The Medallion (2003)

18% of critics liked it
(123 reviews)
41% of users liked it
(58,035 ratings)

Cop Eddie Yang (Jackie Chan) and his partner, Interpol agent Arthur Watson (Lee Evans), are in pursuit of international human-smuggling crimelord Snakehead (Julian Sands). The partners get seriously wounded and a mysterious ancient medallion transforms them into superpowered warriors called… More Cop Eddie Yang (Jackie Chan) and his partner, Interpol agent Arthur Watson (Lee Evans), are in pursuit of international human-smuggling crimelord Snakehead (Julian Sands). The partners get seriously wounded and a mysterious ancient medallion transforms them into superpowered warriors called Highbinders. The two halves of the medallion are supposed to grant eternal life when joined together by a powerful young boy who was born during a specific time in the Year of the Snake. The villainous Snakehead wants to gets his hands on both the child and the medallion, and the heros try to stop him. Aided by special effects and action choreography by Sammo Hung, Chan fights his way toward a violent conclusion with Snakehead that takes place in mid-air.. Claire Forlani plays Jackie Chan's love interest, the Interpol agent Nicole. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 28 min.
Directed By: Gordon Chan
Written By: Bennett Joshua Davlin, Alfred Cheung, Gordon Chan, Paul Wheeler, Bey Logan
Genres: Action & Adventure, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Comedy

In Theaters: Aug 22, 2003 Wide
On DVD: Dec 23, 2003
Studio: Columbia Pictures

Critic Reviews

Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly
Makes you long for Tucker -- and for Jackie Chan to fly without digital wings.
Ben Kenigsberg, Village Voice
This outing, Jackie doesn't bring much humor or personality to his role.
Charles Taylor, Salon.com
If writers think that they have to give Jackie Chan superpowers and special effects in order for him to do amazing things, they clearly have no idea who they're writing for.
Matt Bonesteel, Washington Post
Chan's normally homegrown stuntwork is replaced by a lot of wire fighting and special effects.
Ann Hornaday, Washington Post
So cheesy and cheap that it almost attains high camp.
Dennis Harvey, Variety
This H.K./U.S. co-production at times plays as if it were aimed at children, but more often simply seems to be aiming blind at whatever genre cliche the five credited writers fix upon in any given scene.
Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
Die-hard Jackie Chan fans may be disappointed.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
With smooth, energetic direction by Gordon Chan and a love interest in the beautiful Claire Forlani, The Medallion shapes up as one of Jackie Chan's best American films.
Philip Martin, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
The Medallion is an honest machine for making money, a meritorious entrepreneurial model.
Mark Collette, Tyler Morning Telegraph (Texas)
... enough distractions to carry us through the doldrums.
Scott Weinberg, Daily-Reviews
...easily the low point of Jackie's career thus far.
Daniel M. Kimmel, Worcester Telegram & Gazette
For Jackie Chan... the moment of truth may have finally come. Nearly 50... the undeniably engaging star may be near the end of his shelf life as an action figure.
Jamie Russell, BBC
It's a lame slapstick actioner in which Jackie Chan lets CGI effects take the heat instead of his arthritic joints.
Tyler Hanley, Palo Alto Weekly
Amateurish effects, frenetic camerawork and ridiculous villains prevent Chan's Medallion from emanating true cinematic shine.

Read all 14 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

John M

I was completely surprised at this one. I enjoyed Jackie Chan and Lee Evans together. I laughed alot and had all the Jackie Chan great moments.
Dead A

I do love Jackie Chan, but this movie was not as good as I expected to be.
Wahida K

The Medaillon. I tried so hard to watch this Movie to end but it just bored me.
Alexander W

Funncy and cheerful light hearted kung fu movie with jack chan,lee evans and the really good looking claire forlani (meet joe black)
A B

Mediocre Jackie Chan Stunt Movie. Mildly Entertaining
Jennifer X

i can't help it; jackie chan movies are just so amusing!
Dean M

Jackie Chan makes funniest accident scenes after he empowered with superhuman strength.
Steven V

Very good movie and just like any Jacky Chan's movie, very entertaining and cool fighting.
Deb S

Eddie Yang is a Hong Kong cop working with Interpol to try and bring down criminal `Snakehead' (played by Julian Sands) who is after an ancient medallion and it`s keeper, a young Oriental boy, who has been chosen to give life, power and immortality to whomever he heals with it.… More
Eddie Yang is a Hong Kong cop working with Interpol to try and bring down criminal `Snakehead' (played by Julian Sands) who is after an ancient medallion and it`s keeper, a young Oriental boy, who has been chosen to give life, power and immortality to whomever he heals with it. After the boy is kidnapped during a failed attempt of capturing Snakehead, Eddie is sent to Dublin, Ireland where he joins forces with Agent Nicole James (the fantastically eye-pleasing Claire Forlani) and the less-than-competent Agent Watson (Lee Evans), a nerdy Interpol officer, who can't seem to get anything right. After a near-fatal accident Eddie is suddenly transformed into a 'Highbinder'--an immortal warrior with superhuman powers and must go face to face with the menacing Snakehead who desperately wants the medallion back. Jackie is fun to watch as is Christy Chung (Lee's wife) who has a hidden armory in the broom cupboard ~although there is no given explanation for that~ lol. Eerily reminiscent of Eddie Murphy's "The Golden Child." But I would recommend it for anyone who enjoys Jackie Chan movies!
Curt C

Once upon a time, I thought Jackie Chan could do no wrong. A god if cinema, who's comic timing and entertaining martial arts could save any film. And then I saw ... The Medallion. Lee Evans is a funny guy, and he's also funny in The Medallion, but I think he's the… More
Once upon a time, I thought Jackie Chan could do no wrong. A god if cinema, who's comic timing and entertaining martial arts could save any film. And then I saw ... The Medallion. Lee Evans is a funny guy, and he's also funny in The Medallion, but I think he's the wrong person to pair with Jackie. The action was also a bit underwhelming. Not without it's moments, but still disappointing.
Yinalí R

All jakie chan movies are good!
Chad R

A little better than average Jackie Chan Vehicle sporting a high kicking Clair Forlani. Ovarall decent action and comedy..Some funny moments but nothing to write home about. .Final analysis of this movie...Claire Forlani is hot!
Rose G

This is probably the worst Jackie Chan movie I've seen. It's got the worst villain, the most unfunny sidekick and the stunts were not as exciting as his previous works.
Leo L

Fantastic movie! Julian Sands portrays a remarkable villian. Great story plot.