Jackie Chan, the undisputed legend of action cinema, has often been compared to silent-era daredevils like Buster Keaton and comedic geniuses like Charlie Chaplin. His ability to blend humor, breathtaking stunts, and martial arts into seamless performances has defined an era. When Chan announced his retirement from action films a few years ago, citing age and an exhaustive list of injuries, it was understandable yet heartbreaking for fans worldwide. But now, at 70, he’s back in action with Panda Plan, a new film directed by Luan Zhang and co-written by Wei Xu and Meng Yida.
A Self-Referential Adventure with Heart
In Panda Plan, Jackie Chan plays himself—a globally renowned martial arts superstar who, ironically, has grown weary of action. Looking for a change, he decides to visit a zoo as part of a PR event, where he meets a lovable panda named Hu Hu, also known as Big Babe. The bond between Jackie and the panda grows so strong that he decides to adopt it. However, chaos ensues when a gang of criminals, led by the menacing James (Temur Mamisashvili), attempts to kidnap Big Babe for ransom.
Adding to the adventure is Big Babe’s dedicated trainer, Su Xiaozhu (Ce Shi), who is not only a huge Jackie Chan fan but also finds herself inadvertently caught in the action. In a humorous twist, some of the criminals are also Chan’s admirers, leading to amusing exchanges amid the chaos.
Classic Jackie Chan Action with a Twist
While Chan is no longer at his physical peak, Panda Plan proves that any level of Jackie Chan action is still a delight. The film delivers his signature blend of martial arts, slapstick humor, and inventive fight choreography—a mix that has defined his career. Of course, expecting the breakneck pace of Drunken Master 2 or Supercop would be unrealistic, but the film compensates with creative sequences and a charming self-awareness.
One particularly meta moment in the film shows Jackie explaining to Su Xiaozhu that he is just an average person until he hears the word action, triggering his legendary energy. This setup plays out hilariously later in the movie when Su, in a desperate situation, utters action, prompting Jackie to revive and fight back—like Popeye with his can of spinach.
The CGI Panda and Playful Vibes
One of the film’s only drawbacks is the noticeably CGI-generated panda, which might take some viewers out of the experience. However, Panda Plan never pretends to be a serious film, and the over-the-top sequences—including one where Jackie and Su escape criminals by bouncing off a giant inflatable panda—add to its playful tone.
While Panda Plan is unlikely to become a Jackie Chan classic, it is undeniably fun and full of nostalgic charm. It captures the essence of what fans love about him—his charisma, humor, and ability to make action entertaining rather than just intense. It may not be his best, but for longtime fans, it’s a treat to see the legend back in action. After all, who wouldn’t want one more adventure with Jackie Chan?
