Although I am not the biggest Jackie Chan fan around, for many years I have been sure to eventually catch each new movie he puts out. So when "Chinese Zodiac" came out on Blu-ray, you can be sure that I rented it. But after watching it, I have to say that my feelings are mixed about it. I will excuse the often lousy dubbing, since that is something that Chan couldn't have controlled. But I have to say that the plot is something of a mess. It's TOO fast-paced, often with important plot details unclear at the time and you have to wait until later in the movie to understand just what was going on. Also, the central characters don't have strong personalities. Second, some of the special effects are pretty weak. Now, I know that this movie didn't have a big Hollywood studio budget, but I think Chan should have worked with what he had, like he did with many of his movies a couple of decades or so ago. Third, some of the photograph is pretty weak, boasting ugly colors that are distracting.
Still, there are some positive things to be found here. The photography may be weak, but otherwise there is some skilled camera-work. The plot may be incoherent at times, but the movie doesn't have any boring or tedious moments (well, except maybe for the scene on the wrecked ship - that does go on too long.) And when it comes to martial art action and stunt sequences, the movie does delivers. Chan may be getting old and starting to slow down, but he still knows how to deliver thrills.
Weighing the good with the bad, the movie winds up being okay. If you are a Jackie Chan fan, you'll probably find the movie passable entertainment. Though odds are you won't find it one of his best. However, if you haven't seen a Jackie Chan movie before, this isn't the movie to start with. Start with something like "Police Story".
Still, there are some positive things to be found here. The photography may be weak, but otherwise there is some skilled camera-work. The plot may be incoherent at times, but the movie doesn't have any boring or tedious moments (well, except maybe for the scene on the wrecked ship - that does go on too long.) And when it comes to martial art action and stunt sequences, the movie does delivers. Chan may be getting old and starting to slow down, but he still knows how to deliver thrills.
Weighing the good with the bad, the movie winds up being okay. If you are a Jackie Chan fan, you'll probably find the movie passable entertainment. Though odds are you won't find it one of his best. However, if you haven't seen a Jackie Chan movie before, this isn't the movie to start with. Start with something like "Police Story".