Rumble in the Bronx (Review)

Jackie’s best English language flick hands down.

Jackie heads to Canada (cough) I mean the Bronx for the wedding of good ol’ Unky Bill. Once he gets there he finds that Bill has sold his corner deli business to another Chinese lady and as a nice gesture Jackie agrees to stay on for a few days for the transition period.

Of course this is where things get messy. Jackie becomes embroiled when some bikie small time punks take umbrage to him kicking shit out of them for shoplifting and decide to hunt him down. This get further convoluted when the same punks get involved in more serious crime circles when one of them comes across a package of stolen diamonds.

This is all irrelevant and simply there to justify Jackie belting and kicking crap out of many different people who all deserve it.

The acting is across the board lousy as most of the so called “actors” are actually no more than stuntmen. This means that bad acting is made worthwhile by good action…

No make that perfect action. Jackie has three or four showcases in this film and the mix between stunts, fights and chases is brilliantly managed.

In the early goings Jackie doesn’t want too much confrontation but does what’s right, then when the small time crims chase him he understandably must flee or get smashed. Then once he has enough and single-handedly pounds a warehouse full of scum the action ramps up once more when the big-time crims get involved.

It is all so unnecessary and awesome.

1/ Are there any “WOW!” fights?

Have you read anything above? Every fight a classic.

2/ Are there any “WOW!” stunts?

Yes. Lots. (Just watch for yourself.)

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

Breakthrough Jackie. This finally got him mainstream US acceptance, and only 15 years too late.

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

Yep. A hovercraft and a Lambourghini in the one scene.

5/ Do stolen relics come up?

Not relics but diamonds.

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

The bad guy’s missus is OK but she’s no supermodel.

7/ Is there a blooper reel over the credits?

Yes.

8/ Were there injuries on the shoot? Severity?

Plenty. Jackie scored himself a broken ankle and there were 2 major motorbike stacks, among other things.

9/ Has he still got it?

Physically Jackie was still in his prime and he mastered the formula of action/comedy/chase/stunts here.

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

Arguably THE Jackie Chan film in more mainstream eyes.

Final Rating – 9.5 / 10. Almost flawless, everything (acting, plot) becomes secondary to justifying more action and stunts, and I for one wouldn’t have it any other way.

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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