It’s been a long time since the great Jackie Chan was involved with a worthwhile American film. 2003 and Shanghai Knights, to be precise. And, after today’s news that he’s signed on to star in a movie directed by Mr. Brian Levant, quite possibly the worst director in Hollywood, it seems that wait will continue.
You may think that’s harsh, but when we remind you that Levant is the hack behind such monstrosities as Problem Child 2, The Flintstones (and its sequel, Viva Rock Vegas), Jingle All The Way, Snow Dogs and Are We Flippin’ Bleedin’ There Yet?, we’re sure you’ll see where we’re coming from.
The film in question is The Spy Next Door, in which Chan plays a guy babysitting his neighbour’s kids. When one of them downloads a secret code, Chan must fight off the spies sent to take them out.
So it’s Home Alone meets The Pacifier, but with Chan’s unique chop-socky skills added into the mix. And that’s the only reason we’re even vaguely optimistic about this.
Jonathan Bernstein and Jim Greer are writing the script, while Robert Simonds will produce.