VIDEO REVIEW: Drunken Master

VIDEO REVIEW: Wheels on Meals

VIDEO REVIEW: Armour Of God

VIDEO REVIEW: Who Am I

VIDEO REVIEW: Rumble In The Bronx

VIDEO REVIEW: Project A

VIDEO REVIEW: Battle Creek Brawl

VIDEO REVIEW: Police Story 2

VIDEO REVIEW: Snake And Crane Arts Of Shaolin

VIDEO REVIEW: Police Story

HERE'S JACKIE!: Rumble in the Bronx

Rumble in the Bronx

Director: Stanley Tong

Year 1995

Rumble in the Bronx is an extremely fun action romp starring martial arts legend Jackie Chan. The film is responsible for introducing the international action star to American viewers, and damn what an impact he has left on the cinema world. After falling on deaf ears with his American efforts, 'Battle Creek Brawl' and 'The Protector', two ridiculously underrated features, Rumble in the Bronx took the US box office by storm opening countless numbers of cinema fans to an entirely new style of action comedy. Sprinkled with humor and filled with tightly choreographed fight scenes, this Hong Kong/Canada production features an in form Jackie as he does what he does best; crazy stunts, over the top comedy, and fast-paced action. I must mention that this is the film that introduced me to Jackie Chan, so needless to say it holds a special place in my cinema-loving heart.

The film follows a young Hong Kong man named Keung, who travels to New York City in order to attend his uncle's wedding. After agreeing to watch over his uncle's market in the Bronx while he is away on his honeymoon, Keung quickly stumbles into a heap of trouble with some local thugs after confronting a group of them shoplifting. Forced to defend his uncle's employees and place of business, Keung expertly takes matters into his own hands and beats up the gang-members, but this only serves to infuriate them and their leader Tony. Armed with his wits and his martial arts abilities, Keung must take on the local gang while desperately trying to keep his new-found friends safe, including his young neighbor Danny and Danny's beautiful older sister Nancy.

Jackie Chan takes on the role of Keung, the soft-spoken Hong Kong native who just so happens to be a martial arts badass. Jackie is absolutely explosive in this entry, putting it all on the line as he displays, with great results, that he is the master of this genre. Coming off the heels of his masterwork, The Legend of Drunken Master, Chan does great justice in introducing his style to an international audience. It's hard to believe that within just three years, Jackie had starred in City Hunter, Crime Story, Supercop 2, the previously mentioned Legend of Drunken Master and Rumble in the Bronx, and finally Thunderbolt, but that is just a testament on how truly hard working the man is. With Rumble in the Bronx, he showcases his unique style in a somewhat American setting and focused for American audiences, and the results are absolutely astounding.

The film is briskly paced, matching the hyper tempo of Chan's expertly crafted choreography, making for a film that doesn't dwell too long on the details, yet rather relishes in presenting the next insane set-piece and action oriented extravaganza. The style on display is a mish-mash of Jackie's trademark film cues as he uses everything but the kitchen sink in his fight scenes, creating some of the most memorable and creative fight sequences in his rather storied movie career. The raid on the gang headquarters is one of the most imaginatively choreographed set-pieces of the film, showcasing Chan as he slips through grocery carts, tumbles under pinball machines, and climbs up walls, all the while using inanimate objects like refrigerators, chairs, and skis as brutal weapons. The action is quick and fierce and it moves so smoothly that it's impossible to not be impressed at the skill on display.

The setting is also rather interesting for this film because we are basically centered in New York City, particularly the Bronx, or Hong Kong's version of what the Bronx would be like. It is strangely represented, having that international flavor on hand thanks to the diverse crew of Canadian and Hong Kong actors comprising the cast of New Yorkers. Anita Mui, an extremely talented and accomplished Hong Kong actress and popstar, takes on the role of Elaine, an associate of Keung's uncle. In this film she's able to flex her comedic muscles and display just how endearing she is as an actress. Canadian born Francoise Yip, also gets some time in the limelight as Nancy the former gang member turned Keung's love interest. It's not the most demanding of roles, but her stunning looks and fierce personality help bring an added kick to the proceedings. The rest of the cast including Morgan Lam as young Danny and Marc Akerstream as the prick turned nice guy Tony, and they do a commendable job in bringing the over the top world to life. Needless to say, the film has its fare share of wild and expressive characters.

Of course it wouldn't be a Jackie Chan film if it didn't infuse comedy into the mix, and with Rumble in the Bronx, Chan hams it up for all he's worth. As usual, a great deal of slapstick and classic comedy, in the vein of Charlie Chaplin, is at the root of the film, and it's all done in good fun. It is a style that has followed Jackie throughout his entire career and one that he has honed as the years have gone by. From his early Lo Wei produced work to his modern American efforts, Chan has always crafted his own unique style of combining comedy with action and Rumble in the Bronx really nails the formula, and in some of the oddest of ways. What I love most about this entry is the energy that it produces. It's infectious, and Jackie seems to feed off of this as he goes ape shit and pushes his body to the limits. That's one thing in a Jackie Chan film that you can always count on, and that is he will go absolutely crazy on the bad guys by the film's end, and this film is no exception. A true classic!

Rumble in the Bronx is an exceptionally good time at the movies and a perfect example of Jackie Chan's immeasurable talents. As an introduction to his work, it is a fine stepping stone, and you really can't go wrong with such an energetic production. Chan is in top form, showcasing why he is the master of this style of film-making, and his stunt work and fight choreography in the film is seamless in its fluidity and ingenuity.

The cast also matches up perfectly with Chan's vision, pulling out the comedic punches and maintaining that same exhausting pace and attention to detail in both expressive performances and relentless action. The diverse cast is a greatly appreciated addition to the film, and it helps to set it apart as a unique vision of this fictionalized version of New York City. Anita Mui, Francoise Yip, Morgan Lam, and Marc Aderstream do a great job in filling in this world, making it extremely entertaining and super-charged. That's really the best way to describe this film... Super-charged. It's fast paced, extremely expressive, outstandingly outrageous, overtly silly, and marvelously entertaining. If that's your thing then jump aboard this Jackie Chan driven crazy train. Rumble in the Bronx is.....

Jackie Chan finds out just how shitty New York City is.

Don't do it Danny! Don't pull Uncle Bill's finger!

Oh Anita Mui.... you're so crazy.

Jackie stumbles onto the Mad Max set. Look out Jackie!

That's one badass chick!

Don't make Jackie angry. You won't like him when he's angry.

See what I mean about over expressive!

It's Jackie the zombie! RUN!

Jackie! Stop playing with those man's balls!

Weeeeeeee!

Get some Jackie!

Jackie... you silly, silly man.

Look at this guy! He's a freak of nature!

Strike a pose there's nothing to it.... Vogue!

What the hell did you say about my jean jacket?!?!

Jackie quit clowning around!

Jackie look out!

Oh shit! He's got that look in his eyes again!

HERE'S JACKIE!: Battle Creek Brawl

Battle Creek Brawl
Director: Robert Clouse
Year 1980
 
Battle Creek Brawl is a ridiculously underappreciated Jackie Chan film which is mostly known for being the legendary action star’s first attempt at breaking out on to the US cinema scene. Packed to the gills with explosive action, memorable characters, and a young and fierce Jackie Chan filled with piss and vinegar, the movie sets the stage for a roll licking brawl that never ceases to entertain. With its charming 1930’s setting and its playful atmosphere, Battle Creek Brawl is a film that sadly slipped by the public’s eye without a notice, but it really is a movie that you need to see for yourself especially if you are a hardcore Jackie Chan fan. Let’s face it, the guy is a living legend and this film showcases him in a fun and extremely charming light. Get to brawling Jackie!
 
The film follows a young Asian American martial artist named Jerry Kwan, who after defending his families’ place of business from a gang of mobsters who want their protection money, Jerry is flung into a series of events that allow him to show off his prowess as a seasoned fighter. With his brother’s fiancé kidnapped by the mob, Jerry is forced by the gangsters to enter a brutal bare-knuckle fighting tournament called Battle Creek Brawl where larger than life muscle-bound men fight to the last man standing. The bouts are savage and Jerry is extremely out weighed by his competitors, but fight after fight Jerry proves that he has what it takes to bring down the largest of foes. Will he make it to the final round and satisfy the mobs wishes or will he find another way to thwart their plans? Either way it’s going to be one hell of a show!

Jackie Chan of course plays the role of Jerry Kwan, the Chinese martial artist living in 1930’s America. The role seems tailor made for Chan as he has taken on a great deal of period action films throughout his long spanning career and with Battle Creek Brawl, it seems to be the precursor for what would come to be some of his most entertaining and adventurous movies. From his work on the Project A series, to Mr. Canton and Lady Rose, and to an extent his performances in both the Shanghai flicks and Around the World in 80 Days, it would appear that Jackie loves mixing it up in these stylistic time periods and is drawn to the wonder of the world during those eras. With Battle Creek Brawl, he gives an outstanding performance as the underdog of the story, making you believe that he can take on anything, even the gargantuan behemoths that he finds himself battling once the competition sparks to life. Though this film isn’t as explosive as Jackie’s other Hong Kong productions, it still packs quite a punch and Chan is especially charismatic in this role. It’s too bad that American audiences weren’t ready for Jackie’s style of action mixed with comedy, because he does a tremendous job in this movie and the film overall is an absolute blast.
 
Another asset of the production is the abundance of outstandingly great characters for Jackie’s Jerry to interact with. Makoto Iwamatsu, simply known as Mako, plays the role of Jerry’s mentor Herbert. The seasoned character actor does an amazing job with the role and he’s able to keep up with Jackie’s kinetic style and comedic flair, providing some very memorable moments that make quite an impact on the heart of the film. To my knowledge this is the first and only time that Mako and Jackie have appeared together in a film and the combination and chemistry between the two is electric. Kristine DeBell plays the role of Jackie’s girlfriend Nancy, and she does a bang up job too, but sadly she doesn’t really have much to do in the film other than look cute and cheer Jackie along. I should not though that she does get a chance to get down and dirty when she performs in a roller derby style race which allows her to show her toughness and fortitude.
 
When it comes to the bad guys of the film, there’s no shortage of them that’s for sure. From the mobsters to the brawl competitors, this movie is jam-packed with outrageous heels that range from seriously evil to ridiculously cartoonish. H.B. Haggerty takes the cake as Kiss, the deadly fighter that bear-hugs his opponents to death before he kisses them goodnight. Haggerty is a hoot in this flick, and the professional wrestler turned character actor hams it up for the cameras as he delights in every punch to the face he gives out. The rest of the memorable fighting cast consists of Stephan Merjanian who plays the Moroccan a thick bodied psycho in a cape, Earl Maynard who plays the dancing Jamaican fighter with the sweetest of moves, Sonny Barnes who portrays the tougher than nails Iron Head Johnson, and Ron Max who plays the dual knife-wielding mobster Leggetti. Each of these guys brings a unique look and style to the film and their wild nature is just infectious once they let loose within the movie.

Let’s get back to the Jackie aspects of the film, because there are many moments within the runtime of the movie for Chan to shine. For starters, let me address that this is not the fast paced Jackie that we are used to seeing in his Hong Kong efforts. He still is mighty fast, but the pace has been taken back a bit. Whether this is because Jackie is being directed under an American production or because he is not working with people who are not used to his kind of work ethic, I’m not sure, but you can tell that the fluid choreography that Jackie is known for his somewhat lacking in this entry. Be that as it may, the film still packs a punch and delivers some outstandingly iconic moments that are not to be missed. For instance, right from the start we are introduced to Chan’s character as he performs some gymnastics on top of a steel bridge. Then as the film cranks into gear with the introduction of the Big Brawl competition, we get to see Jackie go full force against some of the largest men that he’s ever come up against. These are muscle-bound behemoths and Jackie holds his own while doing his trademark combination of infused comedy and action. For me, the film’s scenario works and Jackie just shines in the role of the outsider.
 
What I also found rather refreshing with this early American Jackie production, is that it tends to focus on the comedic side of Jackie as a performer. Often at times when trying to break into the States, Jackie found that he was being type-cast as the replacement for Bruce Lee, and you can argue that this film was in fact a perfect example of producers trying to capture that Lee magic seeing that the director of the film was the same man to bring Enter the Dragon to the public’s eye, but when I view this film I see a Jackie Chan film through and through. It may not be the shining example of his style, but you can see the early workings of what would quickly become one of the most interesting methods of fusing action with comedy. To me this is what I crave when I want a Jackie Chan fix. I want a fun film filled with unparalleled action, inventive fight sequences, and a butt load of comedy sewn into every stitch of the production. That is exactly what we get with Battle Creek Brawl. It may not be the best example of Jackie’s unbelievable abilities, but it sure makes for an exceptional starter on what would soon blossom into a legendary career.

Battle Creek Brawl is a tremendously entertaining Jackie Chan film, which in my opinion stands the test of time in showcasing a cinematic effort that really is a whole hell of a lot of fun to watch. From the comedy aspects of the movie to the rough and tough brawl sequences, this film really has a wide breadth of things going for it, and you have to admit that it carries itself with a sure-fire energy that always keeps things interesting. There really is never a dull moment in the film and the amount of engaging characters on the screen at any given moment is an added plus in my book.
 
Jackie is absolutely outstanding in this movie, and I’m not just talking about the fighting ability that he puts on display. I’m referring mostly to the presence that he brings to this film. There is a charisma and liveliness to his performance that really affects the entire cast and you can tell even this early in his American debut that he would later be a force to be reckoned with within the cinema world. All in all, I’ve always had a soft spot for Battle Creek Brawl, because it just seems that the film has gotten an underserved bad rap and I’m just lucky that I can get such an extreme amount of enjoyment from a movie that is pretty much disregarded by the majority of Jackie Chan fans and martial arts enthusiasts. Regardless of the consensus, you should really give this film a chance. Like I said, it may not be one of Jackie’s crowning achievements, but the charm and class of this film is really top notch and the fun to be had with this crazy movie is immeasurable. Battle Creek Brawl is…..

Jackie get down from there you little monkey!

I find it hard to believe that anything can hurt
Jackie's head with that helmet of hair protecting it.

Jackie.... you card.

Man this dance audition is INTENSE!

Say Dr. Giggles sucks again..... I dare you!

Go Jackie! GO!

For a good time call Jackie Chan.

There's a weird old Chinese woman in the back seat. Can we keep her?

Well that is just precious.

Looks more like a pie-eating contest rather than a bare-knuckle brawl.

If you don't think Jackie is tough then stew on this for a while.
The guy laying on the ground use to be wearing white pants.

Damn! Haggerty must be starving!

Beware the power of the genie pants Jackie.

Some of these brawls get kind of out of hand.

What do you mean you forgot to bring my extra pair of underwear?

Stache, glorious Stache!

Whatever you do Jackie, don't let him hug you... or give you a kiss.

Damn Jackie, you look like a stone-cold killer!

You're the man Jackie!

 

HERE'S JACKIE!: Who Am I

Who Am I?
Director: Benny Chan & Jackie Chan
Year 1998

Who Am I is a high octane thriller that features enough action-packed moments and spectacular stunts to satisfy any fan of Jackie Chan’s cinematic stylings. Directed by both Benny and Jackie Chan, this intense entry is overwhelmingly ambitious, telling an intriguing story about one man’s loss of memory and the journey he must take to find out who he really is. With its mysterious plot and espionage-filled moments of grandeur, Who Am I sets the stakes high on what Jackie Chan can accomplish and the epic battle at the end of this film is one for the books. If you’re in need of a Jackie fix, than this film should do the trick.

The film follows a Special Forces agent by the name of Jackie, who after finishing up his latest mission is double-crossed and left for dead after a helicopter crash. When he comes to, he has no recollection of how he got there or even what his name is, but after being taken in by a local South African tribe, he is then named Whoami by the tribesmen. Determined to find out who he is, Jackie sets off on a wild adventure that has him traversing jungles, deserts, bustling metropolises, and towering skyscrapers. The only catch is that the closer he comes to remembering who he is, the closer he comes to being assassinated by the ones who double-crossed him. Can Jackie overcome the odds and remember who he is? Do I even have to ask? Hold on to your butts as Jackie Chan figures out his true identity in….. WHO AM I?!?!?!

Jackie Chan plays the role of, who else, but Jackie, the amnesia suffering badass who’s a regular James Bond. Chan cranks up the formula that won him over so many fans in the past, and makes for a splendidly super secret agent, but in a style that is truly his own. The man may be 44 years old in this movie, but you’d never guess it in the way he moves across the screen or still puts his body in harms way. In this role, Jackie performs some extremely impressive stunts including a death-defying rooftop fight scene, a dizzying fall that makes Jackie look like a human version of a yo-yo, and a breathtaking slide that boasts Jackie gliding down a side of a glass building hundreds of feet above the air. These are all exceptionally done and intricately planned out stunts that look like they were performed in the most spontaneous of ways. As for the personality of Jackie’s agent, I’d say that he leans more towards the serious, but often at times can be a little goofy when a few of the comedic moments of the film make their presence known. All in all, this is one hell of an entry in Jackie’s expansive career and his performance is one that I love visiting over and over again.

Along for the ride are Michelle Ferre as Christine Stark and Mirai Yamamoto as Yuki. Ferre plays the role of the illusive reporter that seems to know a great deal more than she leads Jackie’s character to believe, while Yamamoto plays the role of the silly, but hard as nails, racecar driver who helps Jackie out of a few sticky situations. Together the two women make a great combination to aid Jackie on his mission for rediscovery and luckily both women are given ample opportunity to showcase what they are made of. On the opposing side of the fight card we have Ron Smerczak as Morgan, the snake in the grass CIA operative who will stop at nothing in order to dispose of Jackie before he regains his memory back. Ron is absolutely ruthless in this one and he treads the fine line of bad taste with some of his delivered lines, but in my opinion that’s the fun of his role. He played a perfect crooked CIA operative and the fact that the last scene of the film has him being pursued by a small army of soldiers, who are literally surrounding him from every direction; his character still keeps trying to get away even though the situation is hilariously dire and inescapable in the simplest of terms.

What’s really nice about this film is that it captures the same atmosphere and sense of adventure that you’d find in many of the popular spy films throughout the ages. Much like his genre bending in the Armour of God series, Jackie takes the aspects that are prevalent in a James Bond film and spatters them across the movie’s narrative in order to make his own hybrid of espionage-filled adventures. We’ve got intrigue with the amnesia angle, we’ve got adventure with the globe trotting aspects of the locations, we’ve got action with Jackie’s trademark stunts and tightly planned-out fight choreography, we’ve got a superb villain and his group of henchmen and minions to do his bidding, and we’ve got a pair of lovely ladies to fill in the femme fatale portions of the film and there’s your Bond sandwich. The end result is highly entertaining and perfectly pitched as a fun romp through espionage filled waters.

As mentioned above, the film has no shortage of heart stopping moments provided by a top formed Chan that really doesn’t know the meaning of the word quit. From a masterfully directed car chase that features a breakdancing and gravel-spitting racecar, to a fight on a cobblestone street that showcases Jackie taking on a group of baddies while wearing wooden clogs on his feet, to an epic rooftop battle between two seasoned fighters that has to be seen to be believed, you’ll come to find that this film really packs a punch. As for the closing battle, the rooftop fight on top of the Rotterdamm building is a thing of beauty matching Jackie up against Dutch black belt Ron Smoorenburg and Hong Kong actor and martial artist David Leung. The choreography in this fight sequence is mesmerizing and the inclusion of a few key comedic moments that showcase some of Jackie Chan’s clever sprinkles of genius, really add to the enjoyability of the fight scene. This moment of the film is without a doubt one of the greatest highlights of the movie and it’s topped off with a spectacular stunt that showcases Jackie sliding down the side of the Rotterdamm building itself, the crazy bastard. All in all, this film is a true testament to Jackie’s painstaking efforts in making a feature that pushes all the boundaries of his previous efforts, gifting another great entry in his illustrious career of wonderful gems. Who am I indeed!

Who Am I is a rip roaring roller coaster of a film that delivers a great deal of awe-inspiring moments while at the same time showing that Jackie Chan really is the man when it comes to action and stunts. With Jackie in prime form, the film boasts a performance that is highly energized and thoughtfully comedic in all the right places. Chan’s secret agent is a bit of a goof, but not so overwhelming of a prankster that it takes away from some of the more seriously charged portions of the film.

The cast for the movie is also quite inspiring as it brings in an array of actors to fill up its Bond style formula. Mirai Yamamoto and Michelle Ferre inject the film with a great deal of sassy pizzazz, while Ron Smerczak takes the role of the evil and ambitious CIA operative to new and entertaining heights. Incorporated along with this lively cast is a set of action sequences and outstanding fight choreography that really crank up the pace of the film as it sets your pulse racing. The fact that the movie concludes with an eye-opening fight scene that features Ron Smoorenburg and David Leung taking on Jackie atop of the Rotterdamm building is essentially the icing on this highly enjoyable cake. Do yourself a favor and check this Jackie starring vehicle out for yourself. It really is that damn good. Who Am I is…..

What's up weirdo.

Jackie get down from there you little monkey!

Guys, there is a time and place for thumb wrestling. Now is not it.

It was probably the most awkward dinner proposition that Jackie ever received.

Again with the climbing on shit! Don't you respect anyone's property?

Jackie finds out the hard way that the car is a stick shift. Ouch!

Jackie has a hard time with goodbyes.

You don't want to be around when Jackie starts pointing fingers.

Caught red-handed you poodle snatching bastard!

No one puts Jackie in the corner. No one!

Shhhhh.... I'm about to kick your ass.

Jackie I see you, you little sneak.

This guy just got Jackie'd.

Prepare for one epic fight scene.

Sweet mother of god! That's one hell of a nice jacket!

Quit whining you cry-baby.

Weeeeeeeee!

This is probably the most ridiculous car in the world.