Next week will be episode 100, so I’ll be giving away a Blu-ray copy of Dragon. Don’t miss it!
Jet Li Celebrates His 50th Birthday
Police Story 2013 Has First Public Screening
Scarlet Johansson to Become Lucy
Jackie Chan wants to Pass the Torch to Jay Chou?
A few nights ago, Jackie Chan and Jay Chou were at the Beijing International Film Festival. Apparently Chan stated that he has been disappointed with his son’s progress, and would like the pass the “kung-fu” torch to Jay Chou. Chou has had a good run in martial arts films, playing roles in both the Green Hornet and the Viral Factor. However, I don’t know if he’s really the one to be the next “big thing” for martial arts films.
I know that Chan isn’t really the only person who has a say in who is talented, but he also seems to be switching his attention from person to person. First he collaborated with Daniel Wu, who people thought would follow in Chan’s footsteps. Since then, there have been a number of different “young” stars that try to claim the top spot, but don’t make the cut. I don’t think there will be anyone that will replace Chan, but it’s important to support new talent at the same time. I think Jay Chou could do more with his talents, and maybe Rooftops will be the movie what brings it all together.
Either way, I’m just taking this as Jackie complimenting Chou and not really planning on letting him take anything over. What do you guys think? Does Chou have what it takes?
Source: HKTopTen
Hope you guys enjoy this week’s video. Don’t get too hostile with the Jackie discussion, it was just for a conversation starter.
US Trailer for Sorcerer and the White Snake
Longer Chinese Zodiac Trailer, Music Video, and New Poster
New Poster and Plot Details for Ninja 2
Many of you out there are fans of Jackie. I’m one of them. That being said, I’ve come across some interesting bits of news that I figured would spark some fun discussions. Let’s just get the good out of the way: the Chinese Zodiac premiere was a success.
The premiere was held yesterday (on 12-12-12) and the reception was rather good. Apparently, the audience gave it a standing ovation for five minutes after the showing was complete.
Now that the news regarding Zodiac is out of the way, let’s get down to the fun stuff.
Firstly, Jackie has recently announced that half of his fortune will go to his charities when he passes away, and that other half will go to his wife. His kids? They don’t get anything. Of course, Jackie clarified this by saying that his son is capable and should be able to make his own money.
My first reaction was “really, Jackie?” You would think that he would at least give his kids some money to live off of. At the same time, I see the fact that he’s trying to raise responsible kids and not spoiled brats. Still, I think it’s kinda crazy to not leave anything for the kids. (Maybe the mom will split her share.)
If you thought that was fun, wait til you read what Jackie said at a recent interview. In 2009, Jackie got put in some hot water because he stated that the Chinese people needed to be controlled. Well he’s done it again by saying that protesting in China should be controlled as well. I’m sure you can assume that this didn’t go over very well, and the internet has not taken kindly to this statement. When asked if Jackie still supported the Chinese Central Government, he replied “I am not saying anything more.”
It looks like Jackie finally knew when to stop talking about the government, but that didn’t keep him from talking bad about the Rush Hour franchise.
“I have reasons to do each film, I have something to say. Unlike Rush Hour – there was no reason [in making it], you just give me the money and I’m fine. I dislike Rush Hour the most, but ironically it sold really well in the U.S. and Europe,”
So….every other Jackie Chan movie has a reason? I find that a little hard to believe, but I can understand where he is coming from. That being said, I don’t think he should talk badly about the films that put him on the map on the US, no matter how he feels about it.
Now, I’m giving Jackie a little bit of a hard time because it’s only fair. I’m not idolizing him, and I don’t agree with everything that he says. I just find it strange that he’s saying things like this right before his film comes out, especially when he needs the views. I’ll still watch Zodiac, but trust me when I say that I don’t agree with everything that Jackie says or does.
What about you guys?
Sources: Zodiac Conference
I’m trying something new for the Finishing Blow. It’s not 100% perfect. The quality is low and the images are kinda big, but I think I like the direction it’s heading. Let me know if you prefer this or the older method, and I’ll adjust it accordingly.
Otherwise, there was a TON of stuff for this week, so be sure to check everything out.
New Images and Poster for Chinese Zodiac
Bonus Post: Iko Uwais is Married!?
First Image of Monkey King and DD Releases Classic Chinese Odyssey
Bonus Post: New Poster and Images for the Last Tycoon
Bonus Post #2: New Universal Soldier Poster and Trailer
Huayi Bros Bringing 4 Films to IMAX
Background Info
David Chang pairs up Jaycee Chan and Yu Xia for his directorial debut. Jaycee has dabbled in the action genre before, but hasn’t really found something that sets him apart from everyone else. With a story that focuses on the comedic interaction between the two characters while still promising action is Double Trouble worth the effort?
Story/Characters
The story for Double Trouble is easy enough to follow. Jaycee plays a security guard, who must track down some paintings that he was accused of stealing out of a museum exhibition. During this same time, Ocean is on tour in Taiwan and the two end up getting tangled in a lot of random events while they attempt to get back the paintings. Don’t expect any plot twists here, it’s as by-the-numbers as you’d think. The problem really is the fact that the situations aren’t crazy enough to be a comedy movie, but not interesting enough to be an action film either; it just falls in between both genres.
The characters themselves don’t offer anything special. Jaycee is the man who works alone because he is plagued by his past, while Ocean is someone who is pretty much oblivious to anything that happens around him. It works okay for the dynamic between the two, but doesn’t really flesh out the characters as much as it could. The supporting cast is just as quirky, besides the bad guys. The main guy has a very strange way of “punishing” his female assassins, and they have absolutely no personality at all. It’s obvious they are just there for eye candy, which is a shame.
You’re welcome…I guess
Action/Choreography
When it comes to action, Double Trouble tries to deliver, but just can’t. Blame it on the lack of experience from the cast, use of wirework for easy moves, or quick edits for the fights with the ladies, but it just doesn’t work. There are some interesting concepts and I was impressed that Chan actually tossed a painting into the back of a moving Jeep, but most of the scenes are forgettable and ultimately too short. It’s really a shame for the final fight, too, because right when things were finally working out, it just ends. Also, I want to mention that there is this reoccurring theme of kicking Jaycee right in the junk, and I have no idea why. Seriously, it happens too many times to count.
Own, Watch, Try, or Skip?
Double Trouble doesn’t set any new standards in action, comedy, or the buddy-cop genre. It will prove entertaining enough for people that just want something quirky to distract them, but fans of the action genre will want more. I don’t think Jaycee has found that defining film that sets him apart from his dad, and I applaud him for trying, but as a fan of the genre, I can’t really recommend this film to anyone.
Skip it
Double Trouble DVD (HK Version)
Double Trouble Blu-Ray (HK Version)
New rating system!
Own it- Highly Recommended, a must have
Watch it- Good film overall, though maybe not for everyone
Try it- Only watch this if you really need a martial arts flick
Skip it- Not worth your time, even if you like bad action movies
This week has been crazy for me, but some cool news for the site as well. Hopefully you guys forgive me while I try to get everything back to normal.
Trailers for Wu Dang and Six Bullets and Expendables 2 Poster
Attend the Premiere of Death Grip!
Background Info
Benny Chan decided to team up Jaycee Chan with two veterans in the film industry: Nicholas Tse and Shawn Yue. Benny went one step further and cast Wu Jing and Andy On in the roles of villains, ensuring that the action would be solid all the way around. While Jaycee still had a lot to prove, would he be able to step out of his father’s shadow and show the world what he was capable of?
Story/Characters
The story of Invisible Target revolves around three main police officers, each of them with their own history and emotional baggage. While this may sound like it would confuse the plot, it is handled fairly well that the motives of each character are clear. While more could have been done with the story overall, it provided enough background info and plotpoints to get the action going. Invisible target manages to give a decent story that has a destination while ensuring that the action doesn’t suffer from it.
The characters are pretty well done in Invisible Target. While they can be split into very distinct personalities, like by-the-books officer and constantly depressed lover, it’s the interaction between everyone that helps flesh out the characters. Like with most movies, the villains get the short end of the stick, which is a shame. Wu Jing is a great bad guy, and I would have loved for him to be more than a just badass. I also had a soft spot for Wai King Ho’s grandma, as she seemed to help lighten the mood often.
Action/Choreography
This movie was created with action in mind from the very beginning, and it shows. There are some pretty crazy stunts and the fights are pretty solid. That being said, Tse and Yue are the heavy hitters here, with Chan just supporting them. The fights can be a little showy at times, but the final confrontation was very well done. I can understand that Jaycee couldn’t have done much given his character, it would have been nice to see him fight more. Either way, the fights are shot well and there are enough stunts to keep most action fans happy, even though the special effects feel out of place sometimes.
Own it, Watch it, or Skip it?
Invisible Target tries to achieve a lot of goals, and gets pretty close to accomplishing most of them. The movie probably won’t be the one Jaycee will be remembered for, but the overall cast is very strong and helps carry the film. While there are a few things holding this movie back from being a must have, Invisible Target has enough going for it to warrant a view. If you want to see something that has a good plot and solid action, Invisible Target hits the mark.
Watch it
Invisible Target DVD (US Version)
Invisible Target Blu Ray (US Version)
I just want to say thank you to everyone that has seen (or continues to watch) my videos. I appreciate it, and I’ll strive to make them better!
Gareth Evan’s Big Movie Deal and Kung Fu Superstar
Trailer for ALL-IN and Eric Jacobus’ Interview
Trailer for the Four and Jaycee’s “Special” Music Video
The Raid Release Date and Jackie’s Expectations of Jaycee
I’m sure there are a lot of you wondering when you’ll be able to get your hands on the Raid. Even though it’s still making its rounds around the world, there has been a date as to when you can purchase this film (at least in the US.)
Do you want to know what it is? Course you do, it’s August 14th!
Consider this one a day-one purchase for me. I’m sure that a lot of you can agree that it lived up to the hype, and I’m excited to see what features are on the disc. I’m not too sure when the disc will be out in other regions, but this gives importers a glimmer of hope as well.
I also came across some news about how Jackie views his son. I heard some stuff here and there about how strict he is, and it may be somewhat true. Jackie appeared at the premiere of Double Trouble to cheer his son on, and said a few choice words about his son’s foray into the industry.
“I kept thinking he is lacking here and there. He isn’t as hard working as me, as determined as me. Since I felt he isn’t as good as me in anything, if he achieved a score of 80, I would like him to get 100.”
Ouch, but before you get too upset, Jaycee’s mom already did the scolding for him.
“Many people thus yelled at me, saying that Jaycee has already done very well. I shouldn’t keep scolding him. When I got home, I would get yelled at (Joan Lin) too, blaming me for being like that. When I was making THE KARATE KID, how Will Smith treated his son made him realize that I had to change my old way of thinking. From now on, I will say Jaycee Chan is the best.”
Jackie also spoke about the future of his franchises and what he leaves for his son.
“After seeing the film in Cannes I was very pleased, I thought from now on I wouldn’t make this type of big action films and leave it to Jaycee Chan. POLICE STORY 6 or what, I would leave them all to him. I will just make 2 YOUNG 2 and BREAK UP CLUB 2.”
I really don’t expect to see Jaycee in Police Story 6, but I guess it’s cool that Jackie is okay with passing those franchises down. I’m sure it’s tough to live in the shadow of someone like Jackie, and hopefully Jackie will try not to compare his son to himself in his prime.
