Greetings again from the darkness. Jackie Chan starring as ... Jackie Chan! He's an international action-comedy star appearing in this international action-comedy as himself. In fact, one of the running gags has various people questioning if it's really "him" and whether or not he can actually fight like he does in his movies. The film is from writer-director Luan Zhang and co-writers Wei Xu and Meng Yida.
An amped-up and expansive action sequence opens the movie. It's also where we learn Jackie is playing Jackie. He's a bit frustrated at the roles he's being offered (the man is now 70 years old) and quickly jumps at the opportunity to adopt a rare baby panda. Not only does he find the cub irresistibly cute, but so does the entire universe ... including a Middle Eastern dude willing to pay $100 million to a group of mercenaries to steal (bear-nap?) and deliver the panda. Jackie arrives at the island zoo at just about the same time as the bad guys' pirate ship. What follows is rampant chaos as Jackie and the panda's nanny, Su Xizozhu (Chi Se) try to protect the (CGI) cub.
For most of the movie the panda is referred to as 'Big Babe', but is blessed with an actual name later in the game. The film is purposefully cartoonish and leans heavily into Jackie Chan's natural charm and presence. It likely would have played better as a pure family film about a cute panda, and aimed squarely at kids, but unfortunately, the action sequences pack enough violence to keep the youngsters away. There are some entertaining sequences ... including a rare escape utilizing a forklift as a getaway vehicle. The finale lifts the story from the dark cloud that hung over most of the film, and Jackie Chan fans will be thrilled to know that a sequel is already in the works for next year.
On digital and Blu-ray on February 18, 2025.
