Tuxedo, The (2002)

Starring: Jackie Chan, Jennifer Love Hewitt
Director: Kevin Donovan

Rating: PG-13

Studio: DreamWorks SKG

Review Posted: 3.10.03

Spoilers: None

By John Teves

International action-comedy star Jackie Chan is tailor-made for The Tuxedo, a roller coaster ride full of laughs, kinetic kicks and signature stunts. Jimmy Tong (Chan) is an ordinary cabbie-turned-chauffeur who slips into a 2 billion-dollar, super-spy suit and inadvertently becomes a dashing secret agent. Fit for trouble, this deluxe tux unwittingly thrusts Chan and his dazzling partner Jennifer Love Hewitt into a dangerous world of international espionage. Slip into The Tuxedo for non-stop fun and action.

>Read Sara M. Fetter's Film Review!

TUXEDO appears in an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 on this single-sided, double-layered DVD; the image has been enhanced for 16X9 televisions. TUXEDO provided a terrific image that displayed no concerns. The sharpness looked constantly crisp and detailed. I saw no signs of softness as the movie always appeared distinct and well defined.

I saw a few specks here and there, but for the most part, TUXEDO was a clean and unmarked image. Colors looked bright and vibrant. TUXEDO provided a varied palette. The colors always came across as filmy and accurate, with no problems. Black levels were deep and rich, and shadow detail looked fittingly heavy but not terribly thick. Ultimately, TUXEDO offered a very solid visual experience.

TUXEDO is presented with a Dolby Digital 5.1 track. Like most comedies, the soundfield offered a relatively submissive affair, but not on this track; I felt the track provided a reasonably involving experience. The forward speakers dominated the track, as I heard good stereo separation for the music and positive response for effects.

For the most part, the rear channels mainly stayed with wide-ranging ambience, but they came nicely to life on a few occasions. Audio quality was solid. Dialogue sounded a bit flat at times, but as a whole speech was natural and distinct and I thought effects came across clear. Overall, I thought TUXEDO offered an engaging track for a comedy.

• HBO's Special "Tailor Made for Jackie Chan"

• Deleted Scenes

• Theatrical trailer(s)

• Hilarious Blooper Reel

• Production notes

TUXEDO provides an amusing experience; the flick generates a laugh or two thanks to Jackie Chan, which I might add, saves the film from nearly becoming a complete failure. Jackie Chan is the monarch of action-comedy entertainment and because of this I’m recommending this film as a rental.

The DVD offers excellent picture, with solid sound and some decent extras. TUXEDO is a long way from being Jackie Chan's best film; but it’s still worth checking out especially for those "die hard" Jackie Chan fans.

Film Rating: 2 out of 4

Review originally appeared on DVDFreak.net

TOP