neumu [ cinematronic ]




	The Tuxedo
	Kevin Donovan Jackie Chan, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jason Isaacs, Debi Mazar, Ritchie Coster, Peter Stormare, Mia Cottet, Romany Malco, Bob Balaban 2002		The latest American vehicle for Asian comic actor/martial arts master Jackie Chan veers away from the buddy-picture formula that served him so well in "Rush Hour" (with Chris Tucker) and "Shanghai Noon" (with Owen Wilson). But "The Tuxedo," a fast-paced action comedy, is disappointing, even if it's fun to watch the limber Chan do some of the jaw-dropping acrobatics that made his rep in Hong Kong. His lack of mastery over English is a problem in the U.S. when the onus of stardom is on him alone, and the plot holes don't help. As lovable loser Jimmy Tong, Chan is so timid that he's afraid to speak to a woman he admires. Hired as chauffeur to a secret agent (Jason Isaacs), Jimmy dons the spy's miraculous, high-tech tuxedo — a garment that lets its wearer walk up walls, dance like James Brown and even fight like ... Jackie Chan. Suddenly, Jimmy can take on an evil businessman with a plan to rule the world. Breezy, lanky Jennifer Love Hewitt plays what passes for a leading lady in one of Chan's lively, unsexy amusements.