Today’s quick review: The Accidental Spy. Jackie (Jackie Chan), an ordinary salesman, is shocked to discover that he is the son of a dying Korean spy (Joh Young Kwan). Visiting his father on his deathbed, Jackie receives a clue to his inheritance: the phone number of a bank in Istanbul. But when he goes to claim the money, Jackie finds himself caught between two rival drug operations that are willing to kill to get what his father stole from them.
The Accidental Spy is an action comedy starring Jackie Chan. The movie revovles around an ordinary man’s unexpected inheritance, which puts him at the center of an international conflict involving drug lords, the CIA, and a potent new strain of opium. The Accidental Spy blends modern action thrills with Jackie Chan’s signature slapstick fight scenes. While the movie makes for good entertainment, it’s hurt by a shaky plot and an inconsistent tone.
The Accidental Spy mixes the light-hearted humor Chan is known for with more dramatic elements. What begins as a breezy romp takes a more serious turn as Jackie realizes he can’t escape the criminals who are after him. The transition works reasonably well, setting up Jackie as a reluctant hero who eventually decides to risk his life to do the right thing. However, the plot itself is too slapdash to make this development really pay off.
As far as action is concerned, The Accidental Spy is entertaining but not especially memorable. The movie supplements Chan’s improvised martial arts with more typical action fare, including car chases and explosions that take some of the focus away from Chan’s acrobatics. The quality of the action is solid throughout, and there are plenty of impressive stunts, but the movie has to supplement its action more than Chan at his best.
In spite of its flaws, The Accidental Spy makes a fine choice for anyone in the mood for a thriller with dashes of comedy. Though not as cohesive as some of Chan’s other work, it’s still an entertaining medley of acrobatic stunts, slapstick humor, and pure action thrills. Just approach with caution if you are expecting a pure comedy or a robust story.
For a Jackie Chan action comedy with a similar setup, fantastic elements, and similar drawbacks, try The Medallion or The Tuxedo. For a spy adventure in a similar vein with a better balance of plot, action, and comedy, try Who Am I? or First Strike. For a more dramatic action movie from Jackie Chan, try The Foreigner. For a goofier comedy about an innocent man caught up in spy intrigue, try The Man Who Knew Too Little.
5.9 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for good entertainment value hurt by weak cohesion.