BChase Reviews

Kiss of the Dragon (2001)

Excellent, but

[22 July 2001]

I must agree that this is the best action flick so far this Summer! And I disagree that there was too much talking. I think we're seeing Li coming into his own, for picking his vehicle as much as his acting and fighting talent. Much more depth than any of his films I've seen to date!

The "but" is that I'm a bit disappointed to see that it's not really him in the fastest of the fight sequences. I'm virtually positive this is the case. Not the big, dangerous stunts, I'd expect that, but most of the more furiously-paced fights. I guess as a more bankable international star, it doesn't pay to take chances, but...

BC

Space Cowboys (2000)

Excellent romp, but...

[7/10 · 13 August 2000]

I did enjoy this film, a lot, but...

As noted in another review, the first half of the movie is quite a comedy, as Eastwood, Jones, Sutherland and Garner show off their extensive comedic talents. My wife and I laughed till we cried. The supporting cast were quite good, as well. The unique (in my experience anyway) technique used to "de-age" the stars was very ingenious, and worked well, for the most part.

The second half, once the actual mission begins, is quite detailed, and if fanciful in story line, extremely well done from a special-effects standpoint, which I found surprising since the focus of the first part of the film was mainly on the lead characters.

I guess the problem for me (and I still rated the movie a "7") was that the transition from the breezy, mostly light-hearted first half to the very intense and serious second was too jarring and abrupt. It didn't help that the plot became very transparent at this point, too.

Somehow, the first and second segments look more like two very different movies, and the overall result was disappointing.

Shanghai Noon (2000)

One of Jackie's more entertaining films!

[8/10 · 8 June 2000]

Rather than echo the sentiments of the other commentors about "the usual Jackie Chan humor and action," I'd like to say that the elements that stood out as different from earlier Chan films had to do with the humor being more broadly spread throughout the cast, and the several humorous undercurrents in the film. These, combined with Jackie's now-familiar low-impact violence, good-natured humor, and a quite engaging story made it one of the more enjoyable experiences at the theater in a while.

In many ways, this film's spirit reminded me as much of "Cat Ballou" as previous Jackie Chan flicks. Humor, yes, but more oddball humor.

You've Got Mail (1998)

Great movie, great performances, great music!

[9/10 · 25 January 1999]

I was pleasantly surprised to find "Mail" not to be a rehash of "Sleepless." Ryan and Hanks do work exceptionally well together! Three-quarters into the movie I was wondering how they would ever pull off a romantic and yet believable ending, but the scene at the garden was one of those perfect moments in filmmaking. It just rang true and consistent with the story.

I really enjoyed this one! (And hearing Harry Nilsson's music again, used so beautifully, was icing on the cake!)

Rush Hour (1998)

Good, but not typical Jackie Chan movie

[8/10 · 28 September 1998]

My wife and I enjoyed Rush Hour a lot, but we were somewhat jarred by the Hollywood influence of foul language, and more bloodiness. For us, it was no big problem, but it means we can't take our friend's 5 year old Jackie fanatic to see it. We have both greatly enjoyed the lightness of Mr. Chan's own productions.