Review of Chinese Zodiac (2012) by Tom R — 23 Apr 2014

(3 Stars) (109-min American cut) Let's get something straight: the version I saw isn't a great edit of Chinese Zodiac. There's very little setup, basically no introduction to the characters, very odd editing, and everything about it seems rushed. I wish I saw the over two hour "directors cut" or the version they screened in China.

But for the most part, I still liked it. I'm extremely biased toward Jackie Chan. The action in the movie is classic Jackie... I know he does wire-work now, but that doesn't really stunt my enjoyment of it; he's still creatively using props and his environment to make amazing fight scenes. The story is beyond goofy and somewhat confusing. If you count this as Armour of God III, it's definitely not as good as I or II. But Chinese Zodiac is comedic and action-packed Jackie and it reminded me of my favorite films of his. If I was a twelve year old, I probably would have really loved this.