'Skiptrace' Review: A treat for Jackie Chan and Johnny Knoxville fans
While the humour and fight scenes are good, the film is a little long and has its laggy moments.
SkiptraceDir: Renny HarlinCast: Jackie Chan, Johnny KnoxvilleRating: ***1/2
What's it about:
Hong Kong cop Bennie Chan (Jackie) loses his partner Yung (Eric Tsang) to a criminal mastermind called The Matador and is convinced the man behind that moniker is businessman Victor Wong (Winston Chao). He tries hard to convince his boss Tang (Michael Wong) about that, but fails. He takes a leave of absence, only to be told by his goddaughter and Yung's daughter Samantha (Fan Bingbing) that the man who can help them nail Victor is a gambler who cheated at a casino in Macau, she worked at. His name is Connor Watts (Knoxville) and he's in Russia against his will, being forced to marry a Russian gangster's daughter. Chan saves Watts, but the latter burns his passport to avoid going back. A cross-country buddy trip ensues. Does Bennie find his partner's killer and get Samantha to safety?
What's hot:
The elaborately choreographed comedic fight scenes are to be seen to be believed. There are gluttons for punishment and there are Jackie Chan and Johnny Knoxville. The two form a much better duo than the 'fastest mouth in the West' Chris Tucker and Chan. The laughs never stop because the one-liners and sight gags are never in short supply. The trek across Siberia, Mongolia and China's countryside are picturesque. Top marks to the DOP. Fan Bingbing is a lovely sight and pure eye candy. Hope she has a bigger role to play in the sequel.
What's not:
Jackie's over-eagerness to jump into situations headlong may make for a funny film, but it has started to get repetitive and tiresome to watch. You can only flog the same horse so many times. Maybe, the writers could find different ways to introduce the fight scenes?
What to do?
Jackie Chan or Johnny Knoxville fans will lap it up. Or those who enjoy that brand of humour. The premise itself is run-of-the-mill, the execution is far, far better than a usual Chan film. Good job, Renny Harlin. Though one wishes the film was a bit shorter. It has its laggy moments.