DVD Synopsis: A 15-year-old Chinese boy spends his days dreaming of what it would be like to meet his idol, martial arts superstar, Jackie Chan. Unable to concentrate in school, he heads to his grandparents in the city and devotes himself to tracking down the kung fu legend. On his epic journey of discovery, our want-to-be karate kid learns the fighting skills he desires, but also valuable lessons in life from the different people and strange places he finds himself in. The biggest test awaits however when he is kidnapped by a torn-apart family that has suffered a tragic loss. Can the dreamer become a Kung Fu hero himself? And can Jackie Chan rescue him from his nightmares? Featuring Jackie Chan (Forbidden Kingdom, Rush Hour, New Karate Kid) – this is the story of a real karate kid! (85 Mins)

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Views: Setting a new record for family movies upon its release in China, the more accurately titled Looking For Jackie, is a charming comedy-drama about a teenage boy who is determined to meet his hero Jackie Chan – and learn kung-fu from him. Leaving one grandmother behind in Indonesia, Zhang Yi Shan flies to Beijing to stay with his other grandparents after finding out that Jackie will be shooting his next film there. On the way to their home, Zhang takes a detour to the place he believes is the filming location and soon finds himself lost and stuck at a temple. Befriended by a young female disciple who takes him under her wing, the young fan does what he can to find his hero and stay out of trouble...

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There's been a lot of hate for this coming-of-age, family comedy over the years. And mainly that's down to the distributors once again lying with promotional materials that Jackie Chan & The Kung Fu Kid is an all-out, Jackie Chan-led, martial arts epic! Of course, when most viewers put the film on and realise that this low-budget TV movie isn't anything of the sort, you can't blame them for their negative remarks. That said, it isn't really all that bad! While it obviously looks like a television production, Jackie Chan & The Kung Fu Kid is still a very watchable film with plenty of great fight action and plenty of charm. Of course, it still has plenty of flaws such as its uneven script, silly subplots, and heavy melodrama that seems to be shoved into the storyline in the oddest of places. But what else can you expect from a team of new writers and directors?

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Although sold as a Jackie Chan movie, the main focus would actually be on older child actor Zhang Yi Shan (in only his second role I believe). Zhang carries a cheeky charm about him as the young fan who is determined to find his hero. While he often comes across as a trouble maker and pain in the ass, I quite enjoyed his role and would be lying if I said I wasn't jealous of his adventures – never mind his role. Although a skinny-wee twig of a guy, Zhang impresses both as an actor and a martial artist as he gets to show off his moves in a number of fight scenes throughout. He obviously did a good job and has continued acting to this very day, starring in a host of movies like Bruce Lee My Brother, Beginning Of The Great Revival, and Mr. Six with Feng Xiao Gang. Having chased Jackie Chan myself around North America during his Rush Hour & Tuxedo days, and always missing him by a day or so – I can relate to Zhang's disappointment as he misses his chances to catch up and fights the world to get that little bit closer. Perhaps this is why I enjoy Jackie Chan & The Kung Fu Kid a little more than most, and the moment he finally gets to meet his hero is most likely how I'd probably react myself!

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While it's definitely been made for a local audience, Hong Kong cinema fans can relish while catching a few great faces on-screen when Jackie is absent. Many of his opera school brothers appear such as Yuen Wah, Yuen Bun, Yuen Miu, and the landlady herself, Yuen Qiu. Tiffany Tang, from Storm Warriors and Europe Raiders, gets in on the action as an actress in one of Jackie's movies, and Jiang Hong-Bo gets to show some great moves as the policewoman who helps Zhang. David Lam Wai, popular actor from films such as Project A 2, Royal Warriors, and A Chinese Ghost Story, cameos as Zhang's teacher, with Wu Yue getting to show his stuff as the school wushu coach. Interestingly enough, Wu would go on to star with Jackie the following year in Big Little Soldier and star as Master Wan in Ip Man 4 against Donnie Yen. And of course, we can't forget about Jackie Chan. Opening with a fun action scene starring the legend, we see him flit in and out of the majority of the film – appearing in advertisements on television and in airports, as well as catching him on mugs, posters, and news channels. He does get a few fight scenes throughout which are fun and while he is doubled for a number of the flashier kicks, still looks good in action. It's a far cry from his glory days, but with his opera brother Yuen Bo behind the choreography (and Jackie himself no doubt putting his 10 pence worth in also), there's still enough action to enjoy.

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All in all, Looking For Jackie is the true title of the film when you consider Zhang's story. We've all been there at some stage in our lives, whether it's in regards to Jackie Chan or someone else (and possibly not on such as grand an adventure) and while it's hardly the most polished production ever made you can't deny it's entertainment value and charm. With plenty of martial arts action, a glimpse into the world of Chinese film making and Beijing Studios, and the legendary Jackie Chan, of course, this is worth the watch at least once and makes for a fun time for all the family...

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Overall: An enjoyable martial arts comedy for the family, with plenty of life lessons and charm that should relate to many true Jackie Chan fans!