Wheels on Meals (Review)

This is an early Jackie classic, and sees him teaming up with buddies Yuen Biao and Sammo Hung, who also directs this flick.

Jackie and Yuen are friends who run a small mobile food kiosk out of a van in Spain, hence the title. They are thrown in the middle of things when they come across a young hottie, who is the daughter of Yuen’s Dad’s girlfriend, and also the target of a group of thugs for some reason.

Sammo is a local Private Investigator, more by luck than skill, who is also looking for the girl.

The first half of the film lays on the comedy and slapstick pretty thick, but most of it works and Wheels on Meals is actually one of Jackie’s funnier non-Hollywood outings, the last third of the film ramps up the action once the truth comes out about why everyone is after the Hottie Sylvia.

The final fight is really only 10 or 12 minutes long, but it makes everything else worthwhile and elevates this film above many other Jackie films due to its sheer awesome-nicity.

Jackie, Yuen and Sammo each have a different foe, each equally daunting for them, Jackie of course gets the best fighter in Benny the Jet Uriqidez, and they go toe to toe in the best fight this side of their stoush in Dragons Forever.

Wheels on Meals starts slow, but manages a few laughs and the ending is truly worth waiting for.

1/ Are there any “WOW!” fights?

Any Jackie Vs Benny fight is at least great, this is better than most.

2/ Are there any “WOW!” stunts?

Only a car chase which seemed quite perilous (as usual).

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

This is Jackie realising how to use what he has to make great films, as well as great action.

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

The van is supposedly hi-tech (I guess for the era), and Mitsubishi gets prominent shelf space as always.

5/ Do stolen relics come up?

Only stolen heiresses this time.

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

Apparently the hottie was Miss Europe or similar, she is hot in an 80s big hair way.

7/ Is there a blooper reel over the credits?

No.

8/ Were there injuries on the shoot? Severity?

No.

9/ Has he still got it?

Yup.

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

This is awesome JC stuff, and pretty funny too.

Final Rating – 9 / 10. A solid overall film topped off by one of the best finales in JC history.

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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