Jackie Chan's Top 100 Action Scenes: 60-51

60-51


60. Bench Fight Between Chan and Biao
The Young Master (1980)
Category: Weapons Fight
(The fight spans both videos)




Another fight from the exemplary Young Master. It's always fun to watch part of the original trio of stars (Jackie Chan, Yuen Biao, and Sammo Hung) get to fight against each other, and this intricate pole and stool fight is a lot of fun. It's a bit slow and some might question it being this low on the list, but the reason this fight scores so well is because I find myself watching it again and again.


59. Capturing Chan Ho in a Club
Project A (1983)
Category: Fight - Multiple People



After a string of intricate 'fight' focused films earlier in his rise to stardom, it seemed like Jackie used Project A to focus more on his comedic abilities and (as evidenced in this fight scene) his athleticism & stunt work (and more appropriately, stunt team). A great fight here is capped off with a couple brutal falls from the top of the stairs that few teams are still willing to take.


58. Teaching a Lesson to Stalkers in a Restaurant
Police Story II (1988)
Category: Fight - Multiple People

The follow-up to Chan's immensely successful Police Story (1985) features a type of fight that Chan pioneered with this series of films. This fight, like the loft fight included earlier in this list, is brutal where each punch and kick results in a stunt of some kind. Unfortunately, this fight is also very quick. If Chan could sustain this intensity over a four to five minute fight (which he would in further scenes) then this would rank higher. Still, as is, it's great to watch.


57. Fighting for the Baby in the Villain's House
Rob-B-Hood (2006)
Category: Fight-Multiple People




About as vintage Jackie Chan as contemporary Chan gets. Had this sequence been considered outside of the context of Chan's career work, then it could be very high on this list. It's a longer fight with lots of the elements you want: comedic gags, stunts, good back and forth fighting. The only thing holding it back, is that Chan has done this kind of sequence before, but faster and better.


56. Barn Fight for Father's Honor
Dragon Lord (1982)
Category: Fight - One on One



This is practically the lone redeeming sequence to Chan's Dragon Lord and it's quite an epic fight. I've labeled it as one on one, but it's essentially a two on one fight. Although longtime Chan stunt man Mars begins the fight, the real meat of the fight is really a one on one event. Its long, brutal, and exhausting. My only complaints are that it's probably a bit to long for my tastes, and there is too much of a sloppy feel to the fight, like Chan is throwing everything at the wall here. I know thats what he was going for, it's just not my preference.


55. Chan vs. Whong in Sik
The Young Master (1980)
Category: Fight - One on One




This fight is very similar in nature to the previous one, but even more brutal and long (if that can be believed). My same complaints still stand of the previous one also stand for this one. What these two fights, and this one in particular, show though is Chan being able to pull off long and brutal fights (with brutal combat) in the traditional kung fu format of one on one fights against a kung fu master. Perhaps it doesn't bear the full artistic stamp of Chan, but it bears the stamp of Chan taking a genre tradition and giving it his own take.


54. Monk Cafeteria Fight
Armor of God (1987)
Category: Fight - Multiple People



This is a great sequence seeing Chan take on multiple people with some Looney Tunes gags and the requisite stunts included. I especially appreciate the gag where the secondary characters continue to find their exit ways blocked while Chan is forced to fight the men singlehandedly. Also, look out for the final stunt where a monk does two 360 flips after a kick. Incredible.


53. Cornered Upstairs and Fighting his Way Down
Miracles (1989)
Category: Fight - Multiple People



Here is another case of a fight scene that I'd love to see more of. At just 96 seconds, it really lacks enough breadth to become something of more substance, but does it really pack a punch in those 96 seconds! Some of my favorite Chan stunts are in this little scene, including the splits down a circular stair and falling from the second level loft to a desk on the first floor!


52. All Parties Fight in an Apartment for the Baby
Rob-B-Hood (2006)
Category: Fight - Prop/Multiple People



Chan's third re-teaming (and not his last) with Yuen Biao in this posting is a better and more concise sequence than the finale fight of Rob-B-Hood at #57 on this list. In its shorter running time (but not too short) this sequence (like the other one) contains all the right elements without wearing out it's welcome. Welcome also, is a lovely little handcuff sequence that is the physical equivalence of Groucho and Chico bantering back and forth.


51. Rickshaw in the Alleyway Fight
Miracles (1989)
Category: Prop Fight - Multiple People



I really wish I could've fit this one into my top 50, but it just missed out. Here is a sequence that pound for pound is as great as most anything you'll see, but I do think it's still too short. Now, it's two and a half minutes, but every time I watch it, I feel like there was so much more potential for this to be a true great. As is, I adore the rickshaw sequence and find the move where Chan gets a crotchshot to be one of the funnier and more sophisticated crotch shots in cinema. Now there's a sentence I didn't expect to ever write!

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Jackie Chan's Top 100 Action Scenes: 70-61

70 - 61


70. Spanish Mission Showdown
Shanghai Noon (2000)
Category: Weapons Fight
(this is a part of the whole finale)

This is a generally well plotted finale and there is a great spear sequence included. How often do we get the chance to see Chan (late in his career) working with real chinese weapons, especialy the three sectioned staff?


69. Beating Up Thugs in a Van
Mr. Nice Guy (1998)
Category: Fight - Multiple People

Think to yourself, how could I have a 3 minute action sequence take place in the back of a van, and for the heck of it, throw in a recurring comedic gag without ruining the sequence? Great use of seat cushions, emergency brakes, and kicking people out of doors here turns what could've been a run of the mill sequence into something tight, fast, and fun to watch. Great to see Sammo Hung (who directed this film) get a little comedic cameo on the side.


68. Legoland Fight
A New Police Story (2004)
Category: Fight - One on One
(All emedding on this one is off. Click Here or the Poster to watch the Video)

While the film itself was a mixed result, this was the best action sequence to come out of it. It's actually a rare one on one fight for Jackie and one that features a lot of leg work, another rare occasion. Jackie's been in better fights, but this one stands out in particular because of the bright and memorable Lego setting. There are also a couple great choreographed beats as well.


66. Library Fight with Knights
Shanghai Knights (2003)
Category: Prop Fight - Multiple People
(there is an extended version on the DVD that is much better)

I think these sequences are Chan's bread and butter. When Chan is able to mix his martial arts with an interesting environment and opponent that allows him to come up with visual gags and running themes, he seems to always be able to produce. I love the ever decreasing book sizes as well as the reverse situation of artifacts we found in the Rush Hour finale sequence.


65. Catching a Street Race: Hong Kong Night Race
Thunderbolt (1995)
Category: Car Chase

One of few standout racing scenes in Thunderbolt this is a authentically filmed night race. Incredible night footage of two cars going fast and doing some great stunts. One thing you'll notice in each of Chan's car chase scenes is that he understands these sequences need several beats or punctuated moments of action. Many filmmakers think two cars just racing or chasing are enough, but see how Jackie plots the chase well providing certain 'moments' of stunt work with a finale ending.


64. Running Away from a Biker Gang
Rumble in the Bronx (1996)
Category: Chase

Another bread and butter genre for Chan and this is one that few martial artists have even tried. It's not just a chance for action, but one for Chan to show off the myriad of talents that he has. Chan treats his chase sequences just like his car chase sequences. His chases are filled with beats and stunts and usually are always capped off by a particularly incredible stunt. This one is no different. There are a couple incredibly close run ins with vehicles and a jumping stunt (really done) to top it off. Only Tony Jaa in the first Ong Bak has used this style of sequence to it's potential.


63. Car Garage Fight
Thunderbolt (1995)
Category: Fight - Multiple People

This is an unusually strong sequence for Chan, I don't mean that in quality, I mean that in intensity. It's rare he basically manhandles a group in a fight, but this is one of those rare scenes. Also different in this scene is the lack of Chan's usual camera work. Instead of master shots, this is more tightly cut and dynamic. Proof that Chan could be successful even outside his comfort zone.


62. Swordfight in the Temple with the Local Officials
The Young Master (1980)
Category: Weapons Fight

Another example of Chan's early fast and intricate work from The Young Master. Notice how this scene is all about Chan showing off how he can arm himself while disarming his opponents. Fast, complicated, and extremely impressive.


61. Chased through Town by Monks
Armor of God (1987)
Category: Car Chase

I've always viewed Chan's 1987 Armor of God and the follow-up 1991's Operation Condor to be his general take on a Bond film. So this to me, is what a car chase sequence in Chan's version of James Bond would look like. While it's got the usual stunt beats I've mentioned before, the big difference to me between Hollywood car chases and Chan's version is the way Chan approaches filming his stunts. Hollywood likes to get up close and favors a more visceral appeal. Chan likes to show off the size, destruction and danger of his stunts, so his camera sits far away. Different styles, different outcomes.

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Movie Review: The Last Airbender

Overall Grade: C-

What shocks the most about M. Night Shyamalan's The Last Airbender is not that it's bad, (children's fantasy series don't always deliver on screen, Eragon anyone?) but that it's an absolute incompetent mess. Extending grace, I would first try to understand if the source material was flawed or presented an unadaptable challenge. On that note, it seems clear that the basic concepts of the source material are the few creative bright spots of the film. It's when Shyamalan overlays his adapted screenplay and his confused directing that the concepts fizzle out under overly expository dialogue, barely sketched out characters, and half-baked themes and arcs.

Still, M. Night can walk away with a few successes on this film. For the most part, the art direction, costume design, and visual effects work well to create the world this bumbling story inhabits. They are some great landscape shots and a clear idea (artistically) what the different nations (fire, water, wind, and earth) look like and feel like. Add to that a couple good shots of action when M. Night allows his camera to focus for a longer period of time (a camera move he would use for his most dramatic moments). Dev Patel walks away with perhaps the only three dimensional character (albeit slightly overplayed at times), and in my opinion is the only character to emotionally root for in this film. That's a problem.

Overall, Shyamalan seems to get bogged down in trying to explain this whole bending universe solely through expository dialogue. It shocks me that someone who was able to keep such subtlety and restraint in The Sixth Sense and Unbreakable couldn't find out how to let the story tell itself, Robert McKee would not like this film. So many fans hoped that coming upon previously written material would give Shyamalan the creative spark he needed to return to his former self; those hopes are now dashed. As bad as The Happening was, at the least it was the failure of an artist taking risks with original material. What makes The Last Airbender a bit harder to stomach, is that there is no risk here, only incompetence on display.

The only noticeable difference between a Shyamalan directed Last Airbender and if Uwe Boll (In the Name of the King, Alone in the Dark) had directed it, would be the name in the credits. I've tried to keep up hope with Shyamalan, but he seems to only be going downhill (which is saying something after The Happening). There's always a possibility for redemption, but for now, the most accurate way to recommend Shyamalan's work in The Last Airbender is, "Abandon hope, all ye who enter here"

Jackie Chan's Top 100 Action Scenes: 80-71

80 - 71

80. Casino Finale: Bomb in the Mouth is worth Two in the Hand
Rush Hour 2 (2001)
Category: Fight - Multiple People

Perhaps an odd choice to put this far down, but I find something so clever about Chan's idea to put the bomb in his mouth and have his hands and mouth taped; he's able to use it for a couple funny gags when someone tries to set it off. Besides just standard good work, there is an absolutely amazing stunt where Jackie fits through the opening on a banker's cage. Just incredible.


79. A Sword Fight for Answers
The Myth (2005)
Category: Weapons Fight



This is a interesting take on the sword fight, where a modern day sword fight mirrors a historical fight and allows Jackie to remember something about his past. It's a technically sound sword fight, but the back and forth between past and present gives it an added edge (no pun intended).


78. Karaoke Bar Fight
Twin Dragons (1992)
Category: Fight - Prop Fight



This is gonna be a genre of fight that shows up a lot on this list, Jackie Chan vs. multiple foes while Chan using various props and items in the room to creatively defeat them. Not the best in the genre, but there is some good give and take, as well as fun use of a microphone. All around good fight scene.


77. Motorcycle Chase in Paris
Rush Hour 3 (2007)
Category: Car Chase



A rare gem to come out of Rush Hour 3 and it's technically an enjoyable little car chase sequence. It's tough to shoot like this in Paris, but to pull off a few stunts like they did, throw in some hybrid fighting, and you have a darn good action sequence.


76. Getting Maggie Back: Fight in the Loft
Police Story (1985)
Category: Fight - Multiple People



This is vintage 80's Chan. Police Story was about making a statement and this scene does it. Every punch and kick results in a dangerous and wince-inducing stunt that wouldn't be matched until Tony Jaa began throwing around his stunt team as well. This scene would rank higher on the list, but its just too short. High intensity, but just too little length.


75. Chasing After the Baby Carriage
Rob-B-Hood (2006)
Category: Car Chase



Forget the stupid title, this is vintage Jackie Chan stunt work mixed with his brand of humor. I'm sure it was ultimately safe, but I don't know how the final close call accidents weren't extremely dangerous for Chan. Another example of stunts Chan pulls off that Hollywood still hasn't been able to match.


74. Fan Fight Against Brother Bill
The Young Master (1980)
Category: Weapons Fight

You've all heard about Snake in Eagles Shadow and Drunken Master, but not many have probably heard about one of Chan's most underrated and forgotten films The Young Master. This film shows off just how intricate and meticulous Chan was at an early stage even without the likes of Yuen Woo-Ping. How long and how many takes do you think it took Chan to master some of those fan tosses?


73. Sword Fight with Rathbone
Shanghai Knights (2003)
Category: Weapons Fight
(The sword fight begins around 5 minute mark)



An extremely impressive sword fight that resists the need to become a 'Hong Kong' style sword fight. It's refreshing to see Chan keep this one more European style, and in essence, not even come out on top. However, Chan cleverly brings the scene to a conclusion.


72. Japanese Horror House Havoc
My Lucky Stars (1985)
Category: Weapons Fight



This isn't the most traditional 'Jackie' sequence and it comes from a film that barely features him at all. It looks like a typical gun and sword sequence (not typical for Hollywood), but turns into a visual treat when the different horror house rooms provide some really clever visual gags. Very inventive and not something you'd see in the filmography of just any action star.


71. Seaboat Fight
Gorgeous (1999)
Category: Fight - Multiple People

This isn't the most epic one vs. many fight Jackie has had, nor is the most technical, it's just fun to watch for me. Hard to explain, but this one has a bit of a looney tunes feel for me, with recurring gags and a kind of in one door and out of the another feel as well. To compare this fight with the more visceral gun and sword fight of the previous one is to begin to get a glimpse of the diversity that is still to come.


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70-61
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50-41
40-31

30-21
20-11
10-1