“Police Story” was officially released in 1985. (same year Brazil came out) It received positive reviews from critics and made enough revenue at the box office. The film spawned three sequels and two reboots with Jackie reprising his role in every single one. The Criterion Collection included the first and second film as spine numbers 971-972. Jackie will team up with John Cena in an upcoming film titled, “Snafu.” As of August 2022, there’s no confirmation if Jackie will reunite with Owen Wilson in a third installment of “Shanghai Noon.” I’m also not one hundred percent sure if there’s ever gonna be a “Rush Hour 4.”
This review contains no SPOILERS. Feel free to read my non-spoiler article. Keep in mind folks, this is a short review, due to short running time, not a complex thought-provoking psychological thriller. Just a fast-paced movie So, bear with me.
Right & Wrong Aspects
Right: Jackie Chan did a fantastic job for his performance. In addition to headlining the film, he also wrote the script and coordinated scenes as director. He stated the first Police Story is his favorite film he made.
Action Sequences still hold up. Especially the part where he slides down a pole with electric lights. Jackie is known for enduring life-threatening stunts without a body double. Mr. Chan earns Bonus Points for successfully attempting all his stunts. If I performed a stunt like that, I wouldn’t last long sliding down a pole with electric lights.
Humor has some silly moments like Jackie’s tape recording and using four telephones at the same time.
In the non-English Dub, Jackie’s name in the film is Chan Ka-Kui. In the dub, Jackie’s real name is used.
Cinematography didn’t succumb to any technical issues throughout.
Practical Effects were heavily involved to stage dangerous fight scenes, stunt coordination and glass was used, instead of set-built props.
Pacing isn’t slow. Every scene throws everything at you in a good way providing proper exposition.
Opening Scene immediately sets up Jackie’s mission to apprehend perpetrators. Suddenly, all heck breaks lose. By the way, Jackie chasing a double-decker bus influenced the hummer chase scene from “Bad Boys II.” Michael Bay is a big fan of Jackie.
End Credits shows outtakes/behind-the-scenes footage with Jackie and his stunt team prepping up for stunts. Another thing, Jackie sings the theme song called, “Hero Story.”
Wrong: English Dub is very hokey. If you wish to watch with subtitles only, give it a try. I watched the original version without the English Dub as forgivable.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
From my perspective, Police Story is one of Jackie Chan’s best films alongside “The Drunken Master,” the “Rush Hour Trilogy,” “Rumble in the Bronx” and the “Kung-Fu Panda” series. If you’re a huge fan of Mr. Chan, I strongly recommend the Police Story series. If you’re new to the Criterion Collection, Police Story and its sequel is your gateway into world cinema.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 