The Hero Thinks He's the Hero. The Film Knows Better.
Nerdy Up North
The setup
Truck driver Jack Burton gets dragged into a supernatural battle beneath San Francisco's Chinatown when his friend Wang Chi's fiancée is kidnapped by the ancient sorcerer Lo Pan.
Have ya paid your dues, Jack?" This movie is one of the most entertaining films of the 80s and perfectly captures what made that decade of cinema so special.
"Have ya paid your dues, Jack?"
This movie is one of the most entertaining films of the 80s and perfectly captures what made that decade of cinema so special.
Characters that ooze charisma, amazing action scenes and stunning practical effects.
I remember watching this as a kid, and it has always been one of my favourite movies. Kurt Russell has had so many memorable roles, but I’d argue that his performance as the lovable rogue Jack Burton is the one he will always be remembered for.
What people don’t realise is that when this movie was released, it was both a commercial and critical failure. Over time, though, it became a cult classic and has only grown more loved.
I watch Big Trouble in Little China at least once a year, and I still get the same buzz watching it as I did the first time!
One of those movies I will never get tired of.
What do you think of the movie?
#BigTroubleInLittleChina #JackBurton #JohnCarpenter #80sMovies #CultClassic
Positives
Kurt Russell is hilarious, James Hong is brilliant, John Carpenter keeps the energy high and the practical fantasy effects are full of personality.
Negatives
The plot is deliberately chaotic and some cultural stereotypes are very much products of the 80s.
Verdict
Big Trouble in Little China is the rare action film where the macho lead being slightly useless makes everything better. Weird in all the right ways.
