THE MEDALLION (2003)

Aspect ratio: 2.39:1 (Super 35)
Sound formats: Dolby Digital / DTS / SDDS

A Hong Kong detective (Jackie Chan) acquires mystical powers after coming into contact with an ancient artifact coveted by a power-hungry billionaire (Julian Sands).

Chan's Hollywood profile took another battering with this half-hearted concoction, directed by Gordon Chan from a multi-authored script which drops the ball in spectacular fashion. Aside from a couple of inventive action scenes - choreographed with smooth efficiency by Sammo Hung - and a climactic showdown between Good and Evil in Sands' island stronghold, the movie is entirely misconceived: Brit comedian Lee Evans (FUNNY BONES) hams it up as a clueless cop, while HK movie stalwart Anthony Wong twitters around the periphery as a bowler-hatted bad guy employed by Sands to retrieve the eponymous medallion. Christy Chung is similarly wasted in an unlikely role as Evans' wife, though Claire Forlani makes an impression as one of Chan's former girlfriends (more unlikely casting!) who helps him solve the case.

Though charismatic and charming as ever, Chan is barely stretched by the material, and his fight scenes betray a disappointing reliance on stunt doubles, wire-work and CGI. Casual viewers may enjoy the film's comical bravado, though hardcore fans will feel cheated by the script's lack of invention.

(English and Cantonese dialogue)