Writer: Edward Tang

The last twenty minutes alone are worth anyone’s money, as you will undoubtedly rewind in order to be repeatedly amazed by one of the greatest physical performers of any generation.

For anyone new to Jackie Chan, ‘Armour Of God II: Operation Condor’ is a must-see film that shows how incredible the Hong Kong superstar was in his prime.

‘Chinese Zodiac’ gives Jackie Chan fans (including me), who had been awaiting its arrival especially eagerly, very little to get excited about.

Chan tries to introduce the new quick-cut style of action alongside a significant measure of pure entertainment and humour.

This is truly a masterpiece of the genre with Chan, who was approaching his 40th birthday at the time, on astounding form.

This film could be recommended alone for it’s exceptional fight action, but as you’d expect from this cast there’s much more on offer.

Jackie openly admits that this film was intended to answer the critics who saw him as just an action star/director. What an answer it proved to be!

The action and the winning persona of the lead are reasons to give this four stars, but the obvious deficiencies means it’s only a three.

‘Naughty Boys’ should only be viewed for one reason – the action. All other aspects of the film fall flat on their face.

‘Police Story’ is one of the finest examples of 80’s Hong Kong cinema, with so many amazing elements that make it a joy to behold.

Despite its finale, ‘Police Story 2’ is worthy edition to any JC collection, and another example of how Hollywood action is made to look pathetic in comparison.

This is another great slice of entertainment JC style, and was one of his best performances before his physical shape noticeably began to deteriorate in the mid-90’s.

Using the conventions of the 30’s Hollywood swashbucklers mixed with his insane stunts and sublime fight action, Chan produced one of his best ever films.

It was impossible to match the original classic, but Chan pulled out all of the stops to make sure he gave it his best.

The action is far superior to that of any American made film on ten times the budget, and shows Chan at his best shortly after the excellent ‘Drunken Master 2’.

The Hong Kong version features watchable new action that is worth tracking down for Chan purists, but as a whole, the film remains on Chan’s ‘avoid list’.

Possibly not as well structured or action packed as ‘Drunken Master’, but still an impressive note in both Biao’s and Jackie’s filmography making it an essential purchase for fans of old school kung fu.

Sammo completists or very forgiving genre fans may want to exert the effort to find this relatively rare film, but even they will come away disappointed.

Jackie has never looked better in a one-on-one fight, and while the story is barely memorable, it is still another excellent addition to Hung’s filmmaking resume.