'Dragon Blade' Review: Adrien Brody shines, Jackie Chan not so much

Director: Daniel Lee
Cast: Jackie Chan, Adrien Brody, John Cusack, Lin Peng, Jozef Waite
Rating: ***

What it's about: Huo-an guards the Silk Route with his small but faithful band of warriors, protecting the peace of the region. His wife back home teaches students of all the Chinese tribes. They could be a model couple for world peace in today's times. They are, however, in for a rude shock when Huo-an is accused of smuggling gold and is sent on a kind of exile with his men to the edges of the kingdom where he must help rebuild the city. A legion of beleaguered Roman soldiers try to take the city by hook and crook and while Huo-an has the upper hand, he offers them refuge when he sees a sick boy with them. How this decision impacts the series of events that follow, is what this film is about.

What's hot: As Chinese historical dramas go, this one is in somewhat untested waters. You see a confluence of Roman and Chinese characters for the first time. Brody as the bloodthirsty General Tiberius is immediately the hero you root for, except he's the villain "who stays accountable till the end". Performance-wise, he's head and shoulders taller than the rest of the cast. Peng as the lovestruck Moon also shines. The cinematographer deserves top marks for holding up what could have been a downer of a film. Chan's action direction is consistently good and sufficiently adequate. I know that is not saying much, but it is what it is.

What's not: Chan's schtick feels tiresome by now. He's a man with the right intentions, but comes off as preachy. Cusack, obviously, is miscast, despite the man's sincerest act. The whole film seems controlled with no room for spontaneity.

What to do: While it scores high on what may be termed "a cinematic appearance", it lingers too long on places it shouldn't. Clichéd, but definitely worth one watch.