first of the two films and features a younger and more ridiculous Chan. Once again the film sells itself with some of the most ambitious stunts and fight scenes in modern action films that highlight its often inept script. If not for these moments, this Indiana Jones knock off probably isn't worth much of its weight in film.

The Asian Hawk Jackie Chan (Chan...oh wait, you didn't get that with his name once again being his real name?) has recently recovered a piece of the fabled Armor Of God to auction off. This somewhat infuriates a Satanic cult who then kidnap his ex-girlfriend, from his days as a singer in a rock group, to bribe him to bring them the rest of the armor so that they can destroy it and gain immense power. Now Chan must team up with his old nemesis Alan (Tam) and current boyfriend to the ex-girlfriend to find the Satanic cult, save the damsel in distress, and somehow survive.

The plot for "Operation Condor 2" is utterly bat shit crazy. Satanic cult? Cheesy rock band drama history? The ugliest Mitsubishi car that has an escape scooter built in? If it wasn't for Chan's rather charismatic on screen presence and the (also bat shit crazy) action packed final act, this film might have passed for a Cannon feature. It's that over the top and silly. Our actors are predictably and often inept in their attempts to sell the characters as more than 2D representations of "real people" (with one of the worst accents known to dubbing for Alan), the humor is massively hit or miss, and the dramatic elements are forced and awkward. The film is insanely cheesy and rarely makes sense.

That's okay though, because "Operation Condor 2" also features one of Chan's best action finales. This makes up for a LOT of the asinine plot that we have to sit through. Does the ending really make sense? No, but its fucking awesome. We get leather-clad, high heeled assassin women, robed Satanic cult members who all seemingly know kung fu, and a dynamite vested Chan all doing battle in a cave like monastery (of really poorly built sets). The finale seemingly lasts forever and unlike the first three-quarters of the film, it keeps you glued to the TV with jaw nicely nestled on the floor with its stunt work. This film single handedly gets a couple of points just for this sequence.

In the end, its your basic Jackie Chan vehicle that benefits from his charm and stunts. The script and humor can be some of his worst that has reached the US yet, but fans of the Chan man are going to eat up some of its high flying sequences. Definitely not his best though.

Written By Matt Reifschneider

Operation Condor [The Armor Of God II: Operation Condor] (1991)

Director: Jackie Chan

Notable Cast: Jackie Chan, Eva Cobo, Carol Cheng

*Note: This review is for the American cut of the film.

When the US starting acquiring the rights to various awesome Chinese films, it should have been a great thing. Too bad they screwed up most of them. Take "Operation Condor" for example. It's a pretty solid Indiana Jones knock off film with great stunt work, but its awful dubbing and horrid title sequence certainly spell out that the US didn't know how this was supposed to work. It's still a fun film with lots of traditional Jackie Chan humor and stunning action sequences, but it still leaves a few...holes that might be filled with the original cut.

Jackie (Chan) is brought back from his treasure hunting exploits to help find a lost horde of Nazi gold in the African desert. He is teamed with a desert expert and the granddaughter of one of the Nazi's who hid the gold and the three must battle their way through deception, spies, and gravity to be the first ones there.

At its least, "Operation Condor" is a fun and fancy flick that really utilizes its sets and plot well. By plot, I mean the random 'adventure' style flimsy script that is thrown together to piece up some great action sequences. Are their character arcs? Hell no. I'm not even sure if there needs to be honestly. If Chan's character wasn't named Jackie, I'm not even sure I would remember who he was. We get a random concept that allows Chan to do what he does best...slapstick humor and jaw dropping action scenes. One doesn't really need more than that here, even if its an obvious knock off on Indiana Jones with its tribes, traps, and Nazis.

The acting is sub par, although Jackie Chan is his usual charming self only this time with a gum chewing kitsch, with dubbing that makes it far worse then it probably is. The directing (from Jackie) is his usual stuff, mostly beneficial to just getting the film to the next sequence in as little time as possible. It's nothing to scoff at, as it does its job, but its certainly not winning any awards either.

The number one (and mostly sole) reason to watch "Operation Condor" is for the action pieces. Man oh man, are they ridiculous and fun. Although some of them are so out there to be asinine (see the hamster ball escape down a cliff), most of them are so well put together and executed that it shames every other aspect of this film. The air tunnel fist fight stakes its claim as the highlight of the film, comically too, but everything from the chain swinging leaps to the motorcycle wheelies to the slapstick gun grabbing in the hotel in the desert is sure to earn some grins and applause from even the most critical of fans. This is surely some of his best stunt work on film.

All in all, "Operation Condor" is a good film, but far from great. It lacks a cohesive plot, relevant characters, or any kind of legitimate connection emotionally for its viewers. On the other hand, the stunts are so awesome that none of the above matters. If you are a fan of the Chan then this is a definite must see. If only they had the original version available in the US.

BONUS RANT: Why the fuck does the US poster look like a Bond film? The film is an obvious rip off of a different action franchise, yet the poster rips on a separate one. Seriously...what the hell?

Written By Matt Reifschneider

Drunken Master (1978)

Director: Yuen Woo-ping
Notable Cast: Jackie Chan, Yuen Siu-tien

Kung fu movies have always been favorites of mine, but the original 1978 "Drunken Master" with Jackie Chan is a real gem. It's still a classic kung fu movie in all the right ways, but this film is truly created by the blooming careers of two men: star Jackie Chan and director Yuen-Woo Ping, whose combined over the top style sparks with ingenuity and significant amounts of fun. Combined with the killer choreography that combines traditional martial art styles and the hard as hell to master 'drunken boxing', "Drunken Master" is everything one needs in a fun martial arts flick.

Wong Fei Hung (Chan) is a mischievous son of a very high standing martial arts teacher. His antics repeatedly get him into trouble and his fight-first ways have earned him the distaste of his father. When he gets into a fight with both his aunt and a wealthy stranger in one day, his father decides it is time for him to learn from his eclectic uncle. For one year he trains in the style of drunken boxing to learn lessons on how to act and what dedication is. When an assassin comes for his father, his skills will be put to the test though. Did Wong learn enough from his trials to save the one person who put him through them?

The only thing that's missing from "Drunken Master" is a deeper story. Although its story is good enough to get us where we need to be with plot and pacing, this film could have done with a bit more emotional depth for its tale. As is, it works for the martial arts/comedy style, but I could have used a bit more here.

Other than that, "Drunken Master" is spectacular. From its initial fight sequence to set up the 'villain' of the story to the final (very well choreographed) extensive fight sequence between the assassin and Wong, this film is so enjoyable and fun to watch, it breezes by so quickly one wants to restart it just to keep watching. Jackie Chan really does the comedic element well with his "Three Stooge"-esque slapstick and his physical martial arts is ridiculously impressive. To see the things he does in this film, with all of the charm he can muster, is jaw dropping. Along with some well timed plot pacing and endless fight sequences (wanna have a fight over paying for dinner? Why the hell not?) and some well crafted directing, although his focus shots can be a bit shoddy, this film is a kung fu fan's dream.

I could go on and on about its awesome fights and comedic elements that work, but one is best off seeing it for themselves. It's so much fun and so impressive choreography wise, the lack of legit story seems easily brushed aside for better things. Something few films can do easily. One of the best out there.

Written By Matt Reifschneider 

Legend Of Drunken Master, The [Drunken Master II] (1994)

Director: Lau Kar Leung, Jackie Chan
Notable Cast: Jackie Chan, Ti Lung, Lau Kar Leung, Anita Mui, Andy Lau, Felix Wong

Jackie Chan's return to the "Drunken Master" franchise after the 1978 original is a left/right combo of awesome proportions. "The Legend Of Drunken Master" (as its titled in the US, else where it is known as "Drunken Master II") is an essential perfect combination of all things that make Jackie Chan films great. The stunt work and choreographed fights are stunningly well crafted, the comedic bits utilize his slap stick and often goofy routine to a 'T', and the film even underlines it all with some nice moral and political issues. "The Legend Of Drunken Master" is a knock-out of kung fu flying style.

Wong (Chan) tries his best. He really does. His father, a wealthy master of martial arts and the doctor in the village, has always been there to guide his son's fist-first ways. When an incident involving some lost ginseng gets Wong involved with some British backed thugs, he finds himself struggling with how to approach the situation. His amazing talent with fighting (particularly at drunken boxing) seems the ideal solution, but his father forbids its use. Does violence sometimes solve the larger issues?

What makes "The Legend Of Drunken Master" such an instant classic when it comes to kung fu films is the relentless, but not pointless, flow from story to fight. It has a legit story to its background pointing out the tension between the British and Chinese when it came to culture shock, which rarely takes away from its extensive fight sequences. Although at times the film seemingly goes a bit too far into serious territory (when Chan's father character beats him for example), it rarely deviates from its established running pace and it makes for a fantastic watch.

Of course, as with all of Chan's films, the fight sequences are jaw dropping in their speed, complexity, and flow. His quick switches from standard martial arts into drunken boxing as he battles a slew of friends and enemies is stunning. The settings are perfect for the fights too, occurring under trains, in two layer bars, on the street, and an epic finale in a steel mill. The fighting is ridiculously well done and choreographed to use Chan's skills perfectly. Just for this, "The Legend Of Drunken Master" is a must own for any fan of martial arts, period.

Very little of this film is flawed. Occasionally the humor is a miss (perhaps its just my misunderstanding of Chinese culture at the time) and the ending leaves a little to be desired with its sudden cut off, but otherwise this film rocks it from minute one. I'm still waiting for an original language audio version of the film, one that isn't dubbed, to get released without an illegal bootleg, but as is - this is still a must own.

Written By Matt Reifschneider

Police Story 2 (1988)

 Director: Jackie Chan
Notable Cast: Jackie Chan, Maggie Cheung, Bill Tung, Chor Yuen

As with any sort of action film franchise, each additional entry has to be bigger and more boisterous than the previous. This also goes for "Police Story". The first film had a great balance of action, drama, and comedy to make it a fascinating watch and a great Jackie Chan film. "Police Story 2" however, just doesn't quite get the balance right. Oh yes, its bigger and badder than the original, but it just doesn't strike the same chemistry as its predecessor. It makes for a pretty solid watch, but it just slightly falters to the first.

Ka Kui (Chan) has been demoted for the massive destruction he caused in his rebellion at the end of "Police Story". When his old enemy shows up once more, he decides that he needs to leave the force for the sake of his relationship (and safety) of girlfriend May (Cheung). When a very profitable group has their properties held ransom by some all too serious and organized terrorist bombers, Ka Kui is brought out of retirement to solve the case...and perhaps kick a little more ass.

In "Police Story 2"'s attempts at being bigger and more awesome on every level, it seemingly forgets that what made the first so good was its foundation in its story. Although this film really makes for a larger story (with all sorts of twists and plot switches) it sort of loses focus on the characters and seems to meander a bit much. The comedic scenes seem to be randomly placed in the film, with a seriously out of place 'fart in an elevator sequence', and rarely blend with the more dramatic pieces as well. They can work, especially when Chan and Cheung do their bickering couple routine, but it mostly misses the mark. As do some of the more dramatic scenes with only one that really works its magic with the villains reading a letter to Ka Kui as he is captured. Other than that though, the dramatic tension seemingly loses steam too.

The one part that "Police Story 2" does improve on is its action sequences. And boy oh boy does it go all out. Bigger explosions, more broken glass, more Chan leaping over ridiculously high walls, more fist to cuffs, and even more impressive set work for stunts. You name it and this film pretty much has it. One of Jackie Chan's best attributes is finding cool set pieces for him to work his stunt magic and this one has memorable scene after memorable scene. The play ground brawl is one of his best choreographed fight sequences in his career. Those poor stunt guys!

Although "Police Story 2" just slightly misses to its first entry, its still an amazingly fun ride to take and highly worth the viewing. If only for its action pieces. Chan delivers once again in entertainment even if the substance is a bit off.

BONUS RANT: The film starts off with one of the poorest recaps ever done. Although Chan improves overall as a director on this one, this poorly constructed 'flashback' sequence of events from "Police Story" tells the audience NOTHING about the story. It's more or less a best of stunts sequence from the original. Like an oddly paced trailer with no voice over really. 

Written By Matt Reifschneider

Police Story (1985)

 Director: Jackie Chan
Notable Cast: Jackie Chan, Maggie Cheung, Bill Tung, Chor Yuen

Although Jackie Chan has always been a man able to create some of the greatest stunt fights alive (with himself), going back to his earlier films is somewhat of an awe inspiring experience. Back before he was just the comedian first and the watered down goof he is in his American films, he had a more than stellar filmography. Which of course is highlighted by the original "Police Story". With a well crafted and simple police drama as its foundation, Chan's ability to charm as a lead, and some of the best action sequences ever to grace film, "Police Story" is easily one of the highlights of his career.

Ka Kui (Chan) is a top notch officer on the rise. His ability to improvise on the job has garnered him a lot of attention from his higher ups. When he is able to catch a crime lord after an operation is botched, he is on top of the world. Assigned to protect the witness against this crime lord, he suddenly finds himself the target of betrayal and focus of a frame up. Using his unique physical prowess and determination, Ka Kui must take back a life that is quickly slipping away.

Although the film is not perfect in many ways (Chan's directing can be a little too over the top to really embrace the plot as it could have), "Police Story" is an engaging and thrilling watch. Proving that he does indeed have some acting talent, Chan is on top of his game in the film. We empathize for his character as his world crumbles and we root for him the entire time whether its through the intense action pieces or the comedic bits where he scrambles to not screw up too much. He is obviously the highlight of the film in all his charismatic ways and makes "Police Story" work the way it should.

Although Chan's style has always been a mixture of seriousness and comedy, the balance seems to be at some of its best here. The comedic bits, particularly with his girlfriend May (Cheung), are well paced in the overall plot and make for some pretty fun sequences. Watching him juggle through various phone conversations all at once can only bring a smile to the audience's face. Of course, this is balanced out with his more serious plot that always leads to a wild action sequence. Although the action sequences here are still fairly over the top, "Police Story" makes them all seem (at the time) very realistic as Chan battles off hordes of men in some great settings. The highlight of course being the final show down in a mall where he is only given plenty of opportunities to throw baddies (and be thrown by baddies) through glass and various items.

If you are looking to expand your Chan collection past the "Rush Hour" films, then a great starting point is "Police Story". It's a great balance of his serious work and his all too common action/comedy pieces that made him a world wide star. It's not a perfect film, but its still one of the ones that I find myself watching the most from his catalog.

BONUS RANT: I do hate how randomly this film ends. Blurred shot in the middle of set piece. What?! No aftermath? Granted, Asian cinema (particularly of the Hong Kong variety) has had films end this way for decades, but this film seemingly rises above that sort of deal. 

Written By Matt Reifschneider

Twin Dragons (1992)

Director: Ringo Lam, Tsui Hark
Notable Cast: Jackie Chan, Jackie Chan, Maggie Cheung

Here's the deal with Mr. Chan and all of his Jackie-ness. Many of his films are not that good. The American versions (thanks mostly to Dimension Films) are even worse with their horrible dubbing and extremely poor opening credits. Yet, some how and in some way, they are insanely fun to watch and charming to beat hell in a charm race. Although its hard for me to give "Twin Dragons" anything higher than a 2 star rating, know that I find myself watching this film quite often and having a great time doing so. Its bad. But its awesome too.

John Ma (Chan) and his long lost twin brother, Boomer (Chan also) have no idea that the other exists. Separated at birth with Boomer thought to be dead and gone, the brothers find very different paths through life. Ma becomes a great musician as a maestro and a piano gifted world renowned player. Boomer is a lowly mechanic with a very small friend, who has found his way through the world by being the toughest and fastest fighter in town. When the two accidentally cross paths as adults and find themselves being thrust into each others' lives its only comedic chaos that ensues as they try to unravel their lives that have become twisted.

"Twin Dragons" could be described in essence as "The Parent Trap" meets bad ass. Truly that's how this film works. Jackie Chan plays the two brothers and with some clever editing and occasionally odd overlapping imagines (that cleverly works at times surprisingly) they pull off the duel twin thing. Of course, the story is trite at times and the dubbing for this American version is horrendous. The opening scene with the babies being separated is comically horrific with its dubbing and black and white style.

That's somewhat of the brilliance behind "Twin Dragons" though. Chan has always had an odd knack for the funny (even if its mostly silly slapstick humor like how Boomer always snorts in this film) but this film is actually so ridiculous its awesome. The already over the top and off beat humor matched with the awful dubbing and ludicrous situations somehow works for this guy. The film might not be good in this sense but its funny.

As with any Jackie Chan film though, "Twin Dragons" also features some insane stunt work. With awesome car chases, boat chases, group beat downs, and generally watching Chan maneuver his way through a variety of obstacles this one doesn't disappoint in that factor despite its focus on the humor. If you enjoy this part of Jackie's work than this is one more for your collection.

"Twin Dragons" is far from 'good' when it comes to film making or writing, but the charm of watching Chan beat down a solid group of stuntmen than perform a orchestra maestro sequence while running and off balance is damn fun. Don't expect much more than awesome stunts and oddly charming humor sequences, but otherwise just enjoy it for what it is. 

Written By Matt Reifschneider

Jackie Chan's First Strike (1996)

Director: Stanley Tong
Notable Cast: Jackie Chan, Bill Tung

What can I say about this bastardized American version of a film that I assume is probably more awesome in its original form? Well, firstly, it may not be all that good, but I have such a ridiculously good time watching it that it stays within my reach whenever I go for an action film. I have never seen the original form of this film (only this one) so I can't fairly compare them, so I won't try. Not that this one is all that good, we'll get to that in a second, but its a lot of fun and the choreography is something to watch again and again.

Jackie Chan plays Jackie (you assholes named him the same name!?!) as he goes on a routine watch scouting mission for the Ukranians and Americans as a diplomat. Suddenly he's involved with FSB Russian Agents ends up in Australian and framed for murder of a leader of a Chinese family there.

Of course, the plot is so ridiculous and outrageous trying to follow it is about as futile as folloing the plot to "You Only Live Twice". It only serves the purpose of putting Jackie Chan in outrageous stunt situations. Which is fine by me. Essentially the plot should be: lets watch Jackie fight 10 guys in a warehouse that is being remodeled and then lets watch Jackie fight a bunch of guys underwater in a shark tank without a Scuba suit and then lets watch Jackie Chan fight off a team of Russian army men in the frozen mountains without a coat and only a seal hat on! Etc. Etc. Which although, leads to a poorly crafted script and horrible acting (with even WORSE dubbing on top of it) allows you to see what you wanted. Lots of awesome stunts. Which is the reason that this bad boy gets a solid 3 stars. The stunts. The ladder sequence in itself is worth the price of buying this film at all. And that's all I'm going to say about that.

Honestly, there isn't much else to this movie. Stunt after stunt after stunt. The story is outrageous and the humor is hit or miss. The acting isn't great and the dubbing is awful. But the stunts make it worth it. Not a need for kung fu fans out there, but a nice addition to his already stellar filmography and stunt career. 

Written By Matt Reifschneider