Jackie Chan is back again with yet another film, and this time, it’s “Panda Plan,” which has come under heavy criticism from reviewers and fans alike. Following the lukewarm reception of his previous movie, “A Legend,” this latest offering appears to have done even more damage to Chan’s storied career. After all, it had high hopes pinned on it, being released on China’s national holiday on October 1, 2024, but it hasn’t performed as expected, grossing only $36 million against its significant production costs of $25 million.
When you think family film, one would expect light-hearted narratives and themes suitable for children. But right out of the gate, “Panda Plan” opens with wild shootouts reminiscent of classic John Woo action films, leaving audiences baffled about how this aligns with the intentions of creating a family-friendly movie. The action hero, played by Chan, finds himself struggling with his on-screen identity, and it’s quickly revealed to be part of the film within the film. This intriguing premise hardly delivers depth or excitement as one might hope.
Alongside Chan, there’s Shi Ce portraying Su Xiazhou, the panda keeper. Unfortunately, the film is heavily laced with CGI effects, including the baby panda and even a scene where Chan attempts to milk a rhinoceros. The graphics leave something to be desired, raising questions about the production quality and the charm of the film.
For viewers who feel nostalgia for Chan’s earlier works, “Panda Plan” serves as frustrating reminder of his once-great action prowess. Many of the supporting characters come off as flat stereotypes, failing to resonate or relate effectively with the audience. Temur Mamisashvili’s character, James, is the leader of the mercenary group hired to kidnap the fake panda, but he and his fellow mercenaries are depicted more as inept comic relief than serious threats.
Many critics described the film as “clumsy and uncharming,” arguing it completely misses the mark for adult audiences. One review pointedly states, “For adults, the film is simply a waste of time.” It seems even Chan’s self-deprecatory humor and charm could not redeem the lack of coherent storytelling or engaging action—a stark departure from his classic films.
Several reviews noted Jackie Chan’s physical state during the film, highlighting how at 70 years of age, he is evidently plagued by aches and pains. To compensate, many of the action sequences were performed by stunt doubles, which was almost unthinkable for someone known for his daring exploits. His inability to take on the traditional action sequences brings attention to the challenges faced by aging action stars attempting to fulfill audience expectations.
Despite these issues, “Panda Plan” does have plans for the future, with eight new projects already listed as being in various developmental stages, including the unfortunate news of a sequel to this underwhelming film set to premiere on October 1, 2025. Fans and critics are left scratching their heads— how can Chan, who has delighted audiences with captivating performances, continue on this path?
So many aspects of “Panda Plan” seem out of step with contemporary cinema, especially for the family genre it claims to inhabit. The start is jarring, and many of the jokes land poorly. One highlight is the quirky robot named Tony, who embodies outdated comedic elements without awareness of current social narratives, like the MeToo movement, adding to the film's disconnect.
Overall, if you’re drawn to Jackie Chan’s celebrated past, you might want to skip “Panda Plan.” The blend of action and family themes appears forced, and many scenes feel crafted rather than heartfelt. For younger audiences, the initial tone may scare them away, leaving this film likely unfit for any demographic. Unfortunately, the film fails to showcase Chan’s phenomenal charisma and action legacy, leaving audiences hoping for much more from their beloved actor.