Big Trouble in Little China (1986)

Big Trouble in Little China (1986)

On Demand TV, Seattle, WA

July 28, 2008

*** / ****

By Scott Muoio

John Carpenter’s Big Trouble in Little China deserves to be better than it actually is. With a brilliant premise, an amusing cast, and hilariously awesome special effects the recipe is there for a highly entertaining and original film. However, like ending a sentence with a preposition, it is execution of good ideas that is slightly off in the film relegating it from potential all-time weirdo classic to minor cult status. The result is a decent film that squanders a brilliant idea yet happily keeps our jaws agape and our fingers scratching our heads as “what the heck was that!?” thought balloons float above our heads.

The genius in Big Trouble in Little China is its premise and special effects. The concept: lovingly mock and duplicate the numerous kung-fu, chop-socky stereotypes that have defined many a B-movie while adding a heaping dose of outrageous, stunningly competent never-before-seen special effects. I mean, come on, who hasn’t dreamed that beneath the façade of San Francisco’s Chinatown lies a sinister world of rival gangs, magic wielding flying samurai, endless tunnels, lairs, and underground hide outs, and a 1,000 year old mystic named Lo-Pan who is hot and bothered to find a young hottie with green eyes? Yes, we’re talking goofy yet menacing kung fu maniacs that float down from the heavens and literally shoot lightning bolts from their eyes and firebolts from their arces, a centuries old fu-manchu type who morphs from decrepit old man to regal sour puss right before our eyes, and of course, Kurt Russell as a second-rate John Wayne truck driver who wields a perfectly coifed mullet, oozes machismo, and sports a constant semi in his pants as he haphazardly traverses the underground trying to figure what the heck it all means.

No doubt, the concept is there for Han Solo meets Shaolin Drunkard with a touch of Plan 9 From Outerspace confusion thrown in for good measure. Unfortunately, with minimal character development and repetitive action filling the forefront the whole shebang turns into a case of ambition and clever ideas struggling to hold down the fort while engaging drama and a fulfilling storyline fall by the wayside. It’s a disappointing quibble for sure but certainly not enough to derail an otherwise entertaining flick. Indeed, Big Trouble in Little China has enough personality and clever ideas to rise above its shortcomings and emerge as yet another bona fide niche favorite in the John Carpenter resume.

Director: John Carpenter

Producer: Larry Franco

Writer: Gary Goldman & David Weinstein

Music: John Carpenter & Alan Howarth

Starring: Kurt Russell, Kim Catrall