Police Story 2013

It’s pretty apparent that martial-arts-stunt-master Jackie Chan has a condition that will stop his heart if he isn’t in a movie at least once a year. Last December saw the release of CZ12 (aka Chinese Zodiac) in China (October 18, this year in America) which Chan wrote, directed, produced, starred, and yes, did most of his own st. Cz12 was the third in Chan’s Armour of God series (the first two films were released stateside with alternate titles, and in reverse chronological order), and continuing with that trend, this new film is the sixth entry in the Police Story film series: Police Story 2013.

For those worried about jumping into a series without having seen the previous five movies, don’t be. In terms of storyline or characters Police Story 2013 is not connected to the any of the other Police Story films; it’s more of a thematic and spiritual successor. Viewers of the trailer (or just the poster) may notice a lack of Chan’s trademark slapstick stunt-work , or any humor in general. If that turns out to representative of the final project, it would jive with the overall tone of the series. While the first four entries were lighthearted (though not to the point of farce), the 2004 New Police Story had a much more serious tone, with Chan playing a more dark and complex character. Like the newest film, it was out of continuity with the other films.

Audiences may get a kick out of watching Chan (age 59) take part in action sequences apparently better suited for a younger star, much like the current influx of American films headed by middle-aged action stars such as The Expendables, The Last Stand, and Escape Plan. But fans of Chan will know that unlike Sylvester Stallone or Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Chinese star has routinely put out an action film for the past decade, it’s just that most of his non-family films (i.e. The Spy Next Door) like Rob-B-Hood and Little Big Soldier – which Police Story 2013 director Ding Sheng also helmed – have not received big releases outside of Asia.

Police Story 2013 comes to Chinese theaters this December. Other cast members include Liu Ye (Curse of the Golden Flower, The Founding of a Party) and Huang Bo (Lost in Thailand, Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons).