The Myth

When I was very young, there was a theatre at Dundas and Spadina called "The Golden Harvest". This was the only theatre that would show Chinese Movies in Toronto. At that time, Chinese television channels did not exist and it was almost impossible to get a Chinese movie on tape. I used to beg my parents to go past this theatre every weekend so I can see what movie was playing. Of course, it was usually a kung fu film which is why I wanted to go. One day, I came across this movie called "The Young Master" which starred Jackie Chan. My god, he was incredible! Not only was he funny, he introduced all these different objects when fighting the enemies (i.e fighting with a bench, fan, woman's skirt) and the last fight scene was just incredible to watch. I became a fan instantly. I would always go back to that theatre looking at the movie poster of the current showing hoping that I would see the "big nose" guy which would help me identify Jackie Chan. I have even been lucky enough to meet Jackie in person twice (not that he would recall that). Over the years, however, I've been quite dissappointed with his films...especially the ones he did in Hollywood. He's not really the main attraction in the films anymore and is always portrayed as a the comedic sidekick. I want the dude who was in Police Story, chasing down the bad guys and kicking major butt. I know he's much older now so I've come to accept that he's slowed down a few steps. Having said that, when I hear a Jackie Chan film is coming, I still get a little excited hoping that Jackie is going to return to form and deliver the goods! This time, the movie was called "The Myth". I watched this on the weekend with my cousins in Montreal. The Myth follows archaeologist Jack and Meng-yi, a general I believe from the Qin dynasty (Jackie plays both characters in the past and present). Jack dreams that he is General Meng-yi who is in love with the Emperor's Concubine, Ok-soo. In the present day, Jack spends his time in search of a gemstone that defies the law of gravity. Somehow these 2 stories collide in the end. Confused? I was. The first thing I have to say about this movie is: Jackie, you need to stop making 20 year old girls your love interests! It just looks wrong. It's time to accept your age and find older women. This movie was a HUGE dissappointment for all of us. It started off well with a short fight scene which showed glimpses of the old Jackie but then the movie just falls apart. It had a bad plot, bad acting, and no awesome fight scene at the end (I'll live with bad plot and acting if I get some well choreographed fight scenes). Also, I'm sorry, but a horse kicking enemy soldiers really took the cake for me.

Anyways, I would not recommend this movie unless you are a true Jackie Chan fan like myself but be prepared for some pain and realization that the great Jackie days are probably over. Next movie I heard he might be working on "Rush Hour 3"....oh joy...