The Rookies (2019) is a Chinese action-comedy film directed by Alan Yuen, known for its blend of fast-paced action, quirky humor, and a globe-trotting spy adventure. Starring Talu Wang, Milla Jovovich, Sandrine Pinna, and Timmy Xu, the film follows an unlikely team of ordinary individuals who find themselves embroiled in an international espionage mission. With high-stakes drama and comedic twists, The Rookies is an entertaining take on the spy genre.
Zhou Feng (Talu Wang), a thrill-seeking extreme sports enthusiast, is always chasing the next adrenaline rush. During one of his stunts, he inadvertently gets caught in a criminal operation involving a dangerous biochemical weapon. This misstep leads him to cross paths with Bruce (Milla Jovovich), an elite and no-nonsense agent working for the “Black Knight Squad,” an international secret organization tasked with protecting global security.
Unwillingly roped into the spy world, Zhou Feng is recruited to join the squad and is paired with a ragtag team of rookies:
- Ding Shan (Sandrine Pinna): A quirky and brilliant scientist whose inventions are both helpful and hilariously unconventional.
- Miao Yan (Timmy Xu): A skilled hacker with a mysterious past, bringing a tech-savvy edge to the team.
- LV (Xu Wei Zhou): A police officer with good intentions but little experience, adding to the team’s comedic dynamic.
As they work together to stop a criminal mastermind from unleashing the biochemical weapon on the world, Zhou and his team find themselves facing life-threatening missions, spectacular chases, and explosive battles. Along the way, they must learn to trust each other and grow from inexperienced rookies into true heroes.
The film moves through vibrant locations around the world, including Budapest, where much of the action unfolds. The groupβs mission becomes increasingly chaotic and dangerous, leading to a final showdown that tests their courage, ingenuity, and teamwork.
The Rookies received mixed to negative reviews from critics. While praised for its stylish visuals, energetic performances, and lighthearted tone, it was criticized for its thin plot, overuse of clichΓ©s, and inconsistent pacing. Some critics felt that the film leaned too heavily on flashy action and comedy without fully developing its characters or narrative.
Milla Jovovichβs performance as Bruce was a standout, with her experience in action films adding a layer of credibility to her role. Talu Wang and the supporting cast were also commended for their charisma and comedic timing, even if the script didnβt give them much depth to work with.
Despite its flaws, the film found an audience among fans of light-hearted action-comedies and those looking for a visually entertaining, fast-paced spy adventure.
The Rookies (2019) is a fun, action-packed film that doesnβt take itself too seriously. While it may lack the narrative depth of classic spy thrillers, its mix of comedy, stylish action, and eccentric characters make it an enjoyable watch for fans of the genre. With Milla Jovovich lending star power and Talu Wang bringing charm to the lead role, the film offers a light and entertaining escape.