Ride On may very well be the crowning achievement of Jackie Chan's career. The film understands what we all love about Jackie - his stubborn willingness to give up everything to get the shot - and thanks him for it in a way that is satisfying and heartfelt. At the same time, it proves that Jackie has still got some serious gas left in his tank. His fight scenes are beautiful to watch as always, but carry some extra heft when you stop and think about his age and injuries.
Jackie Chan was already 40 years old when he broke into the American film market with Rumble in the Bronx. That movie was my introduction to Jackie and redefined my understanding of physicality on film. Since then, it seems like every critic and casual fan would jump on the "he's too old" bandwagon each time he released a new movie. In retrospect, he consistently did things that no 40, 50 or 60 year old human should have been able to. Here we are 30 years later and Jackie is still defying the odds, although he is now acknowledging that at almost 70 years old, his age is finally catching up to him. For me, this film is ultimately about the sadness of aging. He looks back on both his triumphs and his regrets and sheds some tears along the way. In one particularly moving scene, he watches his real life stunt reel, reminding himself, and the audience, who he really is.
Oh yeah, this film is also about a horse. Red Hare is, in my opinion, is an analogy for lost youth and second chances. The scenes that he and Jackie share are some of the funniest and most tender in the film.
Overall, this may be one of Jackie's all around best films. It doesn't rely solely on his action or comedy prowess, but wraps up his whole persona into something we may never get to see again.
Jackie Chan was already 40 years old when he broke into the American film market with Rumble in the Bronx. That movie was my introduction to Jackie and redefined my understanding of physicality on film. Since then, it seems like every critic and casual fan would jump on the "he's too old" bandwagon each time he released a new movie. In retrospect, he consistently did things that no 40, 50 or 60 year old human should have been able to. Here we are 30 years later and Jackie is still defying the odds, although he is now acknowledging that at almost 70 years old, his age is finally catching up to him. For me, this film is ultimately about the sadness of aging. He looks back on both his triumphs and his regrets and sheds some tears along the way. In one particularly moving scene, he watches his real life stunt reel, reminding himself, and the audience, who he really is.
Oh yeah, this film is also about a horse. Red Hare is, in my opinion, is an analogy for lost youth and second chances. The scenes that he and Jackie share are some of the funniest and most tender in the film.
Overall, this may be one of Jackie's all around best films. It doesn't rely solely on his action or comedy prowess, but wraps up his whole persona into something we may never get to see again.