Thanks for checking out our DVD review of Jackie Chan Presents – Wushu.
Genre: Action
Directed by: Antony Szeto
Staring: Sammo Hung Kam-Bo, Fengchao Liu, Wenjie Wang, Pheobe Wang, Yongchen Liu, Yachao Wang, Junjie Mao, Dong Wei
Released: January 26, 2010
THE GENERAL IDEA
Upon arrival to an elite martial arts conservator, a group of young boys swear an allegiance to each other and form a gang, A decade later at Graduation, the unexpectedly cross paths with an evil marital arts master and foil his kidnapping plan. Now they must put their combat skills to the test in order to defeat this enemy and save their brotherhood.
THE GOOD
This is a showcase of exactly what the art of Wushu is, while having a little adventure in the mix. It is a story about friendship and success while these hard working Wushu artists each strive to be better at their art as well as themselves.
The story is sufficient considering many action films place that secondary. It can be campy but there is some amazing action. The wirework is at a minimum, and where it is is done well. Some impossible moves are present, but they are seamlessly thrown in with other amazing talent that its just a wonder to watch them move.
Oh, and despite Sammo Hung playing the aging mentor, he does open up a can and its awesome.
THE BAD
The acting is REALLY campy, but it lends strongly to the style of movie. As with most films of this genre the characters are exaggerated. As much as that is a credit to the genre, it might be off-putting to those who are not a fan.
Also, despite being Presented by Jackie Chan he is not in this, and the inclusion of his name in the title is purely for promotion for the US release. He is the Executive Producer.
OVERALL
All in all I found the story to be interesting enough, the action to be amazing and the characters all likable. It wasn’t an outstanding film on all levels, but it was pretty entertaining.
This will be getting a North American direct to DVD release on January 26th, and if you like these light story action flicks it will be a fun rental.
I give Wushu a 7 out of 10
