Review of Rumble in the Bronx (1995) by Tom R — 24 Mar 2012

(5 Stars) Rumble in the Bronx is one of the best action movies ever and I know this is a very bold statement. It may not be as prestigious as Die Hard, Dirty Harry, or The Terminator, but it's wall-to-wall pure fun. It's got laughable dialog in its hilarious (but VERY quotable) English dub and a lot of elements don't make sense, but its corniness only adds to the endless enjoyment of the picture. This movie forgoes logic sometimes because it cares about you having a good time... and I have a great time every time I watch this film. Jackie Chan is so likable in everything he is in because his fighting style is humorous, creative and fearless. I admit he basically plays the same guy in his action comedies, but he's just so likable. He has a strong set of morals, he kicks bad guy butt, and he's funny and courageous.

You can pick apart the plot if you want (personally, I love it) but most people watch his films for the action. The prop-oriented fighting scenes are exciting. Jackie is fast and furious. The climax with the hovercraft is insane and would make Michael Bay jealous. And I probably don't mention this enough, but there are a ton of laughs to be had in this film: both intentional and unintentional. Every second of this picture is entertaining in one way or another. I'd call it a guilty pleasure, but I don't feel guilty in the slightest when I talk about my love for it. While his Chinese films are better, I think Rumble in the Bronx showcases the best of Jackie Chan in America. Do not miss it!