Project A 2

Well, this is a Jackie Chan movie, so you know what you are getting here - heaps of action and impressive stunts. So it all boils down to the storyline, doesn't it?

I will say that "Project A 2" (aka "'A' gai wak 2") wasn't the best of Jackie Chan's movies. But don't get me wrong, because I am not implying that it is a bad or poor movie; far from it. This movie was entertaining for sure, and yeah there were good action and impressive stunt feats here as well, but the storyline was just a bit on the trivial side, wasn't it?

The movie boasts a rather impressive cast ensemble with the likes of Jackie Chan, Carina Lau, Bill Tung and Rosamund Kwan. Which leaves me to mention the gorgeous Maggie Cheung, one of my all-time favorite actresses in the Hong Kong cinema.

Entertainment-wise then "Project A 2" was adequate, but it wasn't an outstanding notch in Jackie Chan's formidable career.

Needless to say that I was impressed with the fighting, stunts and choreography, because it is always top notch and fabulous when you watch a Jackie Chan movie. And I was especially impressed with the fact that he actually chowed down on real chilies for that scene - as it was shown in the clips during the end credits. Now that was definitely commitment to the movie.

I am rating "Project A 2" a six out of ten stars. It was watchable and entertaining enough, just doesn't rank among the best of Jackie Chan's movies.

Although I wasn't able to find an English or subtitled version of Project A, I was more than thoroughly entertained by the sequel, Project A2. There's a cute montage over the opening credits that recaps the best moments of the first movie, and when the villains explain their desire for revenge because of how Project A ended, you're all set.

Also directed by Jackie Chan, this action-packed police corruption story has fantastic production values. Set at the turn of the century, you'll see beautiful costumes, intricate sets, and very old-fashioned cars. Visually, this movie is an absolute treat. Women with their bustles and corsets, and grand balls hosted by British nobility (the setting is British-ruled Hong Kong), will sweep you away. And it's not every day you get to see Jackie dolled up in tails!

The screenplay is also a treat, as several different obstacles and plot lines converge: women revolutionaries, jewel thieves, corrupt policemen, and pirates seeking revenge. There's a hilarious sequence where Maggie Cheung has to hide six men in different places in her apartment, as one after another keeps knocking at the door. It's a funny comedy of errors, with a bit of danger thrown in.

Action-wise, the movie is a total treat. In the first Project A, Jackie paid homage to Harold Lloyd by hanging off the hands of a clock. In this one, he duplicates the most classic Buster Keaton stunt by standing still while a house falls on him. It's not exactly a house, but it's the same type of structure, and we all hold our breaths until we see him safe and sound on the other side. He falls down a flight of stairs, slides down a ladder, and balances on bamboo rods while fighting a bad guy. The outtakes reel over the end credits is fantastic, as a split screen shows Jackie singing in a recording studio (he often sings the song over the end credits) and also the stunts-gone-wrong. Since he directed the picture, we get to see rare footage of him working with the camera and helping his actors. I really enjoyed this movie, and if I can find an English version of the first movie, I'll definitely rent it.

I guess a second instalment to the very successful original was inevitable and this follow-up doesn't disappoint either, although I wouldn't say it comes close to it predecessor. With the likes of Summo Hung and Yuen Mao not returning it does leave a very big hole, but we know how well Jackie Chan can carry a film and that's was he does with Part II. Chan again would star, co-wrote, and direct along with being the stunt coordinator. You know by now the stunts we are seeing are Jackie leading the way in some feats like the handcuffed chase, rotating cage and the climatic showdown involving falling framework, but never really do they reach the great heights of some of his other staged stunts.

Dragon Ma has rid the sea of Pirate Lo and his men, and now finds him back on land where he's given a new assignment of cleaning up crime and corruption in one of the roughest districts. But Ma and his loyal crew don't have it easy with the local police chief who's crafting a web of deceit. However also riding Ma's back are some pirates who want to avenge the death of Pirate Lo and then there are agents of the Manchu government.

This action-adventure can be as fast and furious with outstanding martial arts choreography balanced out with goofy, if charming slapstick humour. The action is not as frequent as it seems spaced out, with more comical elements finding its way in where Chan toys around. Even the script shines the spotlight on some political issues involving communist's rebels vs. mainland Chinese imperials, which can make things a little talky and some sub-plots feel aimless. It starts off rather sharp, but never recaptures that spirit it began with. The lavished production makes good use of its set-designs and costumes with a flamboyant Hong Kong backdrop.

i honestly dont know why so many people hate this movie, i have always thought that it was one of my absolute faves. the fight with tiger and his men rocked, the fight with the pirates with the axes rocked, the whole skit with everyone trying to avoid one another in the house is pure genious...ok so it didnt have the requisite kick ass final confrontation but the manchus were pretty good. i give it a 8/10.

Dragon Ma (Jackie Chan) is back as a H.K. Water Police. He is assigned to clean up corruption and lawlessness. They catch a couple of thieves stealing a money box from Yesan (Maggie Cheung) collecting for the Nationalist cause. Yesan runs away fearing the corrupt cops. The cops promptly release their client thieves and try to beat up on Dragon. Dragon takes over the precinct to take on crime lord Wolf. Dragon faces off against many-headed corruption while the Empress's men are after the rebels.

This is not as comedic as the original. Jackie handcuffed to the inspector is fun. The various people hiding in Yesan's room isn't as funny as it should be. There are lots of fight action stunts. There are a ton of jaw dropping stunts. Jackie doesn't do anything too risky in this one but he does do a Buster Keaton bit with a facade falling on top of him. The story is pretty messy that has multiply interconnected villains and some that go both ways. I love the fighting stunts but the story is too twisty. This one does have the final extra clips with the closing credits.