Jackie Rolls Snake Eyes
Chien Fu (Jackie Chan - The Karate Kid) works as a lowly janitor at a martial arts school where he constantly finds himself being picked on and humiliated. But things change when he meets Pai Cheng-Cheh (Siu Tien Yuen) a grand master and the last remaining follower of the Snake Fist style who teaches him his way of fighting. But a long held rivalry between Snake Fist and Eagle Claw styles leads to Lord Sheng Kuan (Hwang Jang Lee), the master of the Eagle Claw style trying to hunt them down.
Multiple choice question to start this movie review: Are you looking to watch "Snake in the Eagle's Shadow" because a) you are a fan of 70s martial arts movies, b) you are a huge fan of Jackie Chan, or c) just a general movie fan who stumbled across it?
Now if your answer was either "you are a fan of 70s martial arts movies" or "you are a huge fan of Jackie Chan" then I am sure you will love "Snake in the Eagle's Shadow". In fact this was one of Chan's most important movies helping to catapult him to becoming the major star he is now. It also features plenty of martial arts action some of which is impressive whilst also plenty which is comical.
But if your answer was "just a general movie fan who stumbled across it" then sadly "Snake in the Eagle's Shadow" is hard work. Now I will admit I am in this group as whilst I enjoy Jackie Chan movies I am not a huge fan nor am I that into 70s martial arts movies. As such to the general movie lover it all feels far too forced, as in the whole slapstick of the fights is too staged and as with many 70s martial arts movies with the focus being on the action the actual storyline is slim. Don't get me wrong as some of the action is fantastic especially that featuring Jackie Chan but the action featuring the supporting cast is when it looks forced and staged.
What this all boils down to is that for fans of 70s martial arts and for big fans of Jackie Chan "Snake in the Eagle's Shadow" is an important and I am sure hugely entertaining movie. But for those who watch as general movie fans might find the whole staged look and forced humour hard going.
