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Top 5 ‘Recent’ Jackie Chan Films Actually Worth Watching

1.Jackie Chan

Time takes its toll on all of us … even Jackie :-(

is arguably one of the most important action /martial arts stars to ever grace our screens. As happens to us all … time takes it's toll and sadly over the years the quality of his films has degraded.

But whilst the quality of his output my have decreased , it's not difficult to spot moments of brilliance in even his most recent movies (i.e final fight scene in Chinese Zodiac ).

2016 is a very busy year for Jackie Chan

This year is going to be a very busy one of Jackie Chan, soon we will see the release of Skiptrace followed by another 3 confirmed releases (Railroad Tigers, The Foreigner, Kung Fu Yoga) and even more films which have either been announced or are currently in production (Rush Hour 4, The Karate Kid 2, Shanghai Noon Sequel).

Unfortunately none of the aforementioned films really get the blood racing :-(

Recent Films vs Bonafide Classics

Yes we have all watched or at least heard of  : Drunken Master, Young Master, Operation Condor , Police Story  or Wheels on Meals but how would we rank Jackie's output over the last 10 or so years against these masterpieces of action comedy.

The Myth

Unfortunately the following films really do not compare favorable to those movies but in their own right they each are great films.

I'll also like to point out that originally i had planned to restrict this list to films released over the last 5 years only . But then I realised that Jackie had not released that many ‘good' films during that period (or was voice acting or creating short films).

JackieChanMeme

Disclaimer : As always with lists , these are subjective and completely of our opinion based on the films we have fully watched ( there are some films which I simply point blank refused to watch ! The Unbelievable (2013) ? anyone ????… didn't think so! )

Anyway… on to the list… please feel free to leave comments with your own personal favourites…

Top 5 Jackie Chan Movies Released Since 2005 That Are Worth A Watch

Number 5 :   (2013)

Police Story Lockdown was excellent and pretty much everything I expected from the trailers. It was Jackie Chan showing his acting chops once again . It arguably includes one of the best ‘acting moments' from Jackie ever, but I can't help but feel like this film just felt ‘unnecessary'. Why even call it Police Story ? It's really nothing to do with the franchise and is ultimately a weaker film than the last police story film (New Police Story)

Number 4 :  Robin-B-Hood aka Rob-B-Hood (2006)

Fun Fun Fun . This film is fun. It even features a great fight scene between Jackie Chan and Yuen Biao.

Some great stunts in this film too! Family fun , typical chan film (maybe the last typical slipstick comedy Chan film  ? )

Number 3 :   (2010)

Chan takes a bit of a step back in this film . His role here is more the bumbling hero who does not know how to fight. Great comedy and also a surprisingly interesting story. (p.s great ending)

Number 2 :  (2005)

Yes the plot is a little silly but who really watches a Jackie Chan film for the plot ?

In my opinion The Myth is criminally underrated (similar to Jackie's ganster film ‘Miracles – Mr Canton ‘ .. surely one of his best films ever??).  It's one of my recent favourites because its fun , memorable and includes great action sequences. Yes the plot is a little silly but who really watches a Jackie Chan film for the plot ?

Number 1 :   (2009)

This is the best of Chan's recent films. It was billed as the first truly serious Jackie Chan role. (although he had done serious roles in the past – Heart of Dragon , Crime Story ). Great pacing, interesting story and more importantly a risky change of pace for Chan that actually paid off.

Honorable mentions

Shaolin (2011)

Jackie is not the main star here but he's still fantastic  in this understated role.

The Karate Kid (2010)

A good remake… seriously ! Karate Kid actually turned out good. The biggest problem with this film is the name! – Call it Kung Fu Kid for F SAKE! (sorry)

Chinese Zodiac (2012)

Asian Hawk is back but this time it' rubbish! – Yes it does feature some mildly interesting stunts but man did this film let down the Condor series :-(  . Honorable mention due to final fight scene.

About the author

The Tiger

  • “How would we rank Jackie’s output over the last 10 or so years against these masterpieces of action comedy?”
    I rank it steady, consistent and mostly a success. Yes, Jackie’s style has changed slightly but this is normal, It is called professional development, He is not just a comedian-martial artist. He challenges himself as drama actor. During the past 10 years or so, Jackie made some exceptional films – New Police Story being a masterpiece! The Myth – a very fine and memorable film, Dragon Blade – another fantastic one. I love his Karate Kid and in my opinion it is much better one than the original. What is holding it short of becoming a classic is Jaden’s uninspiring performance. But Jackie’s enormous drama acting ability shines once again. Shanghai Nights is superb action comedy. The Spy Next door and Little Big Soldier- two thumbs up.
    Rush Hour series and Tuxedo are definitely lesser films. But no actor/actress has made masterpieces all the time.
    Jackie Chan is exceptional and accomplished film-maker, one of a kind. His work during the past 10-15 years is significant and should not be underrated.

    • I would not underrate his work of the last 10 years or so.
      and agree with you on The Myth and New Police Story.
      Also ‘Little Big Soldier’ was fantastic (understated role by Jackie but really good in my opinion )

      I just believe that his more recent films are missing that ‘magic’ of old. It could be the age factor or the change in audience and technology, but really if you watch one of his films from the 80s and compare to any of his action films of today there really is no comparison.

      • I have watched and own all Jackie’s films in my DVD collection, from his first notable, leading part in Cub Tiger from Kwan Tung (the original, not Master With Cracked Fingers), to Dragon Blade. The transfer of Cub Tiger is washed out. The subtitles are hard to read at times, but I love this gem and find Jackie’s raw power of his youth mesmerizing. Age changes people of course, but I wouldn’t take anything of him based on age. The magic is different now.

        Also, I steer away from the butchered US releases of Jackie’s films. Takes time to track down releases by reputable studios that contain the original soundtrack with quality subtitles but it is totally wort it. For example, New Police Story is superior film with it’s original soundtrack compared to its English dubbed version.

        I understand where you are coming from Brian. I hope Jackie would never agree to play badass. I don’t know why this is every actor’s dream. But to watch my hero turned bad would be pure torture.

        I wish he would quit his Hollywood ambition. But may be his intuition leads him to the right path. Who knows.
        This is difficult time for Jackie. There is no more Hong Kong film industry. Whatever is left of it doesn’t attract much investment.
        On the other hand both China and US film industries are different and he needs to adjust. I will support him no matter what

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