Stars Jackie Chan, Pierce Brosnan, Ray Fearon, Charlie Murphy, Orla Brady Directed by Martin Campbell Jackie Chan has been very aware that he can’t go one without he action films forever and has been selective with his projects over the last decade or so in order to move past his Action Star status. More so in his Asian films, be it the more serious tone of his Police Story films, sharing out the action in the likes of Railroad Tigers or Dragon Blade, and even Chinese Zodiac (essentially the third Armour of God flick) and Kung-Fu Yoga (basically a sequel to The Myth). There are the voice work for animated features (from the Kung-Fu Panda series, The Nut Job 2, to the current LEGO Ninjago Movie). Here, The Foreigner is likely the most dramatic English movie he’s done, playing to his age and showcasing some depth in his performance. Teaming him up with Pierce Brosnan under the direction of Martin Campbell (Goldeneye, Casino Royale) is smart move too, with Chan and Brosnan playing off each other remarkably well in their few scenes together. Throughout the first half, it’s almost hard to separate the good guy from the bad with Hennessy (Brosnan) trying to investigate a terrorist bombing that killed Quan’s daughter (Katie Leung), while Quan (Chan) harassing Hennessy for information in increasingly dangerous ways. The flow of the story makes it clear this is adapted from a book (Stephen Leather’s “The Chinaman” and there’s a title that won’t grace any movie anytime soon in these days of cultural sensitivity). Still, this is very much a Jackie Chan production (he even contributes the end credits song) and while there are stunts and action beats, they are somewhat toned down and far more controlled than his much earlier flicks. There are a couple of outstanding hand-to-hand fights that would be major highlights. More of the dramatics are under the steady guidance of director Campbell, and he does well to keep the flow of the story going, even if there’s nothing particularly outstanding in terms of plot. It’s still an entertaining and solid thriller, and it might only disappoint those who are expecting Chan to continue doing his death-defying daredevil stunts and not getting any of them. After all, this is Chan expanding his horizons for the future and he knows he can’t keep doing those action scenes that made him famous world-wide. While it is likely he will tone down the action, it’s also likely he’ll keep doing them but at a pace that would be more appropriate for his age. how that bodes for this other upcoming projects at this time (like the confirmed Rush Hour 4 ~ and do we really need another?) remans to be seen. As far as dramatics go, he’s always put his heart and soul into his projects, and his dramatic turns have always been interesting. Rating: ***1/2 / 5 Find the best online deals here. | Barnes and Noble | Google Play Store | Book Depository Discover more about the books here. Please Support.
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