Review of The Foreigner (2017) by Lane Z — 12 Feb 2018

The Foreigner, starring Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan (not to be confused with a movie of the same name starring Steven Segal from the early 2000's) delivers a moderate to above-average action thriller, which leans a bit more toward a drama than anything Chan has done in his career.

It's a great counter-character spot for Chan, who's been heavily involved with mixed martial arts films, comedies (involving the former), and fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants action films with big budgets. Some audience members may have walked in expecting just another run-of-the-mill kinetic movie from Chan but instead were treated to something perhaps a bit more invigorating. Chan can act. While his English still isn't anywhere near as accomplished as his training in martial arts is (he's 65 and has lived in the US for how long now?), this role offers him an opportunity to dive into a character where dialogue isn't needed as his top attribute. We forget about Chan's range because the first thing to pop in our heads when we hear his name are the stunts he does himself and the incredible kung fu he knows.

Insert Pierce Brosnan, who Campbell lays at the feet most of the important 'acting'. It's a reunion of some sorts considering it was Campbell who reinvigorated the Bond franchise with GoldenEye back in the late 90's. (he then did it again in 2006 with Casino Royale) Brosnan goes full-on Irish politician with some skeletons in his closet, which allow for some diversified reactions rather than just the same old hum drum responses one would expect. I'm not sure him and Chan worked as well on screen in scenes together as it came across on paper, but their interaction was thankfully limited to separate scenes over the phone.

The plot won't break any new ground in the action/drama/thriller genre. We hit all the necessary points in the formula for this. It's a nice, tidy tale of revenge. Where the movie really could have taken off, Campbell steers straight instead of veering into any real characterization for anyone else outside of Chan and Brosnan.

While it's nice to see Chan act outside his element and Brosnan to be in a film where I don't immediately need to say "he should have stuck to Bond", The Foreigner can hold your interest from a talented director and cast if you can overlook the cookie-cutter story.