While the Chinese title suggests some continuity with former Police Story movies, only a basic premise survives - Jackie Chan as Hong Kong cop. The English title might be an inadvertent reference to the film's focused attempt to crack the international market ("Big Brawl" et al notwithstanding). Several plot elements, particularly the "nuclear smuggling threat", morphically resonate with recent Hollywood product, and everywhere there is the look and feel of generic Western action movies; even the white folk seem less stereotyped than usual. There are few of the trademark action spectacles, though a fight with a stepladder is handled well. This film could appear in American cinemas with very few changes (although Australian actors may have to be subtitled). Watch for product placement of Goma-chan, a cartoon seal (from Young Jump magazine) which appears on Jackie's head for several minutes.

[Reviewed by Iain Sinclair]