“Hidden Strike” (2023) Review: An Explosive Collaboration Between Jackie Chan and John Cena, Packed With Jaw-Dropping Action

Review: Jackie Chan-John Cena Starrer ‘Hidden Strike’ Starts Strong but Falls Flat

In Scott Waugh’s ‘Hidden Strike,’ the audience is treated to a thrilling opening scene that promises an action-packed ride reminiscent of films like ‘Mad Max: Fury Road.’ With the unlikely duo of Jackie Chan and John Cena as the main leads, the movie initially captures attention with its innovative premise and exploration of capitalism as the main antagonist.

A Missed Opportunity for Innovation

However, the excitement quickly dwindles as ‘Hidden Strike’ veers off into familiar territory, blending action with comedy. Unfortunately, the comedy elements fail to deliver, leaving the audience longing for more substance. The writing falls short, and even Cena’s comedic talent is underutilized.

Lost Socio-Political Angle

What is particularly disappointing is the film’s failure to explore its important socio-political angle. The initial setup suggests a critique of capitalism and the exploitation of the poor, but this theme is abandoned for a more formulaic storyline. The introduction of a staple villain, played by Pilou Asbæk, further detracts from the potential depth of the film.

An Ordinary Action Flick

‘Hidden Strike’ follows the common tropes of the action genre, with a plot centered around a large oil company and a group of mercenaries. While the action sequences are decent, they are not exceptional enough to differentiate the film from others in the genre. Despite the film’s promising start, the overall experience is mediocre.

Missing Opportunities and Limited Range

One cannot help but wonder why director Scott Waugh would squander the opportunity to create a road movie featuring a battle of wits between Jackie Chan and John Cena. Given Waugh’s previous work, including the lackluster ‘Need For Speed’ movie, it is evident that he has limited range as a director.

The Importance of Blending Comedy and Action

While the infusion of comedy into action films can be successful, ‘Hidden Strike’ falls short in finding the right balance. In contrast, the recent installment of ‘Mission Impossible’ demonstrates how comedy can be seamlessly blended into a high-octane action movie. ‘Hidden Strike’ fails to replicate that level of comedic integration.

Recommendation: Not Worth The Watch

Ultimately, ‘Hidden Strike’ fails to live up to its promising start and does not offer anything unique or memorable to the action genre. There are countless better action movies available that offer more excitement and enjoyment. With a plethora of options to choose from, it is best to avoid the mediocrity of ‘Hidden Strike’ and explore other films.