Skiptrace

The 2016 movie Skiptrace serves as yet another highly entertaining blend of humor and action in Jackie Chan's illustrious filmography. Directed by Renny Harlin, the action comedy also stars Johnny Knoxville and Bingbing Fan, and takes viewers on a thrilling journey from the shimmering casinos of Macau, to the snowy wilderness of Russia.

In Skiptrace, Jackie Chan plays a hard-nosed Hong Kong detective named Bennie Chan. He is a devoted cop and highly esteemed by his colleagues, but his personal life is marred by a tragic loss that links him to a nefarious criminal named the Matador. Although the Matador's real identity is unknown, Chan suspects it to be Victor Wong, a top figure in the Hong Kong crime world.

Opposite Chan is Johnny Knoxville as Connor Watts, an American gambler with a knack for getting himself in troublesome predicaments. Their paths cross when Watts witnesses a crime in a casino in Macau that puts him on the Matador's radar. Bennie Chan seizes this opportunity to get closer to uncovering the Matador's real identity and seeks to bring Watts back to Hong Kong as his key witness.

However, this proves to be a daunting task as we soon learn. Animated by both his duty to serve justice and a promise he made to his late partner, Bennie ends up saving Watts from Russian gangsters. Thus, the duo embarks on a cross-continental journey peppered with humorous bickering, thrilling stunts, and unexpected camaraderie.

Watts, the wise-cracking smart aleck, serves up an interesting contrast to Chan’s stoic, focused Bennie. Their chemistry fuels the film's comedy, with Knoxville delivering hilariously flippant one-liners that bounce off Chan’s more serious demeanor. The film becomes a fun ‘buddy movie’ in the backdrop of an action-packed thriller, as the two characters use their contrasting skills and personalities to survive various challenges.

Playing an integral part in both Bennie and Conner's life, Bingbing Fan as Samantha is a character full of finesse. She plays Bennie's goddaughter and also shares a past with Conner. Samantha adds another dynamic to the plot, serving as the emotional anchor for the two main protagonists.

Skiptrace breezes through a myriad of exotic locations—something Chan films are known for. The journey takes the mismatched couple from Mongolia to the Chinese wilderness to the Russian hinterlands, turning the movie into a sort of action travelogue. This element alone is sure to keep viewers riveted to their seats.

As is typical in his roles, Jackie Chan not only serves as the lead actor in Skiptrace, but also performs his own stunts. From exploding buildings and frantic car chases to unpredictable hand-to-hand combats, Chan, despite being into his sixties during the film's production, shows no signs of slowing down. He once again amazes his fans with his agility, impeccable comic timing, and charm.

In Skiptrace, Renny Harlin successfully combines elements of comedy, action, and distinctively original local color to create a highly entertaining movie. While constant laughs and breathtaking stunts keep viewers entertained, the film also offers touching moments that delve into Chan's character's personal life and draw emotion.

Built on an exceptional balance of humor and heart-pounding action, Skiptrace is sure to offer an enjoyable viewing experience for fans of Jackie Chan, Johnny Knoxville, Bingbing Fan, or anyone who appreciates the thrill of a buddy-action movie. High octane choreography, engaging characters, breathtaking landscapes, and a sprinkling of sentiment make Skiptrace a movie worth watching.