Review of Big Trouble in Little China (1986) by Joe W — 01 Sep 2012
The best film John Carpenter made. Back in the late 70's going on 80's, John Carpenter was on a winning streak with Assault on Precinct 13, Halloween, The Fog, Escape From New York and Star Man. The Thing was not a box office success but is one of the best horror films ever made. Big Trouble in Little China was also a flop but has become a HUGE cult favourite.
I love the character of Jack Burton and how useless he is. He thinks he's John Wayne but really he's Homer Simpson. He's 100% confident, but has 1% brain power.
I also love the way James Hong played David Lo Pan, the villian. You can tell he had lots of fun playing this character.
Kim Cattrall's great as the love interest who just has 100% faith in Jack. Why would she? I think that's why it's so funny.
The big question is what genre is it? If you're working in a video shop, you don't know what section to put this film in. John Carpenter on the DVD featurette said it's an "Action-Adventure- Comedy- Kung Fu- Ghost Story- Monster" movie.
It's a very strange film. There's a creature that's a big floating ball with eye balls all over it, similar to the Beholder in Dungeons and Dragons and the scene where the character of Thunder swells up and explodes is just crazy.
Notice that the 3 Storms resemble the character of Rayden in Mortal Kombat. That's where the inspiration for that character came from.
The fight scenes are well choreographed, John Carpenter's music is great, it's just a fun, adrenaline fueled movie all together.
This review of Big Trouble in Little China (1986) was written by Joe W on 01 Sep 2012.
Big Trouble in Little China has generally received positive reviews.
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