Unleash Your Laughter with an Action Comedy Caper That Even Surpasses Jackie Chan

Highlights

Jackie Chan's career struggled after the release of his least popular movie, "The Tuxedo," which received poor reviews in 2002.

Due to its lack of action fight scenes and a poorly written plot, "The Tuxedo" failed to impress at the box office, despite the presence of Jackie Chan's charm and a strong supporting cast. The movie concludes in a somewhat predictable manner, and there are no current intentions for a sequel.

Jackie Chan's recent absence from the big screen has been deeply felt in Hollywood. Throughout the 90s, he captivated audiences with his exceptional martial arts and comedic talent, especially when he joined forces with Chris Tucker in the highly successful Rush Hour series. The duo's on-screen chemistry was undeniably magical, resulting in box office triumph and the creation of two successful sequels following the initial hit in 1998. Although rumors of a fourth installment persist, with both actors eager to reprise their roles, there has been no official confirmation yet.

However, it hasn't always been smooth sailing for Jackie Chan. In the 2000s, his movie opportunities began to dwindle, and it's difficult not to attribute a portion of this decline to one of his less acclaimed films. The Tuxedo, released in 2002 to negative reviews, seemed to stall his career's momentum, leaving him with the challenge of reigniting his illustrious path.

What is The Tuxedo about?

The Tuxedo has one of the most peculiar storylines ever depicted on the silver screen. Jackie Chan portrays a clumsy chauffeur who is unexpectedly tasked with assuming the identity of a comatose secret agent. This entails utilizing a remarkable tuxedo equipped with an array of gadgets.

The character in question is Clark Devlin, a wealthy playboy billionaire brilliantly portrayed by Jason Isaacs in a delightfully comedic supporting role.

The protagonist, Jimmy Tong, initially a taxi driver turned chauffeur, is explicitly cautioned against touching Devlin's unique tuxedo. However, as the movie's title hints and the front cover featuring Jackie Chan sporting the said tuxedo suggests, it is predictable that he eventually wears it. As the story progresses, Jimmy discovers the extraordinary powers bestowed upon him by the suit, turning him into a proficient fighter with a black belt. Utilizing his newfound abilities, Jimmy employs the tuxedo to combat criminal activities and uncovers a sinister plot to contaminate the world's water supply.

The pinnacle of the film can undoubtedly be attributed to the noteworthy appearance of renowned singer, James Brown, in a brief yet memorable cameo. The character portrayed by Jackie Chan, for reasons known only to the screenwriter of The Tuxedo, decides to engage in a physical altercation with the legendary crooner before assuming his role within Brown's band. Consequently, he astounds the audience with his remarkable singing and dancing talents. Although the motivation behind this sequence remains obscure and peculiar, the inclusion of James Brown on screen is always a welcomed sight.

Why did The Tuxedo flop at the box office?

Released in 2002, The Tuxedo had all the ingredients for success. Jackie Chan, fresh off the success of Rush Hour 2, was a global action star known for his impressive action sequences. The film boasted an impressive supporting cast featuring Jennifer Love Hewitt, Peter Stormare, and Jason Isaacs.

Although Jackie Chan delivers his signature charm in the movie, it disappointingly lacks the desired number of action fight scenes, leading to its failure at the box office. Moreover, the film suffers from an incredibly weak plot and poorly written screenplay, making it nearly impossible for even the most accomplished actors to salvage it into a cohesive and engaging story.

The Tuxedo's reported budget was approximately $60 million, but it fell short in the United States, grossing only $50.5 million. During its opening weekend, it generated a modest $15 million. Overall, The Tuxedo earned $104.4 million worldwide, making it one of the biggest disappointments of the decade and certainly not among Jackie Chan's top ten films of all time.

How does The Tuxedo end?

In a surprising twist, it is unveiled in the climactic conclusion of The Tuxedo that Clark Devlin is, in fact, alive and well. Ingeniously, he orchestrated his own demise, deceiving all those around him, in order to execute his diabolical scheme without arousing suspicion. Utilizing a sophisticated robotic replica of himself, he strategically maneuvered through his evil agenda, effectively evading any accusations of wrongdoing. This clever development paves the way for a monumental final confrontation between Clark Devlin and Jimmy Tong, where their paths inevitably collide.

Jimmy faces a challenging task in confronting Devlin, who possesses the same abilities as him when wearing the tuxedo. To save the day, Jimmy must outsmart his formidable adversary. With his newfound powers, Jimmy successfully defeats Devlin and resumes his life as a taxi driver, no longer reliant on the tuxedo for confidence. He forms a romantic relationship with his partner, Del Blaine, leading to a happy ending. Although not a standout entry in the action comedy genre, Jackie Chan's endearing persona shines throughout the movie. However, it is unlikely that Chan will appear in a sequel to The Tuxedo in the near future.