‘There is a plan. They just don’t know what it is.’
Hidden Strike is a 2023 comedic action film about two ex-special forces soldiers (John Cena and Jackie Chan) who team up and escort a group of civilians working for an oil refinery along Baghdad’s “Highway of Death” to the safety of the Green Zone. Also known as Project X-traction and The Furious Sandstorm.
Directed by Scott Waugh (6 Below: Miracle on the Mountain; Need for Speed; Act of Valor) from a screenplay written by Arash Amel (Rise; A Private War; The Titan; Grace of Monaco; Erased).
The American-Chinese Changchun Film Studio-Epitome-Flame Pictures Company-Huaxia Film Distribution-Talent International Media co-production stars John Cena, Jackie Chan, Pilou Asbæk, Zhenwei Wang, Minghao Hou, Amadeus Serafini and Jun Gong.
Reviews:
You could argue that this could be a 2-star movie, as some of the action is quite fun, but 1.5 is being generous thanks to the generic plot, ridiculous stereotypes and its constant attempt at humour that falls viciously flat at every turn.The Arty Dans, MOVIES & MANIA
“There’s some amusement with a bungee fight between Luo and an aggressor in a safety foam pit, but the rest of the action is too noisy and repetitive to be memorable. Hidden Strike is fairly generic to begin with, but the production isn’t interesting in doing anything amazing, keeping the shoot on stages and the actors in joke mode, trusting mass destruction will be enough to delight viewers” 1.5 out of 5, Blu-ray.com
“Overall this movie would be enjoyable for fans of Jackie Chan and/or John Cena. I do not believe it would win the hearts of critics or even audience who expect something serious or well-written plot. But for me and my wife and those who do not mind these kind of attributes, we were OK with it and had fun watching it.” 4 out of 5, Mike’s Movie Moments
“Fans of Jackie Chan will rejoice at the chance to relive the entertainer’s versatility, both as an actor and as an action star. Fans of John Cena will cheer the opportunity to see him take centre stage in an action vehicle. And for everyone else, this is a fun, lively and even thrilling action comedy that showcases the best of its lead actors.” 4 out of 5, Movie Exclusive
“This is a big fun action movie, with some great set pieces. The opening bus extraction sequence has Mad Max vibes about it. However, the movie does struggle with the comedy side of things, we have seen Jackie Chan have excellent chemistry in the past.” 3 out of 5, Movie Reviews 101
“The action is mostly a mixed bag with the major set pieces revolving around chases, flipping vehicles and explosions ruined by bad CGI. The fight scenes along with some of Chan’s trademark acrobatic stunts, however, are the least saving grace here. They are nothing spectacular but still reasonably entertaining…” 2.5 out of 5, Screen HK
” …isn’t a lost gem, held up by circumstance or international politics, nor is it the unintentionally amusing disaster that was shelved for its sheer awfulness. It’s just a plodding, dull waste of time and money. Even if you’re already paying for Netflix, it’s not even worth the time to check it out.” 1.5 out of 5, Voices from the Balcony
Trailer [1080p HD]:
Release:
Hidden Strike is streaming on Netflix in North America and Europe.
Cast and characters:
John Cena … Chris Van Horne
Jackie Chan … Luo Feng
Pilou Asbæk … Owen Paddock
Zhenwei Wang … Xiao Wei
Minghao Hou
Amadeus Serafini … Henry Van Horne
Jun Gong … Haiming
Rachael Holoway … Raider
Nadine Leon Gobet … Officer Rodriguez
Michael Koltes … Hayden
Technical specs:
1 hour 42 minutes
Original title:
狂怒沙暴
Notes:
Filmed in 2018 but its release was delayed due to John Cena openly commenting on Asian politics.
More Jackie Chan movies:
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