Skiptrace: Review/Film Poem (article) by Betty Jo Tucker on AuthorsDen

Ode to Jackie Chan

No use trying to hide my unabashed admiration for Jackie Chan. I’m on cloud nine over the announcement about his upcoming honorary Oscar for his special contribution to movies. He certainly deserves that recognition. The creative way he combines Kung Fu comedy with well-choreographed fights and stunts is absolutely amazing! Chan almost always appears blessed with Gene Kelly’s grace, Fred Astaire’s timing, and Buster Keaton’s humor.

Happily, Skiptrace carries on that tradition. Chan is 62 now, so he’s not as spry as in his earlier days, of course. But he’s still got all the right moves. And he’s so much fun to watch!

You can’t go wrong with Jackie Chan.

He gives us thrills, so I’m a fan.

Skiptrace shows Chan’s amusing side

and takes us for a fun wild ride.

Johnny Knoxville adds his own touch.

Compared to Chan, it’s not too much.

But he gets laughs along the way

and won me over, I must say.

Great stunts galore fill up the screen.

While Chan fights people who are mean.

Exotic places come in view --

wide vistas, and not just a few.

This film may go on way too long.

But still I want to sing a song

of praise for Jackie Chan’s talent,

which age has only slightly dent.

More power to you, Jackie Chan.

Keep making films, cause you’re the Man!

This time Chan plays Bennie, a Hong Kong detective on a mission involving a wisecracking American gambler named Connor (Knoxville), the Russian mafia, and Bennie’s god-daughter Samantha (Fan Bingbing). If Bennie fails to bring Connor to the Russians, his god-daughter will be in grave danger. Bennie and Connor are forced to work together to save Samantha, who has already charmed Connor at the beginning of the film.

Chan and Knoxville make an amusing couple. Their characters get on each other’s nerves as they journey through the Gobi desert and parts of rural China. Several funny slapstick situations occur along with sharp banter between these two very different characters. And they have to fight against such formidable foes as a super strong Russian woman (the remarkable Eva Torres). During this LONG journey, viewers get treated to gorgeous location shots and fascinating local customs. A lovely lantern ceremony and the delightful “sing-to-enter” sequence are highlights to me. Also enjoyable is a surprising rendition of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” during a welcome break from all the fast-paced action.

Still, Skiptrace is Jackie Chan’s movie. Is it among his best? Probably not, but fans like me are happy this film gives us another chance to watch Chan’s screen magic.

(Released by Saban Films and rated “PG-13” for action/violence, some suggestive content, language, brief nudity and drug material.)

Review also posted at ReelTalk Movie Reviews.

Web Site: ReelTalk Movie Reviews

Entertainment from beginning to end is the gift PARIS CHRISTMAS WALTZ gives us during the holidays. It fills your heart with joy and your eyes with be

The first time I saw Regina King was in one of the MISS CONGENIALITY films with Sandra Bullock. She did more than hold her own. So I expected great th

Reviewed by Richard Cederberg

Reviewed on September 10, 2016

My wife and I have always enjoyed Jackie. He's always worked hard and consistently at entertaining. We just watched Skiptrace. The many elements in the movie worked together quite smoothly. It was humorous and entertaining and we are both applauding his continuing desire to challenge himself and his audience.

Reviewed by Ronald Hull

Reviewed on September 5, 2016

I'm sorry, but I'm not a fan of Jackie Chan. After viewing Rush Hour, I didn't find anything interesting in martial arts slapstick. Perhaps later, when all I can do is watch movies, I may take a look at some of his other movies and see if I can see the greatness that you see. Perhaps it's because I'm not sold on martial arts like so many other people are. I was a wrestler in high school and college and could easily defend myself from most of those moves.

Ron