| |
Set
in Melbourne Australia, a TV chef (Jackie Chan) is inadvertently
chased by a drug runners gang. He helps out a young TV reporter
who has recorded evidence of a murder. However, when the tape gets
mixed up with one of Jackie's cooking videos it is him, not the
woman who is their prime target.
This film has an extremely basic plotline and is basically a series
of chase sequences strung together into one film. This allows for
almost non-stop action and there are a number of quite inventive
sequences eg. the horse and cart chase. However, they don't quite
gel into one film. Despite the open spaces of the locale director
Sammo Hung has tried for a quite claustrophobic feel to show the
confined spaces that Jackie's character must run around in order
to escape his pursuers. The mise-en-scene is also very colourful
and this is quite refreshing but it does not resemble any of the
director's earlier works. Jackie does little fighting in the film
and the one fight that he does have (in a construction site) is
very good. It demonstrates one of the best use of surrounding objects
that we have yet seen in a Jackie film. Probably the most disappointing
aspect though, is that there is no end fight, instead we get a very
drawn out and boring demolition of the baddies hideout. What is
the point of casting a martial artist (Richard Norton) as Chan's
nemesis and then not letting him fight?
This film has a very cartoony feel to it and you never really get
the feeling that Jackie's character is in any danger. Also you may
recognise some old 'Neighbours' and 'Heartbreak High' actors in
the cast! There is plenty to keep you interested in this film as
it moves at a breakneck speed and Sammo's own cameo is hilarious.
I just don't think that It'll stand up to repeat viewings.
|
|
