Today’s quick review: The Tuxedo. Taxi driver Jimmy Tong (Jackie Chan) takes a new job as a chauffeur for suave superspy Clark Devlin (Jason Isaacs). But when an enemy attack puts Clark in the hospital, Jimmy has to fill in for his boss with the help of a high-tech tuxedo that grants its wearer incredible skills. Now Jimmy must continue Clark’s mission and stop a bottled water mogul (Ritchie Coster) from contaminating America’s water supply.
The Tuxedo is a spy action comedy that places an ordinary man in the shoes of one of the world’s greatest spies. The Tuxedo puts a spy-genre twist on Jackie Chan’s usual formula, using Devlin’s tux to turn Jimmy into a martial arts machine. The film offers light comedy, martial arts slapstick, and some creative stunt work. However, mediocre writing, humor that aims too low, and a weak supporting cast keep The Tuxedo from being a fully enjoyable watch.
The Tuxedo’s best attributes are its lead and its premise. Jimmy Tong isn’t the deepest character, but he’s easy to like. His high-tech tuxedo gives the film a decent hook, at least for a family comedy, and its many modes are a cheap, consistent source of gags throughout the film. The tux also gives Jackie Chan the chance to show off his talents, with acrobatic stunts, seat-of-the-pants fights, and the convincing impression that the suit is wearing him.
But these strengths only take the movie so far. The writing aims young, sticking with a transparent plot and lowbrow humor. Few of the gags are all that clever, while the tuxedo gimmick puts a barrier between Chan and his normal role as a talented underdog. The film also misses in a big way with Jimmy’s sidekick on his mission: Del Blaine (Jennifer Love Hewitt), an agent on her first field assignment, who comes off as more abrasive than funny.
Fans of Jackie Chan’s family comedies should give The Tuxedo a try. Though somewhat lacking in terms of writing and character, the stunts and the charm are still there, making The Tuxedo a decent pick for those who don’t mind the trappings of a kids’ movie. Those looking for a well-rounded movie or something a little more mature should look elsewhere. For a Chan movie with better stunts, try Who Am I?. For one with better humor, try Rush Hour.
5.3 out ouf 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.0 to 6.5 for fun action and a decent premise hurt by lackluster writing.