In "Ride On," Jackie Chan takes on the role of Luo Zhilong, a forgotten stuntman who attempts a comeback with the help of his beloved horse, Red Hare. Directed by Larry Yang and released in 2023, this action drama explores the challenges faced by a seasoned professional abandoned by the film industry. While showcasing some satisfying fight scenes and Chan's charismatic presence, "Ride On" struggles to strike a balance between being an elegy to a bygone era of filmmaking and a melodramatic exploration of an artist's personal struggles.
The Forgotten Stuntman's Journey
Luo Zhilong, portrayed by Jackie Chan, is a talented and generous fall guy who reminisces about his classic death-defying stunts. However, the movie industry has largely forgotten him, with only a few young stars remembering his contributions. Despite the bags under Chan's eyes reflecting Luo's desire for recognition, he finds little reciprocation from the contemporary filmmakers he encounters. This portrayal of a forgotten artist's struggle in the industry mirrors Chan's own contemplation of his legacy as he reaches the later stages of his career.
An Uneven Swan Song
"Ride On" serves as both a showcase for Chan's action prowess and an attempt to reflect on the changing landscape of filmmaking. While the film features satisfying fight scenes choreographed by action director He Jun, it falls short in fully exploring the emotional baggage attached to Luo's character. The movie serves as a stingy elegy, leaving many of the emotional threads unresolved and unexplored.
Chan's Off-Screen Persona
Viewers may find it challenging to separate Jackie Chan's on-screen persona from his real-life behavior. Recent controversies surrounding Chan's pro-Beijing politics and strained relationships with his children add a layer of complexity to the film's reception. "Ride On" may be viewed as a half-hearted attempt at damage control, especially in light of tabloid stories about his daughter's temporary homelessness and his son's prison stay.
A Glimpse of Chan's Persona
Despite its shortcomings, "Ride On" occasionally showcases the best of Jackie Chan through Luo's character. As a dead-beat dad living above his horse's unkempt stable, Luo's struggle to retain ownership of Red Hare becomes a focal point. The film also explores Luo's strained relationship with his daughter Bao, played by Liu Haocun, and the attempt to reconnect through legal battles and shared moments watching Chan's film clips.
A Mixed Bag
While Chan's presence and comedic timing make Luo somewhat endearing, "Ride On" fails to fully capitalize on the potential emotional depth. The film's fight scenes provide moments of satisfaction, but the emotional breakthroughs and revelations feel forced and lack authenticity. Despite this, the film's connection to Chan's iconic career may still resonate with fans.
Conclusion
"Ride On" serves as an uneven swan song for Jackie Chan, offering glimpses of his action prowess and trademark humor. However, the film struggles to strike a balance between honoring the past and exploring emotional depth. Despite the occasional hits, "Ride On" fails to fully capitalize on its potential, leaving viewers somewhat unsatisfied. As Chan's career reaches its later stages, this film may be seen as an attempt to grapple with his personal legacy. Now playing in theaters.
Ride On (2023) - info
- Release date: April 7, 2023
- Genre: Adventure, Comedy
- Director: Larry Yang
- Writer: Larry Yang
- Stars: Jackie Chan, Haocun Liu, Kevin Guo