Martial arts icon, famous for putting his signature on the genre. Chan isn't the most gifted director, but it allowed him to put the full spotlight on his trademark mix of action and comedy. And so his oeuvre is mandatory for action fans.
Movies
A very nice surprise. I recognized some scenes from a Jackie Chan documentary I saw earlier, but within the actual context of the film these scenes were even more impressive. This is a true spectacle, where Chan lays down the basis for what would become a very fruitful and respectable career. The beginning is a little hesitant though, as the comedy alone isn't really strong enough to carry the film. But once Chan starts his usual action antics that part is soon forgotten. The bicycle scene, the tower scene and the finale are legendary and a testament to Chan's skills, both as an action hero as well as a director. Yuen Biao and Sammo Hung make fine additions to the cast, a trio that has dominated 80s Hong Kong action cinema and has more than put its stamp on the film industry. This is one of the best Chan films I've seen so far, a warm recommendation for everyone who likes his action work.Read all
A solid sequel. It can't quite compete with the first part though. Without the help of Hung and Biao, all the weight comes to rest on Chan's shoulders. He tries to cushion the blow by introducing some strong female counterparts (namely Maggie Cheung and Rosamund Kwan), but they can't quite fill the void Chan's companions left behind. There are still some stand-out moments here. The scene in the overcrowded flat is quite funny and the finale is another classic Chan scene, but overall the film was a bit too serious for my liking. The comedy is still there, but it remains limited to certain scenes. The rest of the film has a darker tone, which didn't always feel appropriate. Chan's antics are strong as always, the fight choreography is laudable, but when comparing it to the first part, everything feels just a little less refined. It's still nice filler though, a film that offers plenty of entertainment and some memorable moments. Chan is starting to grow on me.Read all
