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movie review - First Strike

the journal of Michael Werneburg

twenty-seven years and one million words

"Jackie Chan's First Strike" is the best in several outings. And yes, I watch them all.

Chan breaks into the 007 tradition, going so far as to add the dull moments. It has all the elements to a Bond style of adventure, but because this is a Jackie Chan movie he throws in some stunts. Though to suit the genre, this is played down from the usual acrobatics. The plot, to use the word loosely, takes us from Hong Kong to Russia to Australia in pursuit of a nuclear warhead. Why is a cop from Hong Kong doing this? You're asking the wrong question: there is no "why", there is only let go and be amazed at the stunts and the infectiously fun tone of these movies. Seeing a Jackie Chan movie is somewhat like going to the circus: you have to be into it to get anything out of it.

Recommended.