Xin jing cha gu shi

Jackie Chan no longer performs any acrobatics like in his younger days, but as a clever producer, he compensates for that with perfect action scenes that make the most out of Hong Kong’s skyscrapers and the exteriors and interiors of locations in general. These Hong Kong skyscrapers are actually a fetish of this city and its inhabitants (and in the case of the beautiful shape of Bank of China, also my personal fetish). Plus a high-tech feeling and the old chaps being threatened by a new generation that was raised on PC games. Police Story of the new millennium, which definitely doesn’t disgrace the series. (01.05.2009)

Having taken many misplaced steps in Hollywood, Jackie returned to his home town and, as an “apology", made another movie for his most successful series. This time with routineer Benny Chan in the director’s chair with a considerable budget behind him. And did it work? Well, yes, it did... Firstly, Jackie realized that he is no longer up to the antics that he got up to in his prime and so here he performs considerably fewer “tricks" than we are accustomed to seeing in his movies. However, they are all the more effective and, additionally, he now uses weapons just as often as he uses his hands. Secondly, he has managed to shake off the stunt clown label and, like the movie itself, he plays a dramatic role. When humor raises its head, it comes from him, but luckily there is a minimum of it here. The technical aspects of this movie are excellent, it has constantly decent pacing and good ideas, but its great plus, seriousness, is also its greatest minus. The screenplay requires from Jackie too many tricky and emotionally tense scenes and, try as he might, he doesn’t come across as a convincing character actor. In a regular Chan movie this might not matter, but here it is a problem in places. But still, Chan (Jackie, not Benny) is back. And that’s the important thing. (03.05.2005)

You typically awkward Asian whirlwind of exaggerated emotions with incredibly effective visuals, which with its drive and overall execution pins you to your seat in many moments. Jackie Chan is not skilled in dramatic roles, but his effort cannot be denied. In most cases, he may be unbelievable, yet you can’t help but occasionally root for him. The plot is typically far-fetched, and so only the action becomes memorable in the end. The masterfully choreographed fight scenes – Chan can wield himself in an incredible way – and there is a brilliant scene at the police station as the cherry on top. The film is sometimes overly sentimental and full of clichés, but it can be endured. I did not expect such a high-quality and modernly crafted action film. (24.08.2006)

Oh well, that's a shame that even Hong Kong action films are now incorporating digital tricks. However, Jackie still excels in this new version and it's clear that he knows how to be serious. What's more, he can actually act, which one wouldn't believe. Jokes aside, in addition, the villains are absolutely fantastic, and "Police Story" for the new millennium is here and of quality. (06.08.2014)