Jackie Chan's first crossover into the American market was a bomb. Chan himself said that this and another prohibition era gangster film were by far his worst movies and he regretted making them. Having seen some of Chan's really low budget Hong Kong and Taiwanese films, I beg to differ.
Chan's more recent American crossover attempts were far worse, like the 'Rush Hour' and 'Shanghai Noon' series.
Actually 'Battle Creek Brawl' isn't nearly as bad as its made out to be. The production quality and acting is high.
Much like 'The Brady Varity Show' the film has a shock effect of seeing Chan outside of his natural element, in prohibition era Chicago.
It's also interesting to hear how Chan's English wasn't any worse in 1980. (or rather that it hasn't improved even in 33 years) The film gets off the a great start with Chan casually doing sit up while hanging upside down by his shoes from a bridge without any safety net! The problem is there aren't enough scenes like this. We don't get the great fight and chase scenes we've come to expect from Chan. He usually ends up fighting other martial artists. However, when he's up against Chicago gangsters there's no challenge and no thrill.
In conclusion, there's nothing to hate about 'Battle Creek Brawl' but there's very little to love as well.
Hopefully Chan would have learned by now that his Hong Kong action comedy style was a winning formula he should never deviate from. Then we would never have to endure the horrible 'Rush Hour' and 'Shanghai Noon' series!
Chan's more recent American crossover attempts were far worse, like the 'Rush Hour' and 'Shanghai Noon' series.
Actually 'Battle Creek Brawl' isn't nearly as bad as its made out to be. The production quality and acting is high.
Much like 'The Brady Varity Show' the film has a shock effect of seeing Chan outside of his natural element, in prohibition era Chicago.
It's also interesting to hear how Chan's English wasn't any worse in 1980. (or rather that it hasn't improved even in 33 years) The film gets off the a great start with Chan casually doing sit up while hanging upside down by his shoes from a bridge without any safety net! The problem is there aren't enough scenes like this. We don't get the great fight and chase scenes we've come to expect from Chan. He usually ends up fighting other martial artists. However, when he's up against Chicago gangsters there's no challenge and no thrill.
In conclusion, there's nothing to hate about 'Battle Creek Brawl' but there's very little to love as well.
Hopefully Chan would have learned by now that his Hong Kong action comedy style was a winning formula he should never deviate from. Then we would never have to endure the horrible 'Rush Hour' and 'Shanghai Noon' series!