Jackie’s first real effort to break into the US market was appearing in a buddy cop film in the early 80s featuring all the clichés you could poke a stick at.
Jackie looks very uncomfortable swearing and shooting various people, and partner Danny Aiello just swears his way through the entire film on obvious autopilot.
Remarkably enough for a 30 year old film Jackie’s English sounds better here than it does now! I couldn’t even notice an overdub most of the time.
As mentioned this is all by the numbers:
- The dead partner.
- The “you’re out of control” speech from the tight-arse police chief, despite (as Homer would say) “He gets results you stupid chief!”
- 1 bullet manages to flip a car, the second explodes the petrol tank.
- Guys wait in the background for their turn to get shot or kicked.
- Jackie even gets a slow hand clap in one scene from fellow force members.
There is plenty of violence, a heap of profanity and even some full frontal nudity in this, no wonder Jackie doesn’t like it. The final body count is about 15, or put another way about 15 more than a normal Jackie Chan film.
1/ Are there any “WOW!” fights?
The last fight between Jackie and a big white guy is actually pretty good.
2/ Are there any “WOW!” stunts?
Jackie is as nimble as ever, and gets to throw himself around a little bit. Nothing classic though.
3/ Which Jackie is it? Serious / Whimsical / Cocky…
This is most definitely “fish out of water Jackie”, R Rated cop stuff isn’t his forte.
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)?
Nudity, but not Grade A nudity.
7/ Is there a blooper reel over the credits?
Nope.
8/ Were there injuries on the shoot? Severity?
Unknown. Doubt it.
9/ Has he still got it?
Yep, but this director just doesn’t know how to use it.
10/ Is it a “Jackie Chan” film, or just one he is in?
Nudity? Profanity? Sex? Harsh violence? This is the anti-Jackie Chan.
Final Rating – 6.5 / 10. While it is by the numbers and most definitely NOT a Jackie Chan film, it isn’t the worst thing out there by a long shot.
