When trucker Jack Burton agreed to take his friend Wang Chi to pick up his fiancee at the airport, he never expected to get involved in a supernatural battle between good and evil. Wang's fiancee has emerald green eyes, which makes her a perfect target for an immortal sorcerer named Lo Pan and his three invincible cronies. Now, Jack must save Wang's fiancee from Lo Pan and his deadly minions, blood-curdling supernatural horrors, and a trio of unstoppable Kung Fu masters, whilst winning back his stolen truck. But how can he defeat an enemy who has no body? Big Trouble in Little China has to be one of the most incredible cult classics I have ever had the joy of experiencing. I mean this movie just doesn't hold back with its bizarre, weird, epic and over-the-top action being thrown at you nonstop in the best way possible. Directed by the master of horror, John Carpenter, he dabbles into a different genre, that of the action hero adventurer and is still able to deliver a phenomenal flick. In the limelight is Carpenter's favourite actor for his movies, Kurt Russel, as Jack Burton, who takes on the role of the hero out of their depths. That is putting it lightly cause whilst he may appear like the typical action hero capable of taking on anything, he actually fumbles up a lot and has no idea what is going on at all. It is so hilarious watching him rush into a dangerous situation guns blazing only for him to be knocked out, practically missing the majority of the fights or thrown aside by overly powerful beings. Even though he can be a bit of a fool and very cocky, he still kicks ass and has some awesome moments. Having Jack thrown unwillingly into the adventure was genius as he hasn't got a clue what is going on just like us viewers. He is completely bewildered by the unbelievable magical goings on, which are common knowledge to side kicks, Wang Chi and fellow sorcerer Egg Shen. Jack simply cares about getting the money he's owed from Wang and his iconic truck, The Pork Chop Express so when he is drawn into the peculiar mishaps, he wants no part of it. However, once his truck is taken during a climactic battle between two warring factions in an alley, Jack takes on the daring mission to confront the evil Lo Pan. I love how they gave such an elaborate and complex backstory for this film. It feels rich in history and whilst they do throw all the information at you in quick proportions that feel slightly hard to take in, it only adds to the humour of Jack's confused expression as he attempts to understand. Lo Pan is both a creepy and ridiculous villain who has such a powerful presence in the scenes when in his ghost-like form. He looks so cool in his vibrant garments and I equally enjoyed watching all his magical powers in action, especially when he gets all excited and makes some hysterical sounds of glee. Although he may be the top bad guy, my favourite has to be his underling magicians, The Three Storms (Thunder, Rain, and Lightning) who each have their own abilities making them formidable opponents and practically killing machines. The highlight of the trio, in my opinion, was Lightning with his electric powers, which looked phenomenal. Anytime they were on screen they would be flying around whilst attacking with swords, doing acrobatics or taking punches like they were nothing. Jack's allies also got plenty to do with Wang battling with Rain to taking on plenty of henchmen, Egg using his magic to duel with Lo Pan and Gracie acting as the not-so-typical damsel in distress who can fend for herself with some aid from our proud hero. Throughout the film, there is plenty to be left in awe by with much of that going to the visual effects department who concoct some strange monsters for the lair of Lo Pan that come and go out of nowhere including the bizarre flying spy ball covered in eyes. It's abnormal, different and quickly brushed over before carrying on like normal. I love it. Overall, what a crazily good adventure! It's honestly so sad they don't make movies like this anymore. The action was extravagant, the acting on point, the effects exemplary, the music catchy and the adventure wild. Big Trouble in Little China is a cult classic everyone should experience once in their lifetime.
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