I remember reporting on the making of a film called The Highbinders, which must have been a couple of years back, and reading information on the picture that stated that Gordon Chan was to direct Jackie Chan and Lee Evans in a new comedy adventure. Two years on and The Highbinders becomes The Medallion, and the film hits the home formats, bypassing the box-office due to disappointing takings in the US. After viewing the film, I can see why.

The film is sort of an updated Golden Child. Bad boy villain Snake Head (Julian Sands) wants to get his hands on a mysterious Medallion and the magical child that it belongs to. Together (child and medallion) can give man immortality and guess what, Snake Head wants this and Chan and sidekick Evans are out to stop him.

It's not that The Medallion is a bad movie, it's just extremely disappointing Here Gordon Chan has it all, the physical comic action genius that is Jackie Chan, the fantastic Lee Evans, the gorgeous Claire Forlani, action sequence coordinator and Hong Kong legend Sammo Hung along with bucket loads of American money. And nothing in this film works. But director Chan isn't all to blame. Here, Jackie Chan seems to have swapped his high octane, dangerous action packed stunts for endless wire work and CGI, Evans just isn't funny and there's just not enough action to keep the viewer interested. Sure, the action sequences, coordinated by Hung, are well choreographed and at times entertaining. But there's too much dross in between to develop the story.

I was probably a little harsh in saying that Evans is unfunny. He did raise a few laughs out of me, but he just isn't allowed the freedom to do what he does best. If you're going to rent or buy this for Evans presence alone, I'd recommend that you get hold of one of his live standup videos or There's Something About Mary or the excellent Mouse Hunt, his Hollywood debut.

Everything about this film bored me and failed to match my expectations. By a long shot. There's too much CGI, there's too much wire work in the action sequences, it's poorly dubbed in places (yes, dubbed!) and some of the acting is way below par.

This review was furnished by our mates at <a href="http://thehollwoodnews.com">thehollywoodnews.com</a>