First strike

Book info: First strike (Paperback, 85 pages – New Line Home Video, 1997) – New Line Home Video, 1997. Language: Eng.

Condition: Like New

In 'First Strike' (1996), Jackie Chan, reprising his role as Inspector Ka-Kui, teams up with the CIA to apprehend a rogue nuclear scientist. His mission spans from Ukraine's snowy terrains to Australia's bustling streets, where he uncovers a plot involving stolen nuclear warheads. Known for its innovative stunts, like underwater fights with sharks and high-altitude snow chases, the film showcases Chan's unique blend of martial arts and comedy. The cast includes Jackson Lou, Annie Wu, Bill Tung, and Nonna Grishayeva. Action-god Jackie Chan does his best James Bond impression with this ecstatic sequel to the classic Supercop. The bare-bones plot has Chan in pursuit of international terrorists, but the narrative quickly gives way to an unceasing barrage of insane stunt work (including a nitro-fueled ski chase and a grandiose fight scene set inside a functioning shark tank). As with most of the aging star's recent films, there is more of an emphasis placed on big, impersonal (albeit impressive) stunts rather than the close-up combat that made him famous; but the end result is still a must-see rush for longtime fans, and a great introduction for newcomers eager to see what all the well-deserved fuss is about. The scene where Jackie takes on multiple goons while armed only with a ladder is one of his most jaw-dropping set pieces ever--and that's saying quite a lot. Be sure to stick around for the closing credits of gags gone awry, which graphically prove that Chan is truly the hardest working man in show business. --Andrew Wright