Archive: Impact Hero of the Year Awards

The world's one and only action movie magazine checks out the best of the best and decides who did (and didn't) deliver the goods in '93.

At the time of writing, 1993 draws slowly to a close. Few would dispute that, with one major wrong turn, it's been a great year for action films. Jurassic Park, which just about fits the bill as a high concept stunt 'n' sfx extravaganza, demolished the opposition with the same force Godzilla exerts on Tokyo. The big bucks at the box office also went to films such as Dragon, Hard Target and the remarkable Stallone double bill of Cliffhanger and Demolition Man. For once, though, the awesome Arnold was left in the shade, taking a rare misstep with the well-conceived but poorly executed Last Action Hero. In this end-of-the-year round up, we take an overview of who did what in '93, before awarding our Impact Hero of the Year award. Our analysis takes in the past form of each runner, and then examines their current form and future prospects. As well as providing a record of a memorable year, this feature should also shine some light on the shape of things to come.

Jackie Chan

Past Form

Since he first exploded on to the Hong Kong movie scene with a brace of kung fu comedy hits, Snake in the Eagle's Shadow and Drunken Master, Wacky Jackie has remained the Far East's favourite action hero. Attempts to launch him in the West in vehicles such as Battlecreek Brawl and The Protector have so far proved unproductive, though he retains a vast cult following all over the world. Ironically, international audiences prefer to see him as an out-and-out action hero, in films such as Armour of God, Wheels on Meals and Crime Story, while his local crowds enjoy the slapstick comedy of Project A, Part Two and Operation Condor. If he can reconcile the two, he may produce a hit that pleases both East and West.

Current Form

After the slo-o-ow production rate of the previous years, during which he cranked out Miracles and Operation Condor at less than a snail's pace, Chan fans were delighted at the chance to view a whole new line-up of Jackie productions. Island of Fire, Police Story 3, City Hunter and Crime Story all have much to recommend them. Sadly, only Island has received mainstream distribution in the U.K.. Jackie's talent is undeniable. The main thing standing between him and our Hero Of The Year award is the sad fact that so few of his films get the international audience they deserve. To make matters worse, he's returned to his previous production pace for Drunken Master 2, a troubled epic that has taken him over eight months to create!

Future Prospects 

After all this time, Drunken Master 2 better be good, though advance word is not that hot. Chan made this films for The Hong Kong Stuntmen's Association, and appears to be as unhappy with it as he was with Twin Dragons, which he made for The Directors' Guild. When D.M. 2 finally wraps, Jackie is set to make a film for the enterprising Win's film Company. It'll be a period piece, and a main attraction for Chan is the fact that Win's seem to have tied up the Mainland Chinese distribution market. Subsequently, Jackie promises (or threatens!) an Armour of God 3. His long-time dream project, a kung fu Western, is still a possibility, as are the chances of his making American films again. Apparently he has a deal with a San Francisco based company, and has had an offer from Stallone. Golden Harvest, we hear, have been the main stumbling block in overseas negotiations.

Jean Claude Van Damme

Past Form

Early hits like Bloodsport and Kickboxer established Jean-Claude as the front runner among the new generation of action stars. However, fans soon started wondering when he was going to make films as good as these two again! Cyborg, Death Warrant, A.W.O.L. and Double Impact all furthered his reputation internationally, but none turned out to be the kind of runaway hit every rising action hero longs for. Universal Soldier looked like being his best shot at the big time, but even J.C.V.D.'s staunchest fans agree that this Dolph/ Van double-header was something of a disappointment. Nowhere to Run was a mistimed attempt to join the mainstream, leaving audiences wondering why someone who can fight like Van Damme should choose NOT to do so.

Current Form

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