Chinese Zodiac (2013)

One of my all time favorites.

Great Film overall

Fresh and Exciting

a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

I was kind of disappointed when I saw the rate of the film here in IMDb, I didn't read some reviews when I watched it back then so I have a complete unbiased observation in the film. It didn't even get an average of 7 stars. I literally had a good time watching it with my bros during the whole two hours. The film did not disappoint the die-hard martial arts fans because the fighting scenes are totally awesome, thrilling, and exciting at the same time. You can see in the film that Jackie still haven't aged based on the fight scenes. Jackie Chan still has that wacky sense of humor but some scenes force the audience to try to understand the blatant moral message of the whole film. But if you've seen Jackie Chan's films during the 80's and 90's, this film will hit right to your nostalgic daydreaming. But one of the flaws of the movie could be the fact that it is as expected as it would be. Though it has a mix of an adventure and not just an action film, the same formulas are applied coming from the previous Jackie Chan films. But as for me, that is the reason why it is such a great film. It didn't let down the Jackie Chan's fans especially this when this is his last action-packed movie. Also, the comedy in between films is blatantly forced and the abundance of stereotypes on the characters are a little bit disappointing. But it was compensated by again, the cool action scenes and the wonderful set production. The diversity of the languages throughout the film (English, Chinese, and French) did not actually help the film to have a different touch. The one thing that is cool with this film (besides all the Jackie Chan moments) was when a Chinese woman and a French woman fight head to head, that was totally awesome. But in the end, this movie doesn't have to be deep or controversial just to get acclaims. It is a Jackie Chan film and he is one of a kind. Even at the age of 60 years old, he brought justice in this film and that is good enough for me. This film just requires you to relax and be amazed. Jackie Chan proves again in this film that he is a classic actor and really tries to connect with the audience. He still inspires us in many ways and continues to embrace the craft.

This movie begins with a really fun sequence with Chan covered in roller skates and has a lot of fun fights, although not as much of the Keatonesque fight humor as in some movies. But my god, what an inept story. It will tell you everything you need to know about the sense of it when I tell you a character buys a set of four antique items, destroys three to make the remaining one unique, and is then congratulated because that item is "three times" what it was worth before. Mathematically that's a big loss, so why is he being congratulated?Nothing in this movie makes more sense than that. Motivations are all over the map, attempts to fill in some emotional back story for the characters are perfunctory, the stuff about relic theft seems well- intentioned but unconnected the feel of the story, and one has to assume the fight scenes were designed before the story was written, as the story goes through various convolutions just to get characters in the right place for some big action scene.I'm torn between giving this a 6 and a 7. Ultimately it's a matter of mluch action scenes I'd rate at an 8 can counterbalance story scenes that I'd give a 4, and since there are some big action-less chunks, it's possible a 6 would be best. But I'll be nice, because it did have some very good moments.

Well! What does one say about this oriental version of a sort of mixture of Pirates of the Caribbean, National Treasure, Indiana Jones, James Bond and The Hangover (plus a few more)? Crazy? Yes. Funny? Sometimes. Action? Most of the time! I notice that some other reviewer has said that this was sprooked as Jackie Chan's last starring role and, the way he flung himself around in this one, that wouldn't surprise me one bit! The guy was 58 years old when Chinese Zodiac was made but moved like a 20-year-old! He deserves a very long rest!There were a couple of very noticeable (to me) anomalies that I couldn't quite reconcile myself to. One was where characters were handling gold bricks like they weighed next-to-nothing. Anyone who has actually handled one that size would know that a girl certainly couldn't hold it between her thumb and forefinger. Gold is bloody heavy! Believe me. The other was the skydiving scene which lasted so long that, at typically about 25000 metres per minute would have to have been from a height about three or four times the maximum height that the aircraft they jumped out of could fly. I wish I'd timed it but then I didn't know what was coming until afterwards.All in all though, a fun spoof that didn't require too much serious attention as long as you don't expect too much.

Although I am not the biggest Jackie Chan fan around, for many years I have been sure to eventually catch each new movie he puts out. So when "Chinese Zodiac" came out on Blu-ray, you can be sure that I rented it. But after watching it, I have to say that my feelings are mixed about it. I will excuse the often lousy dubbing, since that is something that Chan couldn't have controlled. But I have to say that the plot is something of a mess. It's TOO fast-paced, often with important plot details unclear at the time and you have to wait until later in the movie to understand just what was going on. Also, the central characters don't have strong personalities. Second, some of the special effects are pretty weak. Now, I know that this movie didn't have a big Hollywood studio budget, but I think Chan should have worked with what he had, like he did with many of his movies a couple of decades or so ago. Third, some of the photograph is pretty weak, boasting ugly colors that are distracting.Still, there are some positive things to be found here. The photography may be weak, but otherwise there is some skilled camera-work. The plot may be incoherent at times, but the movie doesn't have any boring or tedious moments (well, except maybe for the scene on the wrecked ship - that does go on too long.) And when it comes to martial art action and stunt sequences, the movie does delivers. Chan may be getting old and starting to slow down, but he still knows how to deliver thrills. Weighing the good with the bad, the movie winds up being okay. If you are a Jackie Chan fan, you'll probably find the movie passable entertainment. Though odds are you won't find it one of his best. However, if you haven't seen a Jackie Chan movie before, this isn't the movie to start with. Start with something like "Police Story".