Big Trouble in Little China (1986)

 

Oh, John Carpenter, you wonderful man you... Responsible for probably some of the most iconic horrorfilms and thrillers ever, and this here is a wacky adventure comedy with lots of nods and nudges towards Hong Kong action films.

Yes, that includes a nonsensical plot, kung fu-fighting and wirework. The only thing missing is poor dubbing. This still is a hoot to watch, though.

Kurt Russell plays Jack Burton, a trucker who makes his regular stop in Chinatown, delivering live pigs. He meets up with his friend Wang and they play some games, severly depleting Wang's finances. But that's okay, because he's meeting his wife-to-be at the airport and Jack tags along. There, Wang's fiancée is kidnapped by a gang and both friends follow them into a secluded part of Chinatown, where they witness an all out brawl between two rival factions. This in itself wouldn't be so weird, if suddenly there weren't three magicians suddenly entering the fray, followed by a creepy character who is revealed to be Lo Pan, an ancient sorcerer in league with a demon. It turns out Lo Pan has to marry a Chinese girl with green eyes in order to fully live again, and yes: Wang's girl has green eyes. This means a rescue mission is set up, but they discover they've bitten off more than they can chew, as there is a complete temple and corridors and what have you below this part of town. As if that's not enough, our intrepid heroes are seriously unprepared to deal with sorcery. Luckily, martial arts and wisecracking will bring relief. 

There is a ton of stuff that happens in this film and it is almost complete insanity to try and list it all. No really, it is a lot. The basic plot is our duo (with some friends) trying to stop the evil sorcerer Lo Pan, but the amount of shenanigans is massive. But this film never takes itself too seriously, which just makes it all the more fun to watch. Kurt Russel's character truly is a fish out of water and we as the audience are pretty much as stumped as he is and just taken along for the ride. In fact, Wang is probably the true hero here, fighting to reclaim his loved one. All of the actors seem to be having a great time, with special mention of the always fun James Hong as Lo Pan. As an elderly man, he is devious and as the sorcerer, he is genuinely creepy. 

The stuntwork is also very well done, with lots of fighting and wirework and it is exhilarating and high octane, so you will not be bored for one second. Heck, you barely get the time to breathe before something else happens. This can also make the film feel a little disjointed at times, as you're literally taken for a ride on a rollercoaster. It just depends on whether you can appreciate this sort of thing. The insanity of it all is nicely balanced with the comedy, and you will be laughing to your heart's content on more than one occasion, as this is a goofy adventure. 

Oh, and the sets look gorgeous. Yes, a little too convoluted and cheesy at times, but it fits with this story, which is a s over the top as you can get it. 

You have to be in the mood for this one, as it is by no means something everyone will enjoy. But if you can find enjoyment in goofy action/adventure films and like a bit of comedy, completed with a cast that is absolutely enjoying itself, then this is one for you.