The moment I saw John Cena and Jackie Chan, I knew I had to sit prepared to enjoy this one. The movie had some high stakes, which was the exact genre I was looking for. I loved almost everything about it even if I spotted some flaws. One or two bad acting and some over dramatic scenes that I was not ready for. But the main cast delivered and that did it for me.
So, Hidden Strike (2023),
There’s an oil refinery in Iraq owned by a Chinese firm, this oil refinery caught the attention of some mercenaries. Jackie Chan (Luo Feng), an ex special forces soilder now working as the head of a private Chinese security team. He was contracted to escort some civilians trapped in the oil refinery after it was attacked by mercenaries. On the other hand, there’s John Cena (Chris Van Horne), a former U.S marine who had his reasons but joined the mercenaries that wanted to rob the oil refinery. Chris was forced to join forces with Luo Feng when he was betrayed and things started to get out of hands.
What attracted me to this movie was Jackie Chan and John Cena and I’m pretty sure I wasn’t the only one. Seeing them work together was a satisfying sight, it was humorous and entertaining. They were able to blend their different personalities perfectly, they had good on screen chemistry, their strength, Jackie Chan’s agility and John Cena’s brutal force. It was giving a perfect bromance action energy.
I loved how they argue in between fights. It was funny. Or how Chris teases Luo Feng with his daughter. Just watching Jackie Chan go at it again was delightful, I love how he’s always able to mix action with humor.
They sure invested some good funds in the movie to get big names. But I think asides getting popular faces, the movie could have had a bit more depth. It was interesting but if not for Jackie and Cena, I don’t think I would’ve watched the movie. It kinda felt like they just wanted to make it happen Asap. It could honestly have used more work.
Maybe I had too much expectations after seeing the casts of the movie so I wasn’t exactly impressed. Don’t get me wrong I enjoyed it but there was this feeling of “could’ve been better,” I had after watching. It may seem like a good idea to cast big names in a movie but I think it’s also important to ensure that the movie and story quality matches those names you’re casting.
Just seeing people like Jackie Chan and John Cena (It was mostly Jackie Chan for me though), already creates a high expectation. And high expectations don’t settle for “just okay” movies. So bringing big actors is not enough, it’s doesn’t just cut it.
Do I regret watching Hidden Strike?
Absolutely not.
Would I watch it again?
Yes, but definitely after a very long time and also this time, I’ll know what to expect.
Would I recommend this movie to anyone?
Sure, but I’ll tell them not to expect too much.
If I didn’t have so much expectations before watching, I’d probably have enjoyed it more. If they plan to redeem themselves and release a second part, I hope they pay more attention to details, scenes and the casts. The storyline has good potential.
It’s a good movie to see when you’re in between moods. It’s not boring or too much, it’s just entertaining.
Anyways, this is my opinion of it, which does not have to matter to you. But if you’ve seen this movie, what did you think of it?
All images from IMDB