Jul 16, 2008

Wiwille's movie reviews part 54

Jack Burton says, "What the hell." Such is the philosophy of the hero of 'Big Trouble in Little China', an adventure in San Fransisco's Chinatown. Jack is a truck driver who's a class act. On the grill of his semi he has the silhouette of a naked lady which includes the 'Haulin Ass' slogan, words used by many a clever trucker. He also broadcasts his wisdoms via CB to anyone who's listening. I mean who the hell is so arrogant to believe that their thoughts are worth sharing with a bunch of strangers? Oh wait.....

Jack takes his old friend Wang to the airport after winning all his money gambling. Wang is there to meet the love of his life, a green eyed gal from China he has flown into the US. Of course things don't go simply as she's kidnapped by some Chinese gang and taken to the mysterious Lo Pan.

Of course Jack and Wang pursue Lo Pan and attempt a daring rescue of the beloved damsel. Hijinks ensue as they encounter enemies with paranormal abilities, a big ball of fat with a bunch of eyes, monsters, Raiden from the Mortal Kombat video game, various Asian stereotypes, and most horrifying of all, Kim Cattrall.

'Big Trouble in Little China' is not high brow cinema, but as a parody, or dare I say tribute, to Hong Kong theatre and old movie serials this film is highly entertaining. Played tongue in cheek by Kurt Russel, Jack Burton is just damn cool and sports some really funny footwear. The film is laugh out loud funny, has some great one liners, and action scenes that are fun. The movie works in the fact that it never takes itself seriously and has a great sense of humour. I think I should add this to the 'Bad Movies I Love' list.

As I'm constantly reminded by the handsome Mattbear I can be a bit of a movie snob, but there are times that films such as this can entertain me far more than Citizen Kane. If you haven't figured it out already I recommend this if you're ever in the mood for a fun romp.

Thanks to WIGSF for submitting this. Wanna see a film reviewed by Wiwille? Drop me an email or comment and you'll see it soon on Erik's Ramblings. Rules are posted here.

"The high-octane action comedy takes all that was worthwhile from decades of B-flicks and distills it into a maximum-concentration explosion of cinematic TNT." - Phil Villarreal

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love this movie for pretty much the reasons you posted. Buckaroo Banzai (across the Nth dimension) is another big favorite for much the same reasons (John BigBooTay!)

Claire said...

Glad you enjoyed it! There's nothing quite like a plain old entertaining film...I'm going to try and think of something for you to review...

Cxx

Anonymous said...

BTILC is the cheesy action comedy movie for movie snobs. And Kurt Russell is one of the most underrated actors in the world.

Mattbear said...

Awesomely fun movie.

And the only reason I remind you that you're a movie snob is because I am one too.

That song is just too much.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

We were just talking about this movie the other day and how hot Kim Catrall STILL is! I love this movie too, but unlike the snobs that are Mattbear and Wiwille, I'm easily amused and Kurt Russell was hot back in the olden days ;)

Miss Ash said...

That characters name is Wang....seriously???

Anonymous said...

Oh, Kurt's still hot. He grew up pretty....Next review..."Soldier"