Chinese Zodiac (2012) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
Chinese Zodiac (2012), directed by and starring the legendary Jackie Chan, is a high-octane action-adventure film that highlights Chan’s signature blend of martial arts, humor, and death-defying stunts. Also known as CZ12, this movie is the third installment in Chan’s Armor of God series, following Armor of God (1986) and Operation Condor (1991). Chan plays the iconic treasure hunter, Asian Hawk, as he embarks on a globetrotting mission to recover ancient Chinese artifacts—the 12 bronze heads of the Chinese Zodiac.
This article delves into the film’s plot, performances, critical reception, and where to stream Chinese Zodiac in 2024.
Plot Overview: A Global Treasure Hunt
In Chinese Zodiac, Jackie Chan reprises his role as Asian Hawk, a daring adventurer and treasure hunter who is hired by a wealthy collector to retrieve the 12 bronze heads representing animals from the Chinese Zodiac. These bronze heads were stolen from the Old Summer Palace by foreign forces during the Second Opium War in the 19th century. Hawk, motivated by both profit and a sense of national pride, sets out to recover these priceless artifacts.
The story takes viewers on an international adventure, spanning various exotic locations from Asia to Europe. Along the way, Hawk is joined by a team of skilled accomplices, including Bonnie (Zhang Lanxin), a martial artist and historian, and Coco (Yao Xingtong), a French-Chinese student who seeks justice for her ancestors. Together, they face numerous challenges, including rival treasure hunters, mercenaries, and high-tech traps set by a shadowy organization.
The film culminates in a thrilling showdown at an active volcano, where Hawk must not only retrieve the bronze heads but also save his team from peril. True to Jackie Chan’s style, the climax is a blend of action, comedy, and acrobatic stunts.
Performances: Jackie Chan Shines in Action
Jackie Chan, as always, delivers an energetic performance, combining his athletic prowess, charisma, and comedic timing to bring Asian Hawk to life. Despite being over 50 years old at the time of filming, Chan still manages to perform many of his own stunts, including a standout scene where he rollerblades down a winding mountain road, dodging obstacles and enemies. His dedication to practical stunt work remains one of the film’s biggest draws, and fans of his earlier work will find Chinese Zodiac a nostalgic return to form.
Zhang Lanxin, a former taekwondo champion, impresses with her martial arts skills, holding her own in several fight scenes alongside Chan. Yao Xingtong adds a layer of emotional depth as Coco, providing a counterbalance to the high-energy action with her character’s focus on the historical significance of the artifacts.
The supporting cast, which includes Oliver Platt as the film’s primary antagonist and Laura Weissbecker as Catherine, a European art thief, add international flair to the film. However, much of the acting outside of Chan’s core team tends to be serviceable at best, as the film’s focus is more on spectacle and stunts than on deep character development.
Action and Stunts: Classic Jackie Chan
The action sequences in Chinese Zodiac are a mix of fast-paced martial arts, inventive set pieces, and classic Jackie Chan stunts. From intense hand-to-hand combat to large-scale chase scenes, Chan’s creative approach to action shines throughout the movie. One of the most iconic sequences involves Chan escaping from a French mansion, sliding down a hillside using custom-made gloves that allow him to move like a human roller coaster. This scene, filled with practical effects and Chan’s signature humor, is a highlight for action lovers.
While the fight choreography is top-notch, Chinese Zodiac also incorporates more modern elements like CGI, which received mixed reactions from audiences. Some felt that the inclusion of computer-generated effects detracted from the authenticity of the stunts that Chan is known for, particularly in scenes like the final battle near the volcano.
Critical Reception: Mixed Reactions
Chinese Zodiac received mixed reviews from critics, with many praising Jackie Chan’s dedication to stunt work and action choreography but criticizing the film’s plot and overuse of CGI. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 43% approval rating, with critics pointing out that while it’s an enjoyable action film for Chan’s fans, it doesn’t reach the heights of his earlier classics like Police Story or Drunken Master.
Fans of Chan’s style, however, appreciated the nostalgic elements, particularly how the film feels like a throwback to his earlier, more physical films. The lighthearted tone, coupled with globe-trotting adventure, reminded many of Chan’s Armor of God and Rush Hour series, even though the story and pacing felt somewhat disjointed at times.
While Chinese Zodiac is not considered one of Jackie Chan’s finest films, it does succeed in delivering the action-packed, family-friendly fun that has made Chan a global star. The movie was also notable for earning Chan a Guinness World Record for “Most Credits in One Movie,” as he took on a staggering 15 roles in the production, including director, producer, lead actor, stunt coordinator, and more.
Where to Watch Chinese Zodiac (2012) Online in 2024
If you’re looking to stream Chinese Zodiac, the film is available on several platforms. Here’s where you can watch it:
1. Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video offers Chinese Zodiac for both rental and purchase. You can rent the film in HD for around $3.99 or purchase it for $9.99. The platform is widely accessible across various devices, making it a convenient option for watching at home or on the go.
2. Apple TV
Apple TV also provides Chinese Zodiac for rent or purchase. Rentals are available for $3.99, while purchasing the film typically costs $9.99. Apple TV’s seamless integration with iOS devices makes it an ideal choice for Apple users looking to stream the movie in high quality.
3. Google Play Movies & TV
Google Play Movies & TV offers Chinese Zodiac for rental or purchase, with pricing similar to other platforms. Rentals usually cost around $3.99, while purchasing the film is about $9.99. Google Play is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Android phones, tablets, and smart TVs.
4. YouTube Movies
You can rent or purchase Chinese Zodiac through YouTube Movies. Rentals are priced at $3.99, while buying the movie costs around $9.99. YouTube’s accessibility across a wide variety of devices makes it an easy and flexible option for streaming.
5. Vudu
Vudu offers Chinese Zodiac for rent and purchase. Rental prices range from $2.99 to $3.99, depending on the quality (SD/HD), and purchasing the movie costs around $9.99. Vudu is known for its frequent discounts, so it’s worth checking for any deals.
6. Tubi (Free Streaming with Ads)
If you’re looking to stream the movie for free, Chinese Zodiac is sometimes available on Tubi, an ad-supported platform. While you won’t need to pay, be prepared for commercial breaks during the film.
Why Watch Chinese Zodiac in 2024?
For fans of Jackie Chan, Chinese Zodiac is an essential watch as it showcases Chan’s action prowess and comedic charm. The film serves as a nostalgic callback to his earlier works while incorporating some modern cinematic techniques. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his filmography, Chinese Zodiac offers a fun and thrilling ride.
As one of Chan’s last major stunt-driven films, it holds significance for action movie enthusiasts. The movie’s themes of heritage and history add some depth, making it more than just an action spectacle.
Final Verdict: A Fun, Action-Packed Adventure
Chinese Zodiac may not reach the heights of Jackie Chan’s most iconic films, but it delivers plenty of action, comedy, and inventive stunts. While the plot may be somewhat predictable, Chan’s incredible physicality and dedication to his craft make the film worth watching. If you’re a fan of globetrotting adventure films or simply enjoy watching Chan do what he does best, Chinese Zodiac will not disappoint.
