Skiptrace (2016)

I adore Chan Jackie (AKA Jackie Chan in the states). I was so happy to hear about this project especially when it was released on DVD at Redbox! Yeah! I hope the rent/streaming numbers are good. Because while this isn't the most brilliant plot ever, it is still fun and shows Jackie doing what he does best! I'm not sure what it is but Jackie is always brilliant to watch doing his own stunts. This movie is no exception.

As mentioned the plot isn't that brilliant. Right from the beginning when the 9 years later popped on the screen I knew the entire plot. So the twist was a bust. However, the real meat of Skiptrace is the journey from Russia to China. Showcasing the people in all the countries and highlighting their cultures! The humor was great! Especially singing to "pass" on the stairs. (You'll get it when you watch it.)

The true power here is the bromance! Any drama fan can tell you that's where it's at. Jackie Chan and Johnny Knoxville have amazing chemistry as (respectively) Benny Chan and Connor Watts. The police and the thief (again respectively). Too be honest I had no idea who actor/writer Johnny Knoxville is and I don't really care about his past projects. This put him on the map for me. He played well off of Jackie Chan and I loved-loved-loved-loved them. They made this movie so good. From the running Russian lady joke, river rafting on big skins, spooning in caves, and so on.

The music did not make me take note except for the Mongolians singing Rolling in the Deep. That made my life.

Oh, yeah. I will be rewatching this in the future! This is tons of fun and I think Chan Jackie fans will enjoy this immensely. Not to mention non-fans will find something to enjoy. You could tell the budget was a little low, but they did a great job making it look good. The practical affects were great. (Though the CGI was . . . low.) I loved the multicultural outlook/blending and hope more movies like this can be made.

Read More