The big brawl

This is the acceptable face of Jackie Chan.Although there is some unsophisticated comedy here,gone is the ridiculously over the top grimacing and slapstick which mars even the best of his Hong Kong work. The action here is exciting and the latter fights are prolonged,much better than "RUSH HOUR" and its too short skirmishes. Jose Ferrer makes for quite a good villain and lends a touch of class to the proceedings,rest of cast is up to par although the leading lady leaves a lot to be desired. The brawls in the tournament are well choreographed and increase in intensity as the film progresses.Personally I do not think it matters if Chan does not oversee his own action scenes as he needs someone to reign in his excesses.He is not and never will be another Bruce Lee as he has no animal magnetism in his fight scenes so any action director who can make him look tougher can only be an advantage to his future Hollywood career.Robert Clouse tried to do that and that is why "THE BIG BRAWL" is Chan's best American movie so far.