The Accidental Spy (2001) / Comedy-Action
MPAA Rated: PG-13 for strong action violence, some drug content and nudity
Running Time: 108 min.Cast: Jackie Chan, Vivian Hsu, Min Jeong Kim, Alfred Cheung, Eric Tsang
Director: Teddy Chan
Screenplay: Ivy Ho
Review published August 1, 2001
The Accidental Spy is a typical Jackie Chan (Who Am I?, Mr. Nice Guy) flick, that delivers exactly what you expect. There's going to be some amazing fighting. There's going to be some incredible stunt work. There's going to be some moments of boyish humor. There's going to be a flimsy plot holding it all together. If you are a Jackie Chan fan and just want more of the same, The Accidental Spy has all of the good you want and nothing more.
Chan plays an exercise equipment dealer that learns that he may be the son of a wealthy Korean businessman who's on his deathbed. Growing up in an orphanage, he longs to find out more of his natural father, and soon travels to Korea to meet him. He finds Dad was in secret a spy, and after he is gone, he finds his father has challenged him to a game to test his mettle and earn some money for himself and charity. His travels lead him to Turkey, where the items he is carrying gets Jackie in a world of trouble with the local police and a ruthless drug lord.
After some commercial Hollywood films in Rush Hour, Rush Hour 2, and Shanghai Noon, plus the weak Hong Kong romancer Gorgeous, Jackie Chan goes back to the tried and true formula that made him a star in the first place, the everyman who gets in over his head with murderous baddies and forcing him to fight for survival. The Accidental Spy is nothing new if you've seen any of Jackie's pre-Rush Hour films, and while the plot is threadbare and dull, the action is still terrific fun to watch even with Jackie approaching 50. If you can keep your mind entertained during the dramatic scenes, The Accidental Spy is recommended for some terrific stunts and Jackie Chan's unbelievable athletic martial arts style.
Qwipster's rating:
©2001 Vince Leo
