Why, oh why, do I like Jackie Chan movies so much?
I don’t know.
I just do.
They aren’t, technically speaking, good movies. I know that. I know a good movie when I see one. Jackie Chan movies don’t particularly qualify.
But I don’t care. I like them. Mostly because Jackie Chan is in them. And that’s all that seems to matter. The movie itself doesn’t have to be all that “good.”
Besides. I like lots of things that aren’t what you might call “good.” Which doesn’t exclude liking things that are good. I think it’s important to know the difference, but why be a snob about it? What good is that?
I like good coffee. I know good coffee. I drink good coffee. Most of the time. And I don’t understand why people drink bad coffee all the time and think that it’s good. That is a mystery to me. But, occasionally, I specifically, on purpose, have a mug of crappy, instant coffee. I couldn’t drink it all the time. It’s not really even coffee. I don’t know what it is. But, sometimes, I drink it for what it is. I make it really strong, and I like it.
Same kind of thing: I like good movies. I know a good movie from a bad one. Just like there are good novels and bad ones, there are good movies and bad ones. And everything in between. The point is, I know what makes Citizen Kane “good.” Lawrence of Arabia is my ultimate, all time favorite movie. Very few modern films come even close to the artistry of such films. They are, in every sense of the word, "art." They are masterpieces. The word “art” genuinely does apply to some movies and a lot of other things, and we can miss out, big time, if we don’t learn to appreciate the art of things.
But, occasionally, I’ll watch a Jackie Chan movie. And enjoy it.
Why?
Just. Because.
Peace to you.
© LW Publishing 2011
I'm sure I saw a quote from him once - many years ago - that stated: "America is a Lion. I like to visit the Lion, but I would never want to live in her cage". (more or less or something like that).
ReplyDeleteIf this is accurate, it would be interesting to know, now, how much time he spends in the States per year.
Of course, I could be totally wrong. I am going to post this anyway ... what the heck (I'm pretty sure I'm right). ;p
I can't find the quote anywhere, but that's interesting. And you wonder what he meant by that? I've heard him say quite a few weird things over the years, often because of a misunderstanding of some English idiom. Was he talking about America or Hollywood and the film industry? They show a house online in Beverly Hills that is supposedly his.
ReplyDeleteI took it to mean that he was jumping on the America Bashing bandwagon. But, now that we are losing our status to China ... the tables have turned Mr. Chan. hahahahha (evil laugh ;p).
ReplyDeleteYes, I work with Chinese people, there is a total breakdown at times in meaning of words and actions that are taken that are inappropriate for American culture. It's kind of funny.