Hidden Strike (2023) Review: Jackie Chan and John Cena Deliver Fun Chemistry in a Flawed Action Adventure

Hidden Strike arrived with a premise that sounded almost too good to ignore. The film pairs martial arts legend Jackie Chan with wrestler-turned-actor John Cena in a large-scale action adventure set along Iraq’s infamous Highway of Death. Directed by Scott Waugh, the movie follows two former special forces operatives who must escort civilians to safety while battling mercenaries and a corrupt mastermind.

On paper, the combination of Chan’s martial arts expertise and Cena’s comedic charisma should have resulted in a memorable buddy-action blockbuster. Instead, Hidden Strike delivers a mixed experience that frequently entertains but rarely rises above mediocrity. While the film offers several enjoyable action sequences and likable lead performances, it struggles with uneven pacing, excessive CGI, and a generic plot.

For viewers looking for a light action-comedy, there is still some fun to be found. However, those expecting a modern classic from two major action stars may leave disappointed.

The Story Relies on a Familiar Action Formula

The film centers on Luo Feng, a Chinese security commander tasked with evacuating workers from an oil refinery under attack in Iraq. Meanwhile, former U.S. Marine Chris Van Horne becomes entangled in the conflict after accepting a mercenary job that turns out to be far more sinister than expected. Their paths eventually cross as they join forces against a common enemy.

The problem is not the premise itself but how predictably it unfolds. The story follows familiar action-movie beats without introducing many surprises along the way. Character motivations are straightforward, villains are thinly developed, and several emotional moments fail to land with the impact they seem designed to achieve.

The narrative also takes too long to unite its two biggest stars. Critics noted that nearly half the movie passes before Chan and Cena finally share significant screen time, which limits the effectiveness of the buddy-comedy concept.

Jackie Chan as Luo Feng during a high-risk rescue mission in Hidden Strike

Jackie Chan and John Cena Are the Film’s Biggest Strength

Despite the screenplay’s shortcomings, Chan and Cena bring enough charm to keep the movie watchable. Jackie Chan once again proves why he remains one of the most beloved action stars in cinema. Even at this stage of his career, he delivers physical comedy and action scenes with remarkable energy.

John Cena complements Chan surprisingly well. His larger-than-life personality and comedic timing help create some of the film’s most entertaining moments. The chemistry between the two actors improves significantly once they begin working together, providing the movie with much-needed momentum.

Unfortunately, the script does not fully capitalize on their partnership. Several critics felt the duo deserved stronger material, as their natural charisma often outshines the story surrounding them.

Action Delivers Spectacle but Suffers From CGI Overload

Action is naturally one of the film’s main selling points, and there are moments where Hidden Strike delivers exciting set pieces. Vehicle chases, explosions, and large-scale battles provide a sense of spectacle throughout the movie. The production clearly aimed for blockbuster-level action.

However, the film relies heavily on computer-generated effects, often to its detriment. Multiple reviewers criticized the CGI for looking artificial and distracting, reducing the impact of scenes that should feel thrilling. Instead of enhancing the action, the visual effects frequently make it feel less believable.

This is particularly disappointing given Jackie Chan’s reputation for practical stunt work. While there are still enjoyable hand-to-hand combat moments, many action sequences lack the grounded feel that fans associate with Chan’s best films.

Humor and Entertainment Value

One area where the film finds moderate success is its sense of fun. The movie never takes itself too seriously and embraces its over-the-top premise. Cena’s comedic style blends reasonably well with Chan’s classic physical humor, creating several genuinely amusing exchanges.

That said, the comedy is inconsistent. Some jokes land effectively, while others feel forced or repetitive. Critics were divided on whether the film’s humor enhanced the experience or merely highlighted the weaknesses of the script.

For viewers approaching the movie as a simple popcorn action flick, the entertainment value may outweigh its flaws. The film moves quickly enough to remain engaging, even when the story itself lacks depth.

Hidden Strike is neither a complete disaster nor a hidden gem. It sits comfortably in the middle as an occasionally entertaining action-comedy elevated primarily by the appeal of its two stars. Jackie Chan and John Cena make a likable team, but the film surrounding them never reaches its full potential.

Weak writing, uneven pacing, and overused CGI prevent the movie from becoming a memorable entry in either actor’s filmography. Still, fans of straightforward action adventures may find enough enjoyable moments to justify a watch.