Overview
The Medallion is a 2003 action-comedy film directed by Gordon Chan. Starring Jackie Chan, Lee Evans, Claire Forlani, and Julian Sands, it tells the story of a Hong Kong cop entangled in a supernatural conspiracy involving a mystical medallion.
Plot Summary
Jackie Chan plays Eddie Yong, a Hong Kong cop on a mission to rescue a young boy with mysterious powers who has been kidnapped by the villainous Snakehead (Julian Sands). Alongside bumbling Interpol agent Arthur (Lee Evans) and love interest Nicole (Claire Forlani), Eddie's quest takes him across the globe. When a daring rescue goes awry, Eddie is killed—only to be resurrected by the medallion’s mystical powers, granting him super strength and immortality. However, Snakehead has also tapped into the medallion’s power, setting the stage for a supernatural showdown.
What Works
- Action Sequences: Jackie Chan’s early fight scenes display his signature charm and acrobatics, bringing energy to otherwise flat sequences.
- Physical Comedy: Chan’s physicality occasionally shines through, particularly in his interactions with Evans and his trademark stunts.
What Doesn’t Work
- Script and Dialogue: Clunky, unfunny lines weigh down the story, forcing Chan to wrestle with awkward jokes and poor humor.
- Direction: Gordon Chan’s first western feature struggles with tone and pacing, creating a choppy and uneven film that fails to blend action with comedy.
- Visual Effects: The final showdown’s CGI-laden sequences feel out of place compared to Chan’s naturalistic fighting style.
Final Thoughts
The Medallion is a misfire that tries to merge Jackie Chan’s martial arts prowess with Hollywood’s obsession with supernatural plots and buddy-comedy formulas. Fans of Chan’s Hong Kong classics may enjoy the fight scenes, but the clunky script and ill-fitting tone make this one a forgettable entry in his filmography. Have you seen The Medallion? Let me know what you think in the comments below!
Rating
⭐ Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
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