THE TUXEDO (2002)

Directed By: Kevin Donovan 
Written By: Michael J. Wilson &  Michael Leeson 
Story By: Phil Hay, Matt Manfredi & Michael J. Wilson 
Cinematography By: Stephen F. Windon 
Editor: Craig P. Herring 


Cast: Jackie Chan, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Debi Mazar, Jason Issacs, Peter Stomare, Romany Malco, Ritchie Coster 


Jimmy Tong is just a lowly chauffeur for millionaire Clark Devlin, until Devlin has an accident that puts him in the hospital. Tong is sent back to fetch some things for Devlin and unknowingly tries on Devlin's tuxedo and finds that it gives extraordinary powers to anyone that dons the suit. This discovery thrusts Tong into world of international intrigue and espionage and pairs him with an inexperienced partner.


This is another Jackie Chan American comedy. That usually requires him to either team up with another star of some sort or kids. This film takes more of a middle ground by not being aimed at children as some of the material is more trying to be aimed at an older or maybe even teenage audience with a light touch. Even though one can only see it appealing more to a younger audience.

Now the film tries to go with what works for him, teaming him up with someone else in action comedy. Though by this time it seems like he was starring in the same movies. Only with different partners and each time seems to lower the level of quality and appeal. As after the SHANGHAI NOON’s and RUSH HOUR’s none of the other films warranted a sequel.

This time they have him teaming up with Jennifer Love Hewitt an attractive teenage partner. Which also leads the film to hint at an improbable suggestion of romance between the two of them. Though he seems a bit long in the tooth for the role.

She seems here more to be the eye candy and comedic prop at times, but at least she has more to do in her role then She usually does Especially physically.

The film has a funny premise as an action comedy. Where Jackie Chan seems more comfortable with this material. As his character isn’t a natural fighter. All the king fun and stunt hijinks are due to a gadget laden tuxedo that he never quite gets the handle on that even has him dancing like James brown at a James brown concert. After accidentally knocking him out. Again this shows you the level of humor.

The film is largely forgettable, but is entertaining for what it is worth. It will have you rolling your eyes a bunch. After all It’s a silly, fun movie you don’t watch for the filmmaking.

I will admit the only reason i really wanted to watch the movie for was Jennifer Love Hewitt and Jason Issacs who I am a fan of, here he plays a James Bond-ish secret agent who becomes incapacitated and Jackie Chan as his bumbling chauffeur has to take over in the mission and through a case of mistaken identity.

This wouldn’t be the type of film one would usually Watch. As you can never take anything in this film seriously especially the threats. Even the New York of the film is obviously In Sets and filmed in Canada.

This movie is only worth watching for fans of Jackie Chan exclusively.

Grade: C