Skiptrace does exactly what you'd expect, which is silly gags instead of brains for a bit of escapist fun.
The success of action comedies such as Rush Hour (1998) and Shanghai Noon (2000) helped Jackie Chan gain international recognition. For his latest film project, the Hong Kong star has once again teamed up with an American actor to make another action comedy: Skiptrace.
This time, he is joined on this buddy adventure by Johnny Knoxville, the crew member from “Jackass”, who may not have the star power of a Chris Tucker or Owen Wilson, but still provides the necessary comic relief in a film that is considerably more entertaining than it has any right to be.
Jackie Chan and Johnny Knoxville.Photo: IMDb
The story revolves around Hong Kong detective Benny Chan (Jackie Chan)'s pursuit of a notorious crime boss named Matador. His identity is unknown, but Benny believes he is businessman Victor Wong (Winston Chao). After his partner Yung (Eric Tsang) dies while the duo are on the trail of Matador, Benny becomes obsessed with avenging his colleague's death.
Nine years later, Yung's daughter Samantha (Bingbing Fan), whom he promised to look after, gets into trouble with Wong's crime syndicate. Benny must find a way to keep her safe and solve the Matador's case by tracking down an American con artist named Connor (Johnny Knoxville), who unwittingly witnessed a murder at Wong's casino.
Jackie Chan and Bingbing Fan.Photo: IMDb
The film develops into a buddy road comedy as Benny tries to bring the very reluctant Connor back to Hong Kong from Russia. Predictably, silly banter ensues. The story is paper thin and over the top, but then again, if you want a realistic, complex plot and stirring emotions, you don't want an action comedy. Skiptrace does exactly what you'd expect, offering silly gags instead of wits for a bit of escapist fun. The laughs come from amusingly random antics – as random as Jackie Chan spontaneously breaking into an Adele song! Everywhere they go there's some sort of cultural festival, and the countries they pass through offer stunning backdrops.
Jackie Chan and Johnny Knoxville.Photo: IMDb
The leads are charming and make their characters likable. Chan brings energy to the proceedings; he may not be as spirited as he was in his youth, but he doesn't let his age – he's now 62 – stop him from doing elaborate action sequences. Knoxville supports him with zeal and proves to be a capable sidekick. The beautiful Bingbing, however, doesn't get a chance to make much of an impression, even though her damsel-in-distress character is the film's female lead.
Ultimately, despite its generic plot and general ridiculousness, Skiptrace remains surprisingly entertaining, largely because of its likable leads and steady dose of humor. This is not a “good” movie, by any standard. It's too long, predictable, cliché-filled, and absurd in every way. But the over-the-top action and amusing antics will do their best to keep you entertained if you're willing to turn off your brain and just enjoy the silly ride.
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