Big Trouble In Little China (1986)

Plot Outline: Trucker Jack Burton stumbles into a centuries-old mystical battle in Chinatown, which involves a plot to resurrect an ancient Chinese magician. Jack Burton's best friend, Wang Chi, has his girlfriend kidnapped by the evil Lo Pan and its up to them to get her back before the magician is made immortal.

The Review: A lot of people have criticised this film, claiming it to be one of Carpenter's worst. But I disagree. It's a very enjoyable action-comedy that has its tongue firmly in its cheek right from the start. The script is very funny and Kurt Russell in particular has some excellent dialogue and memorable comical lines. He is a John Wayne-like character who is completely out of his depth in the Chinatown supernatural war but always heads into battle with a swagger, only to find the swagger turn into a run when things don't work out for the best! He's loud and obnoxious at times and always thinks that he knows what he's doing but as the film progresses, you know that isn't the case and he is as clueless as everyone else. That is one the key elements of this film. He is thrust into this "world" he knew nothing about but just goes along with everything in order to survive. It's kind of like the audience watching the film. You don't always know what is happening or why but it's so damn enjoyable you don't care at times so sit back and enjoy the ride. Despite a few good characters (the debut of the 3 demigods Lightning, Thunder and Rain is classic) there are also too many sub-characters who were unnecessary to the film and made the film seem crowded (Kate Burton's news reporter and Donald Li's waiter characters are pointless diversions). They could easily have been removed and no one would know the difference, thus it would be more time for the main characters. Speaking of crowded, the fight scenes are also very well done. The Chinese stand-off in the alley is a classic and the fight at the end is full of impressive martial arts skills. Carpenter really has his hold over these scenes and he knows what he's doing. Add in some excellent special effects (for the 80s anyway) when the 3 demigods appear in the street and a typical electronic Carpenter musical score and you have Big Trouble in Little China.

Final Verdict: It may be too off-beat for mainstream audiences, but Big Trouble In Little China is Carpenter's unsung classic: a triumphant mix of martial arts, comedy and action all wrapped up in a neat little package.

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