Review: New Police Story

UK Release: 13th October 2006

Technically, this isn’t a sequel to Jackie Chan’s original Police Story movies, but it still counts as a satisfactory return to his Hong Kong roots.

He plays a veteran cop who descends into alcoholic self-pity after his unit is wiped out by some extreme-sports-loving, hi-tech thieves. However, a persistent young man (Nicholas Tse) posing as his new partner eventually raises him from his stupor and together they set out to track down the gang.

At times, this thriller may be a little too melodramatic for its own good, but after the lightweight fluff Chan gets stuck with in Hollywood, that actually makes a pleasant change. Chan and director Benny Chan execute some nifty action set pieces, Tse makes for a good foil for the star and Daniel Wu excels as the disturbed young gang leader. Not vintage Chan, but certainly his best for some while.

Radio Times rating:

***

UK cinema certificate 15
Running time 122mins

Review by John Ferguson