Jackie Chan finally conquered America with Rumble in the Bronx (1995). With his disarming smile and feline physicality, the compact Chan radiates star quality. But there's more to him than charisma: at his best, the actor combines the relentlessly escalating, hyperkinetic action set-pieces for which Hong Kong is famous; the rigorous martial arts training of his idol, Bruce Lee; and the grace and daring that distinguish Buster Keaton's physical comedy. Not that it matters, really, but the plot of Rumble in the Bronx has something to do with Chan helping the woman who has taken over his uncle's neighborhood market when she is harassed by local hoodlums. What really matters is Chan, and he's in fine form. Chan does his best James Bond impression with First Strike (1996), an ecstatic sequel to the classic Supercop. The bare-bones plot has him in pursuit of international terrorists, but the narrative quickly gives way to an unceasing barrage of insane stunt work (including a nitro-fueled ski chase and a grandiose fight scene set inside a functioning shark tank). As with most of the aging star's recent films, there is more of an emphasis placed on big, impersonal (albeit impressive) stunts rather than the close-up combat that made him famous; but the end result is still a must-see rush for longtime fans, and a great introduction for newcomers eager to see what all the well-deserved fuss is about.
In Mr. Nice Guy (1997), Chan is involuntarily involved in a gang war between stereotypical Italians and punkers right out of A Clockwork Orange. Most of the cast is in a coma, and the plot is stupid, stupid, stupid. The reason to watch this is for Chan's gravity-defying stunts as he is chased through the streets of Melbourne by Aussie thugs trying to relocate missing cocaine. Watch for a stunt involving a horse-drawn carriage, as it almost compensates for the lackluster story line.
