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Cast:
Jackie
Chan
Eric
Tsang
Vivian
Hsu
Kim
Min Jeong
Wu
Hsin Kuo
Action:
Jackie
Chan
Stephen
Tung Wai
Producer:
Jackie
Chan
Director:
Teddy
Chan
Score:
 
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THE
ACCIDENTAL SPY
AKA:
N/A
Year:
2001 Reviewer: Tony
Ryan
This
movie breaks new ground for Jackie, being a Hong Kong
production which throws away almost all of what JC fans have
been used to for the past twenty years and has gone completely
"Hollywood". Since 'Who
Am I?' in 1998, and his two previous American efforts, it
has been clear that Jackie has been aiming away from the Jade
screen audience, instead trying to catch the Western glory he
has been endlessly striving for, and with 'The Accidental Spy'
he has come close to something which might work. He has
recently mentioned how he would rather do one film for both
audiences, than do one for each, and I personally hope this
will not be the case, as movies like this, although
interesting, are not what most of us love about Jackie Chan.
Firstly,
Hong Kong scriptwriters and directors generally fall behind
Hollywood in terms of simple storytelling and editing, which
is evident here. Usually, Hong Kong filmmakers make up for
this with flair and inventiveness, which sadly, here, is not
evident. There are no extended fight sequences, while the ones
that do appear are slow and ordinary, with the only true piece
of 'Jackie Chan' coming in a naked chase through a
market square in Turkey, which is extremely fun, and well
crafted. The end stunt is the next step up from that in 'Mr
Nice Guy'. Namely, pure destruction and adrenaline, with
little of Jackie’s trademark ingenuity.
Essentially
what makes this different to most JC flicks, even the American
ones, is the moody character, and emphasis over story rather
than action. Usually, we have a happy go lucky kind of guy
involved in a story which is more interested in creating
opportunities for Jackie to show off his fast punches and
incredible dexterity, which is also what I would like to see.
On
the positive side, and what saves this movie from a lower
score, is good direction making effective use of colours and
scenery, enhancing what is an interesting story, with good
twists allowing Jackie to play a more mature role than usual.
Also, there are a few exciting stunts such as the
aforementioned market chase, and well-directed vehicle set
pieces crafted by the car stunt technician from 'Ronin'. The
movie itself suffers a little from the usual embarrassing
Westerners displaying their 'Who
am I?' school of acting, as well as Jackie's evidently
deteriorating physical condition.
If
you are a big Chan fan, then you will undoubtedly want to own
this movie, as will anyone who wants more than just action.
If, however, you are the average action/martial arts fanatic,
then this will leave you feeling a little short changed.
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