Big Trouble in Little China (1986)

Given the title, and having already witness a scene with an asian man exploding, I knew I was expecting 80s absurdity. It's all well and good, but it does come at a price amounting to more than the cost of a number 67 from my local Chinese takeaway (egg fried rice between you and me). Truck driver Jack gets caught in an ancient battle where two girls are captured because they have green eyes. Yes, that's the best I can do. There's sorcery, cheesy one liners and Raiden from 'Mortal Kombat'. A "Chinese Showdown" consisting on atleast fifty extras flipping on wires in every direction, as director Carpenter bathes in the mayhem for a decent five minutes. Considering he is best known for crafting some of the best horror films ever, his authentic prosthetic trademark is put to good use here. A floating flesh ball comprising of eyeballs, a hairy yeti resembling a drugged up Chewbacca and, as mentioned before, a man enlarging himself to the point of explosion. It's madness, sheer lunacy. Yet, it knows what it is. You can't class it as "so bad it's good" because it isn't serious, and that only adds to the charm. Acting was serviceable, Russell revelling in his action glory days whilst Cattrall adds some sass with her character. The screenplay, unfortunately, is lacklustre. Having slept on this film (not literally...or maybe), I can't remember any of the one liners except Jack frequently shouting "Wang!" "Wang!?" "Waaaaaaang!!!!" whilst the script negates all racial context. The story seems like it has plenty of lore, yet hardly any of the fantasy elements are explored. Simply just used for environmental set pieces. It substituted an engaging story for B-movie action. Also, some of those effects have not aged well at all...but that's a given, I don't think you need me to reiterate that for you. Did I enjoy this? Yes, unquestionably. Do I think it's good? Now that's where I question myself. Perhaps it's just not to my taste, B-Movies have never enticed me.

Big trouble in little china is awesome movie i love martial arts in this movie it is so graet

I hadn't seen this movie before, I just watched it today and I had a blast! It was fun, still holds up to this day imo!

I watched BTILC when it first came out at the cinema. I can't remember if it was one of those movies that was a flop when it first came out and then gradually grew a following over time but I loved it the first time I saw it. Just recently I watched it again with my two 20+ year old sons and they're now hooked as well.If you try to analyse BTILC it really shouldn't work and if it was made today it would probably bomb at the box office. The action, story, characters and special effects are so far out there that ordinarily you'd expect viewers to be more like 'what the **** is going on?'.Yet, BTILC sucks you into the fantasy, the humour, the dialogue and the WFT story line and keeps you fully entertained throughout.Anyone who's thinking of remaking BTILC should have the 'curse of no flesh' placed upon him.