Police Story 4: First Strike (1997)

I loved the first two installments of Jackie Chan's 'Police Story' series, and wish I had seen the intervening adventures of Chan's character, Inspector Chan Ka Kui, ('Police Story 3: Supercop' and 'Project S'--though this is labeled Police Story 4, it's actually his very popular character's 5th appearance). Still, the story (basically a James Bond-type role, as he is forced by his boss to help the CIA prevent a Russian nuclear device from getting into the wrong hands) stands on its own, and is thrilling from start to finish, though something tends to be different and missing from his earlier Hong Kong exploits (though this was made there and dubbed--albeit horrendously--to help make him a star Stateside). If I had to put a finger on it, I think I prefer films that Chan directed himself. It's still extremely enjoyable, with set-pieces--especially when he defends himself with a stepladder--that approach awe-inspiring choreographed action perfection...

(Credit IMDb) Jackie, a cop, participates in a sting operation on an international spy-ring, but when one of them (Tsui) gets away, Jackie is ordered to apprehend him. This leads Jackie all over the globe starting with Tsui's sister in Australia. The story follows him as he tries to stay alive and capture the villain. This is an unrelated sequel to Police Story. It's the weakest of the lot, but as far as action goes, it delivers in a big way. Let me tell you something right from the outset. Forget about a solid storyline, its not gonna happen. It's very thin, plot-wise, and relies on big action sequences. The dubbing is atrocious, and the villains are so poor, that they are hardly even noticeable, despite a few twists and turns during this movie. Between the opening action sequence, involving some snowboarding, or some incredible stunt sequences by Jackie on a high building, and the amazing sequence, involving Jackie and a ladder, this movie is quite a thrill ride when the action sequences commence. Jackie Chan is reliable as ever. He doesn't have a whole lot to act with, but he has charisma in spades. His character shows some decent emotion at times as well. This was one of Jackie's breakout his in the USA. The rest of the actors are poorly dubbed, so it's hard to really say how they did. I also liked the well timed comedic sequences. Jackie knows how to combine action & comedy with the best of them. This is far from Jackie's best, hell. It's not even the best in the Police Story series, in fact, it's the worst. But that doesn't mean it's not enjoyable, because it is. Watch it for the action, and just have fun6.4/10

I recognised the title and had seen the poster a few times, naturally starring one of the world's most famous martial artists I was interested to see it, no matter what rating the critics give it. Basically Insp. Jackie Chan Ka Kui (Jackie Chan) is the cop participating in some kind of sting operation on an international spy ring, he seems to be working for both the FBI and the Russians. One of the key spies, Jackson Tsui (Jackson Liu), manages to get away, and Jackie is the one ordered to catch and arrest him. What this leads to a is a journey across parts of the world, meeting up with the spy's sister Annie Tsui (Annie Chen Chun Wu) in Australia. Obviously along the way there are one or two fights where Jackie tries his best to fight back and stay alive, and in the end of course the case is solves after he has saved the day. Also starring Bill Tung as 'Uncle' Bill Wong, Yuri Petrov as Col. Gregor Yegorov, Nonna Grishaeva as Natasha, John Eaves as Mark and Terry Woo as Uncle Seven. Chan is obviously a good character, it is odd that he has to dub himself in a few scenes, many of the other actors are out of sync, the story is not the most engaging ever, in fact I lost track of what was going on, but there are some inventive fight sequences with Chan's cool stunt work, but apart from that I wouldn't really bother with this action thriller. Adequate!

FIRST STRIKE packs a violent confrontation between Jackie and double agents from CIA and KGB . This exciting story about the cop named Chang Wing of the Hong Kong precinct is well played by Jackie Chan. Chang participates in a sting operation against an international spy-ring that is smuggling nuclear weapons from Ukraine. But when one of them (Tsui) escapes , Jackie is ordered to capture him . This leads Jackie all over the globe beginning with Tsui's sister (Annie Wu) at Australia . The story follows him as he attempts to stay alive and chase the villain. When his police buddies are deceived by a wicked criminal band , Wing turns into an unfortunate spy when he is also double-crossed . A young woman helps him to track down and apprehend the gang commanded by a double agent. Then Chan looks for vengeance against the ominous villains at a cat and mouse game.This exciting movie is crammed of action-packed, overwhelming stunt-work and lots of violence but with humor. Jackie Chan is top notch as one army man fighting a group of heinous criminals and as always he makes his own stunts like is showed on the final fake-shots . Awesome ,incredible stunts and brief comic touches , as usual ; the picture is better constructed than its predecessor . The lighting-paced storyline slows down at times , but frantic action sequences make up for it . Spotlights movie include a stirring pursuit on the snow and underwater fights surrounded by sharks in James Bond style , among others . This is a phenomenal action movie distinguished by nicely cinematography of the spectacular sequences , and contains agreeable sense of humor such as previous entries . However while the former outings Jackie teamed up to prestigious actresses and fine action stars in their own right , like Maggie Cheung and Michelle Khan , at this film his parternaire is unknown . Thrilling and moving musical score fitting to action by J. Peter Robinson . The picture is lavishly produced by the great Asian producers Raymond Chow and Golden Harvest production and efficiently directed by Stanley Tong . The first version titled ¨Police story(1985)¨ directed by the same Jackie Chan was a perfect action film for enthusiastic of the genre ; the following was ¨Police story 2(1988)¨ also pretty violent and with abundant humor touches . It's followed by ¨Police story V : Crime story¨ and finally ¨New Police story¨ by Benny Chan . Rating : Accepatable and passable, the picture has its sensational moments here and there , mostly provided by its agile star, the super Jackie Chan .