Well, Mr. Jackie Chan is back in action with this latest film. The question some Jackie Chan fans had on their mind: Was it good? Well, my answer is a simple: it was sort of good (ok, that was not so simple).
Where can I start with this wild ride of a film? It was somewhat of a good start for the Lunar New Year film (happy new year!!) and it was well hyped in Hong Kong, so the expectation was high… but it missed its mark by a inch. Also, this makes Stanley Tong’s reunion film with Jackie Chan, since the last of his movies starring Chan was his 2005 movie “The Myth.”
It was good to see the two back at it again.  From films like the “Police Stories” series to their famous collaboration “Rumble in the Bronx.” So I thought to myself, “Self, this is going to be the best film of all best films for him to team up with Stanley Tong in. Can’t be that bad, can it?” Well… I was some 67 percent right, 23 percent wrong, and 5 percent “Jackie Chan is 61 years old and can still move like that?!”
The plot is highly inspired by a couple of Indiana Jones films (and I do mean a couple). In the film, Jackie Chan plays a Chinese archaeology professor named Jack (go figure) who is on a quest to discover an ancient Magadha treasure. He’s not alone on this journey, for he has his trusty assistants along the way.  His assistants are played by Yixing Zhang (Ex-Files 2) and Miya Muqi (The Monkey King 2).
Along the way, the group is approached by beautiful yet mysterious Dr. Ashmita, played by Disha Patani, and her assistant Kyra, played by newcomer Amyra Dastur. The film had some newcomers in the acting field and some that are more popular in their home countries, compared to the states, so it would be understandable if none of these names (besides Jackie) sound familiar.
Anyway, the group is exploring at some of these amazing places and encounters some baddies along the way, and I do mean a lot (come on, it’s a Jackie Chan film, of course there are going to be some bad guys).
Along for the ride is Jack’s nephew, Jones Lee, played by Aariff Rahman, best known for his award winning role in “Echoes of the Rainbows” (2010) ( Go and see it!!! It’s brilliant). Jones Lee provides extra kicks to help his dear uncle.
Along the way, we the viewers are introduce to the main villain Randall played by Sonu Sood, who wants the treasure for himself; he thinks it rightfully belongs to him, as he is the descendant of a rebel army.
The film is good and has a very good amount of comedy and action from Jackie and the newcomers. But to be truly honest, I don’t think it was truly one of Jackie’s best. I know, I know! It’s not like the 90s and early 00’s, with the overuse of CGI (and I do mean way over use of it by the loads), but I think it was still good. There were some little gems of awesomeness. I think this was an good film, but it was missing something, like it was missing a bit of a spark. I couldn’t put my figure on it, but it was a little bit empty (villain not being a major threat) or was it the dialog ( some felt a bit wooden).
I do know one thing: I had somewhat of a good time watching with film, but I think they should have put a little bit more excitement to it (yeah, I’m hard to please). However, I can’t wait to see Jackie Chan’s next film “ Journey to China: The Mystery of Iron Mask,” and I really hope it becomes a better film. Then I might rethink my review. Until then, it was okay but it could be better.