MR. NICE GUY (1997)

 

Directed By: Samo Hung 

Written By: Fibe Ma and Edward Tang 

Cinematography: Raymond Lam

Editor: Peter Cheung and Chi-Wai Yau

Cast: Jackie Chan, Richard Norton, Gabrielle Fitzpatrick, Miki Le, Karen McLymont, Vince Poleto, Barry Otto, Sammo Hung, Peter Houghton, David No

A Chinese chef accidentally gets involved with a news reporter who filmed a drug bust that went awry, and is now being chased by gangs who are trying to get the videotape.

Jackie Chan usually defends himself in fights. That leads to death-defying stunts and he seems so acrobat. As he is, the initial attacker is never malicious or aggressive. 

Why he comes across so bad when he does. He seems up or had enough of it and he’s not using so much as truly fighting for a reason. Still the reluctant hero.

This is also why usually his films are more noteworthy for their action sequences than the plot as the story is the connective tissue that holds it all together and leads us to these scenes. There isn’t truly any just the cosmetics that help everything else cook.

This film is set up in Australia, and not starring most of his usual costars. Except for Richard Norton playing the villain. 

Thankfully, this is not another body-action comedy. This film also isn’t as sanitized as his usual more English language films, which sometimes end up being more for families and kids. There is more action with comedic scenes sprinkled throughout. But still, it’s an action film throwing through one just wishes the film could’ve been better overall.

That piece of work, though not as fun, loving, or inspiring as his non-English language films. The film becomes over-the-top ridiculous especially with it’s at least giving him a challenge. The henchman outfits are definitely 1990’s garb.

Directed by fellow kung fu legend, Sammo Hung. Who is more known for comedy and directing and acting with fight scenes and kung fu sprinkled it. 

It gets a little racy, but nothing too offensive. That is an ending that offers pure destruction. 

This ends up being a noteworthy film of his overture.

Grade: B-