There is a plan. They just don’t know what it is.|Jul. 06, 2023|China|103 Min.|Not Rated
Genre: Action;Adventure;Thriller
Description: “Hidden Strike,” a 2023 action-comedy, delivers a mix of absurdity and lackluster storytelling. The film introduces its characters in unconventional ways, with Jackie Chan’s Luo Feng receiving a straightforward introduction, while John Cena’s Chris Van Horne is presented in a bizarre, poorly CGI-generated desert scene. This sets the tone for a movie that struggles to balance humor and action, often falling into forgettable territory.
The plot follows two former special forces soldiers who team up for a shared mission. They face off against generic villains on Baghdad’s notorious “Highway of Death.” While Chris starts as a mercenary, his interactions with a child and his vague concern for the region suggest he’s a good guy at heart. After being betrayed, he joins forces with Luo, and the duo takes on various enemies in a series of uninspired confrontations.
The film attempts to channel the intensity of “Mad Max: Fury Road” but ends up as a cheap imitation. Directed by Scott Waugh, known for his work on “Need for Speed” and the upcoming “Expendables 4,” the movie is bogged down by its sluggish setup and tedious execution. Despite moments of potential, “Hidden Strike” fails to deliver the excitement or creativity expected from an action-packed adventure.
Cast director: Scott Waugh
Cast actor: Jackie Chan, John Cena, Ma Chunrui, Jiang Wenli, Xu Jia, Gong Jun, Rima Zeidan, Neo Hou, Pilou Asbæk, Amadeus Serafini
Original name: Hidden Strike