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Cast:
Jackie
Chan
Annie
Wu
Jackson
Liu
Yuri
Petrov
Bill
Tung
Action:
Jackie
Chan
Stanley
Tong
Producer:
Barbie
Tung
Director:
Stanley
Tong
Score:
 
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FIRST
STRIKE
AKA:
Jackie Chan's First Strike ||
Police Story 4
Year:
1996 Reviewer: Andrew
Saroch
Jackie
Chan's recent output has admittedly ranged from the enjoyable
to the uninspiring. U.S. hits, though offering ample
entertainment, haven't managed to capture his true essence
while his Hong Kong output have seen Chan some way off his
best. The fourth part of Jackie Chan's ever-popular 'Police
Story' series (official or unofficial depending on which
source is believed) succeeded, despite its faults, in
recalling some of his earlier glory. How it compares with the
his very best will be discussed later.
In
co-operation with Interpol, the Hong Kong police force decide
to once again rely on their prize asset, Jackie Chan (Chan Ka
Kui in previous instalments), to investigate the sale of black
market nuclear weapon components. The supposed mastermind
behind the sale is a Chinese American double agent who is
negotiating with an unknown buyer. Jackie travels to the
former Soviet Union and co-operates with the local authorities
in their pursuit of the dealer. However, a stakeout of the
transaction ends in a costly shoot-out which sees the culprits
escape and Jackie seriously ill. After recovering from his
injuries, the Chinese cop is sent to Australia where his
target is said to be hiding out. While there, Jackie meets the
sister (Annie Wu) of the wanted man and use her family connections
to discover more him. Unfortunately Jackie's probing uncovers
corruption among his superiors and their reaction is to frame
him for murder. Now on the wrong side of the law and hunted by
both sides, Jackie sets up a final showdown to clear his name
and uncover the truth of the tangled situation.
The
first thing that needs to be stated is that 'First Strike' is
not a masterpiece; its clearly lacking in some of the verve
and sparkle associated with the genius of Jackie Chan.
Therefore, ardent fans of Chan's classic output will likely be
disappointed by the lack of the electric fight choreography
that his best work embraced. The storyline is nothing
remarkable and tends to confuse at certain key moments, but
this aspect is no worse than many action films. Vitally,
'First Strike' is still full of the energy and invention that
leaves so many other action films pale in comparison. From a
remarkable snowboard chase highlighting some exceptional stunt
work to the much-imitated ladder fight scene and the enjoyable
finale, Jackie Chan - along with director Stanley Tong -
manage to create a production with a lightning pace.
Thankfully, even the western support actors are better than
usual - certainly superior to the weak 'Mr.
Nice Guy' players.
The
version reviewed here is the cut U.S. version which cuts out
much of the comedy and a few moments of action from the film.
Purists should certainly see the uncut version and therefore
enjoy the proper experience. Either version, though, retains a
strong level of excitement throughout.
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