Review – Big Trouble in Little China

Rare indeed is the movie that can combine this many different genres with any degree of success. But for the most part director John Carpenter actually manages to mash the Hong-Kong-style martial arts movie, the more traditional American action adventure flick, and the screwball comedy into a single film. To be sure, some parts aren’t especially effective. Sometimes the comedy gets in the way of the action, and Carpenter’s vocals on the end title theme aren’t exactly his finest moment. Overall, however, this is a thoroughly enjoyable diversion. Kurt Russell plays Jack Burton, a swaggering, obnoxious truck driver who gets caught up with no end of Chinese black magic, Tong wars and other similar doings. If you send your brain to bed early, you should find this one thoroughly amusing. True fans of the movie – and here I’m talking about folks who love it so much that they’d voluntarily sit through a Coup de Villes video or have always wondered just how Gracie Law got into the immigrant aid business – should certainly check out the collector’s edition DVD. If you like the movie, the extras are worth it. Worth seeing