Big Trouble in Little China (1986) - |July 23 • 2006|

Some films move so fast plot holes and incoherency can be less focused on. Carpenter's film is so energetic and fun, it is such an example. It is loaded with Chinese Black Magic mumbo jumbo and supernatural shenanigans, but if one can accept it on it's own terms might just find themselves loving it. It pretty much doesn't catch a breath as we watch Kurt Russell's trucker Jack Burton get immediately mixed into an old gang war led by the mysterious Lo Pan(James Hong)who desires the green eyed love of Wang(Dennis Dun)to become mortally young and all powerful. His supernatural cohorts have specific powers and are named "the three storms" as they are able to crush anyone who gets in their way. One has the ability to increase his body mass, another is able to build electricity from his hands, and another is able to move really fast. Each cause Wang and Jack problems when the poor trucker loses his truck during this blood feud that ignites in Chinatown. Kim Cattrall plays newspaper reporter Gracie Law, looking for a story along with her partner Margo(Kate Burton). Soon even Wang's pal Eddie(Donald Li)gets involved. But, during their trials at trying to free Wang's green-eyed love, they will have to enlist in Egg Chen's service..a wise old sorcerer played by the always reliable Victor Wong. The film is loaded with martial arts action and wild special(and make-up)effects and old Chinese lore. If one can indeed shut their brain off and not take this film at all seriously, this film is no doubt a blast. Kurt Russell and his cast bring such an enthusiasm to the proceedings and that electronic score from Carpenter is great.