Heart of Dragon (Review)

Jackie and Sammo Hung are brothers in this one which is a dramatic departure from the norm for them both.

Jackie is a Cop as usual, but Sammo is his brother with special needs, basically he acts and thinks at about an 8 year old level, and in fact that is the age of most of his friends.

Because of his limitations and size, everyone takes advantage of Sammo, kids use him to get into places where an adult escort is required, adults get him to act like an idiot or use his innocence for their needs. I must say that Sammo was always believable in his role and actually at times was so effective that you forgot he was the big fat guy who normally is the second banana in action films.

Jackie wants desperately to leave everything behind and join the navy, he also wants  to marry his missus, only Sammo keeps getting in the way, at least that is Jackie’s interpretation. At one point Jackie actually does sever all ties but soon finds himself back where he belongs.

Everything changes when a clumsy plot device embroils Sammo in a crime, when he is taken hostage Jackie must go in and save the day. We knew he was in this for a reason.

The first 70 odd minutes in this film are slow and deliberately paced, the final 20 aer more frenetic Jackie style action. The film is never boring or dull, is actually OK as a drama at times, it just doesn’t have the usual Jackie flourishes.

1/ Are there any “WOW!” fights?

Only the final sequence, and even that isn’t amazing.

2/ Are there any “WOW!” stunts?

A couple of good falls.

3/ Which Jackie is it? Serious / Whimsical / Cocky…

Frustrated and angry, then protective.

4/ Does he get to use Jackie-exclusive toys?

No.

5/ Do stolen relics come up?

No.

6. Are there hot chicks (that usually can’t act)?

No.

7/ Is there a blooper reel over the credits?

No.

8/ Were there injuries on the shoot? Severity?

????

9/ Has he still got it?

He does, he just ain’t using it here.

10/ Is it a “Jackie Chan” film, or just one he is in?

Not a Jackie Chan film (look at the “no’s” above). But a nice divergence.

Final Rating – 6 / 10. Less “Jackie” than anything else he has starred in. Not a bad film, just nothing different enough to dozens of mid afternoon matinees to make this stand out.

About OGR

While I try to throw a joke or two into proceedings when I can all of the opinions presented in my reviews are genuine. I don't expect that all will agree with my thoughts at all times nor would it be any fun if you did, so don't be shy in telling me where you think I went wrong... and hopefully if you think I got it right for once. Don't be shy, half the fun is in the conversation after the movie.
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