When Jet Li turned down the starring role in 'Crime Story', a police thriller based on a real life kidnapping case, few could ever have perceived that the king of kung fu comedy would be the man to take up the reigns but he did and it actually turned out very well.

Chan plays Inspector Eddie Chan, a cop suffering from emotional distress after he is involved in a street shoot out. His psychiatrist suggests he takes a rest but he refuses and has himself assigned to protect Wang I Fei, a rich businessman who suspects he will be kidnapped. Sadly, the suspicions turn out to be correct and he is brutally taken in a high speed car chase.  Oddly enough, it turns out that Fei has been kidnapped once before so the man that solved the previous case (Kent Cheng) is brought in to help. However, it would appear that Chan's new partner has some ulterior motives and some decidedly questionable loyalty but the case must continue regardless.  Now, a game of cat and mouse begins as Chan attempts to piece together the mystery of Fei's disappearance but will his partner help or hinder him in his duty?

You rarely ever see a film where Jackie Chan doesn't smile or litter it with his trademark slapstick routines but 'Crime Story' is one of those elite few. Don't fret though as the good thing about this is that it really gives Chan a chance to show his acting talents which have been called into question by the press on numerous occasions.  After performing so many amazing stunts and action sequences, you often begin to just think of Chan as invincible but his humanity is not something that is in doubt here.  From the very opening where he is involved in the bloody shootout with some thugs you can accept that this is a man who is vulnerable and his mental state in particular could affect the outcome of each situation.  This is not an easy performance to convey as most actors will confess but Chan shows a side of himself that we have rarely seen and he certainly goes a long way to proving his critics wrong.  Of course you couldn't get away with having Chan in the film without including a couple of fight scenes and it's fair to say that the two in this movie are very enjoyable if a little short but this is in keeping with the whole flow of the story.

Kent Cheng (best known as Butcher Wing in 'Once Upon A Time In China') plays opposite Chan and the chemistry between the two leads is strong.  Cheng's portrayal of a twisted cop is the  flip side to Chan's supercop and this is easily one of his most memorable performances, especially in a high profile picture.  As an actor, Cheng rarely ever seems to get the recognition he deserves but it is worth noting he has played many different character styles and always seems to blend in with role he plays.

As a complete picture, 'Crime Story' shows signs of a Ringo Lam style film with several exciting SWAT ambushes and high octane car chases.  This is a refreshing change for the unusual selection of actors who are probably better known for their comedic ventures as opposed to the action side (with the exception of Chan).  Luckily though, it all pays off and produces one of the best action-thrillers from the 90s.