Snootz

This movie isn't for Kung Fu / Martial arts fans. It's not even really for those who like Jackie Chan humor... although there is plenty of both in this film.

This is for those who enjoy emotional, heart-felt films and aren't ashamed to have a tissue box sitting close by.

One thing I really want to say: this is the finest acting I've ever seen from Chan. As he says in the film, "It's easy to fall down. It is hard to step down." In this film Jackie plays not only a stuntman and expert martial artist, but also a man who has feelings and emotions and regrets. When he cries in this film, it feels real. It doesn't come across as acting or fake. We've always known him to be funny and capable of stunts, drama and comedy. The emotions he expresses in this film are far beyond what he's done before... and he pulls it off splendidly.

I noticed something interesting about the ratings trend line: it has a notable spike around 5,6 & 7, drops off at 8 & 9... then spikes again at 10 stars. So there are numerous people who really enjoyed this film (as seen from other 10-star ratings here). When I look at a film like this I ask, "Did I notice any flaws in the film-making, acting, choreography, story line, plot, music, etc?" I noticed none in this film. Although it was a bit sappy in places, it was intended to be so. Mushy in places? Yes, intentionally so. This isn't a typical hard core Chan constant-action film. This one has real heart to it, and Jackie isn't afraid to explore those waters. In truth, he excels in this part.

If one doesn't like the idea of Chan playing second-fiddle to a horse, maybe this film will be annoying. Some people just don't like animal films. But in this film Jackie didn't mind risking an animal upstaging him (and indeed, the horse / trainer did a marvelous job).

So yes, a departure from a typical Jackie Chan film, but his more recent films have displayed a bit more of the actor in addition to his still-amazing stunt skills. I enjoyed every minute of this and recommend it to anyone willing to set aside pre-conceived notions of what a Jackie Chan film should be... and appreciate the different acting he's offering here.

Look, you all knew what this was going in. So throw all logic out the window, the concept of "background checks" (seriously?) and divest yourself of all that sensible nonsense... and just enjoy the movie, right?

This is a fun, funny and enjoyable film about a Florida bartender who finds herself in the NASA Astronaut program through fudged circumstance. It's a shame this only has an average 5-star rating, because this movie is fun all the way through.

The main actress is enjoyable as are the supporting cast. The cast was well-chosen for their parts. Is the script ludicrous? Of course it is! We knew it would be from the previews. But it is FUN ludicrous, which is all it's meant to be.

But it's more than that. It's about having a dream and pursuing it no matter what. Because despite the lack of logic, the senselessness and the improbabilities presented in the script... far more ludicrous things happen in real life and have amazing results.

So I recommend just leaving attitude and expectations at the door, strapping in and enjoying the ride. Because that's what this is-- a fun ride of a movie. Expecting anything more would be demanding too much. ;D.