My favorite thing about BTILC is that it is a movie told from the sidekick's perspective, but that he thinks he's the hero. Not many movies are willing to do that.
EXACTLY. The main character believes he's a hero, whereas he's actually an incompetent sidekick that refuses to realize that. The "sidekick", Wang, is the actual hero of the story - he's out to heroically rescue his beloved, and he's as smart and strong as a hero would ever be. And he's a good sport, he doesn't have time to think about standing or face, he's too busy doing the right thing. He's even got a sense of humor. But Jack Burton, our main character, is still the king of this movie. God Bless Jack Burton. "Eh, you know what ol' Jack Burton use to say at a time like thus?" "Who?" "Jack Burton, ME! Ol' Jack always says...'what the hell'."
I liked Vampires when it came out and didn't hate Ghosts of Mars. So I have the feeling they might have gotten worse. But I'm willing to try it some day. And I'm a big fan of Escape from LA, that most people seem to still hate. The Ward, on the other hand, that will never be considered good.
This movie actually holds a dear place in my heart. Being a mixed race Chinese American meant that my mother would introduce me to countless good Hong Kong action flicks, whilst my father would show me classic American films. This movie came along and allowed me to join both cultures together in a spectacular journey that I had yet seen done at that point in media.
This movie seems like such a haven for Chinese-American actors, especially at the time. Faye Dunaway's servant from Chinatown is the villain for heaven's sake!
I think part of what makes this film so good is how it uses Kurt Russel’s goofy Burton as an entryway to telling a story about Chinese folklore & legend that I feel we just don’t see enough here in the States. Also, without wishing to get “too political,” there’s something great to me about this being a film made in the West that has both a primarily Asian cast with an Asian lead (yes, I know about Burton, but the main joke is that Burton _thinks_ he’s the main character when he’s really the hero’s idiot sidekick) and an atmosphere & story that’s just _drenched_ in countless Eastern myths & legends.
I actually discovered this move in the summer of 87 at age 10 on Cinemax or HBO and the first thing that stood out to me at that early age was the fact that the hero was the side kick and the side kick was the hero. John Carpenter said in the DVD commentary that the critics didn't get the joke. They thought it was snake Blisken going to China town to kick ass. I love this movie because it lampoons the heroic macho American archetype and completely flips it on its head.
This movie F***ING RULES! It's one of the most fun and amazing cinema experiences you can have, and it is a shame it wasn't a huge hit back in its day.
Kurt Russell and John Carpenter. Just awesome movies. No one captures mood and tone so exquisitely. The Thing, Escape from New York, They live, Halloween, this. Movie perfection.
This flick is way, way better than it should be. I first saw it on television, and at the time I remembered something vaguely about my older brother talking about it or something from way back when. I had no real expectations. I couldn't believe it was so good: it was over-the-top cheesy, but in a way that owned it; it didn't celebrate it, it wasn't self-aware, but it ran with a ridiculous story with a straight face, and as it got crazier and crazier, I never felt my suspension of disbelief being tested. One thing that makes it work so well, IMO & all that, is that it starts small. It begins as a small story in a small section of a city, but expands to encompass grand stakes and a big mythology. It's believable, in a weird sort of way; watching it, I could believe there was this latent magical world waiting to explode. I doubt we'll ever see a better movie about a narcissistic trucker going down the rabbit hole. Too bad Hollywood decided to ruin it with a remake or whatever. More shaky-cam, cut-and-paste bullshit crapped out by an industry that's imagination impaired and creatively lazy. At some point, somebody has to come to grips with regression to the mean and start remaking terrible movies that should have been good. (Maybe somebody has, and I just don't know about it. Absolutely likely.) Again, IMO & all that. (Edited for typo)
Easy set up to it, just have the Pork Chop Express pull into a town full of deadites. Jack has no clue what going on until Ash tries and fails to explain things.
"Kurt Russell. If you're any kind of genre fan, you worship this guy already." I feel so exposed...and also, thankful, because now I need to watch this movie again. btw That comparison between Burton, Quill, and Sparrow was really well done. That edit caught me off guard. Hey, have you seen Bone Tomahawk? It's a fairly recent Kurt Russell film that flew under the radar. It's good, but it's not for the squeamish. I grew up watching gory shit but even I had trouble watching a couple of scenes from that movie.
I've always thought the same thing every time I watch this movie. This was like 10 years before the MK movies and BTILC looks like it was made in 2020, but better.
This is correct. I've been saying it for years that 80s lightning is the bestest. Back to the Future, Terminator, Return of the Jedi.... Back when film was art and not just cynical cash grabbing.
It's because talented animators would hand draw them onto the frames. And these days they just slap an Adobe plug-in 'Lightning 02' onto the film in a poorly integrated digital effect and call it a day.
They really don't make films like this anymore. Carpenter hit such a stride in the 80's with gems like this and the thing plus they live. I discovered BTILC one night on hbo and instantly fell in love with it. Great video Rossatron, keep up the good work sir.
Honestly, if you're gonna do a Big Trouble in Little China remake or a spiritual successor, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is not the best pick for Jack Burton or a Jack Burton type of hero. That role works better with someone like Chris Pratt or Ryan Reynolds. Someone like The Rock looks like he belongs in an 80's action movie like Commando, playing the unstoppable hero who can carve through an army of cannon fodder goons without breaking a sweat. Guys like Pratt and Reynolds, while no slouches in terms of action, can pass as someone who is way in over their heads and they should not be in any type of fight. Then again, why remake BTiLC when we've got the original on Blu-ray.
chwen hoou No one can replace James Hong’s villain either. What an amazing, under appreciated actor. One thing I might enjoy is martial arts superstar Wu Jing playing Wang Chi . But its still hard to imagine they could capture the magic of the original.
Best thing could do is make it a sequel and bring Hong back for a similar villain or role. Or put him in Victor Wong's place as the Egg Shen-type character. For the "hero" maybe Golding or one of the dudes from CRA?
The Rock might be able to pull it off. He can be self-deprecating funny. But I'd almost rather see Chris Helmsworth give it a go. Well, I'd rather not see it remade at all. It is not possible to make a better version of this movie. The fact that the original is steeped in 80's cheese is what really makes it. That's just not something that can be recaptured, even if they tried to Kung-Fury it.
Yeah, I could actually see The Rock making this work, but he would have to be 100% onboard with the idea that his "hero" character isn't the hero, and never was. And he seems to have enough self-awareness that I think he could do that. If anything, I'd be more concerned with audience blowback. Would people want to go see a movie deliberately written to make The Rock look like a fool who's out of his depth? I kind of doubt it.
This is my favorite film of all time. It's not perfect, but it encapsulates an era for me of nostalgia. I can understand why it has a cult following. Thanks for the video, my dude. Yeah, it introduced some humor into action movies, like no other. The film took risks! If you did or did not like it, it was still beautiful. Fun.
i remember my mom showing me this movie during quarantine my senior year of high school. I fell in love with it immediately and I still rewatch it regularly, definitely my favorite movie I’ve ever seen
Couldn’t agree more with you man. For me this is definitely the pinnacle of Carpenter’s style of movies, he’s got it all down perfectly and Kurt Russell gives his absolute best performance. I hadn’t thought about the influence of Jack Burton on Sparrow and Starlord but now you said it...damn!
I got to see this at the Egyptian in Hollywood about 8 years ago, and Carpenter was there for a Q&A. Someone in the crowd asked about a sequel, and Carpenter's response was something like, "Why the hell would we make a sequel to a movie that didn't make any money in the first place?!" He then concluded the Q&A with, "I gotta go meet my drug dealer." LOL. I seriously have never had so much fun in a movie theater than I did that night.
I can see the rock doing Jack Burton. He has enough comedic chops to pull it off. That said, I'm not sure remaking BTILC is a good idea, especially with Hollywood drowning itself in crazy ideological nonsense.
Yes, Jack Burton is clearly just a comic relief sidekick in the movie. Wang Chi is clearly the hero of the story, he has the girl that needs the rescuing, he is the one that fights the big bad boss at the end. While Jack Burton is just along for the ride and for comic relief, he is clearly just the sidekick, that doesn't know he's the sidekick.
I've loved this film ever since I first saw it in the cinema in 86' , there's always a danger that movies from your childhood won't stand the test of time but Big Trouble in Little China just seems to age like a fine wine- superb
It's a combination of taking itself very seriously, and not taking itself seriously. It reached a balance. If it were played straight, like any other movie of this quasi-genre, it wouldn't be as good. Indeed,
I'll tell you what makes it so good: When the armored samurai is attacking Jack, and he flips the knife in his boot while on his back, and impales the samurai. The fact he gets stuck like that and can't get the samurai off him, brings this movie to a whole other level. it's a stylistic 'realism' we don't see....or like when Jack tries to shoot, and he's safety's on. You don't see that in movies.
Great video! I love this movie. You forgot to mention one thing, just how damn quotable this movie is: "Just remember what old Jack Burton does when the earth quakes, and the poison arrows fall from the sky, and the pillars of Heaven shake. Yeah, Jack Burton just looks that big old storm right square in the eye and he says, 'Give me your best shot, pal. I can take it." "Which Lo Pan? Little old basket case on wheels or the ten foot tall roadblock?" Jack Burton: [speaking to Lo Pan] "Are you crazy… Is that your problem?"
I in no way meant any offense. This is one of my favorite movies, and I loved your video on it. I just wanted to drop some quotes. What did I say that offended you? There's only so much you can cram into a video that's less than eight minutes long. And no, I don't need to be spoon-fed anything. I didn't say or do anything wrong here. I was only praising the movie for being so quotable. It seems like the entire internet is easily offended this week, and irritated with me. I love your content and I have nothing but the upmost respect for you. At any rate, keep making videos and I'll continue watching them. I'll just keep my opinions to myself.
I'll never forget the first time I was this movie. had to be around 6-7 years old watching tv with my older brother and Dad flicking through channels in like 1999, when we stopped on this and my dad goes "Oh, youre gonna like this, I love this movie" and it's been a staple in our house since. used to rent it a lot at our local video store
What sells it for me is that there are all these tiny details in sound, posturing, design and acting that don't usually come out when a film made from a single vision and come out on repeated viewing. You can see this was an actual 'team effort' where people enjoyed themselfs and it really makes the movie better for the sum of these parts.
A truly fantastic review of a truly fantastic movie! For me, this film is the apex of atmospheric action, sillyness and cameraderie of a whole series of different genres all mashed together for a simply wonderful feel and end result. And also, this is my number one movie of ALL. I know that sounds silly, but it really gives me everything I need. Not ONLY is this movie about a sidekick thinking he's the HERO, but for a budding star like Kurt Russell to agree to play him, is just astoninshing. I literally cannot think of anyone else with that kind of star material who would. As Rossatron says, "it works on so many levels". Simply THE best action-comedy ever made.
I've never watched this assuming it was just corny garbage, but now I can't wait to go and watch it! it looks like a great way to waste a Saturday night with some beers and pizza.
Just watched the movie. Loved it. One thing that I personally loved was the setting and random rooms they end up in. Gave me that goonies feeling. Freeing a bunch of random women, to then dive into a pool, through a tunnel, up a ladder. Really felt like an under ground maze.
Just remember what old Jack Burton does when the earth quakes, and the poison arrows fall from the sky, and the pillars of Heaven shake. Yeah, Jack Burton just looks that big old storm right square in the eye and he says, 'Give me your best shot, pal. I can take it.
This should have been a smash hit when it came out in 86. It's so fast paced, funny and action packed. Pretty much the perfect cinema going experience. Maybe it really was ahead of it's time but in any case it is yet another John Carpenter classic.
I don't think they could remake this movie and top the original. It's the amazing cast that work with Kurt Russel that make this movie so memorable. Like the movie The Big Chill...an ensemble cast captures a moment in time that can not be re-created or topped very often. Great video and homage to this amazing movie, which I also re-watch quite regularly.
I wrote a treatment for a sequel when I was a teenager, back in '87. I called it, "Little Trouble in Big China", and it begins in America with Jack Burton trying to start early retirement, while Margo, Eddie, and Gracie attend the wedding of Wang Chi & Maio Yin in Hong Kong. Because of the events that took place in the previous film, the disgraced Emperor Qin Shi Huang unleashes the Seven Curses of the Weeping Dragon. Each curse is personified by an eternal master, much like the three we saw in the first film. At the wedding of Wang Chi, and Maio Yin, Margo encounters her Curse, and loses her mind. Then, Eddie tries to fight off his curse, he loses all hope. When Gracie goes missing, Wang calls his trusty friend in America... Egg Shen. Egg catches up with Jack Burton at the Mexican border to tell him of what has happened, and that either one of them could be next to be visited by their own personal Curse, not to mention Wang & Maio Yin. Together, they must travel to Hong Kong to meet with Wang, find Gracie, and face the Emperor Qin Shi Huang head-on, before the remaining 4 Curses finish their job.
This is a great family movie too. Dad & son love it. Poster in the bedroom. Your review said it all especially Kurt Russell. His Jack Burton is funtastic.
It only recently occurred to me that the special effects in this film aged really well. Yeah they’re not spectacular, but considering the budget and the time period, they actually still look pretty damn good! And I agree, Kurt Russell and Dennis Dun had some awesome on-screen chemistry. It’s a shame we didn’t get to see these guys in more movies together. Still, this movie will forever be one of my all-time favorites!
I've lost count of how many times I've watched this film. It's got everything I want from an entertaining movie. Action, drama, suspense, comedy, horror and romance, it's all there. I love how relatable Jack is, we are all guilty occasionally of thinking we're more capable than we really are, and watching Kurt Russell take that little human foible and turn it all the way up to 11 is just joyful.
Part of what why I love this movie is its confidence. A lot of movies now try to do the whole "self aware" thing, but it comes off more as insecure, as if the movie is not so sure of itself, and is afraid of being laughed at. Whereas this movie is just balls to the wall insane, and while Jack Burton is made to represent the audience's point of view, at no point in this movie does it seem to make fun of itself. This movie is really cocky, and it really gives off a "take it for what it is" kind of vibe, and that's kind of rare now.
Wang. And the fact this video opens up with Eddie screaming "Wang!" Confirms this. What an absolute stunning lead hero. But, every hero needs a sidekick....
Other side notes what makes this movie so good is the score as soon as the movie starts the music kicks in with Jack driving down the highway.The music that was used when the gang showed up too steal away Wangs beloved girl with green eyes.The music with the thumping drums in the scence in the alleyway just so different and memorable and badass
This was a great take on one of my top 20 best films, if not, my top ten of all time. This film changed my life forever #80sChild "Have you paid your dues Jack?! Yes sir, the check is in the mail".
Your comparison of Jack Burton to Peter Quill seems very fitting, considering he ended up playing Quill's father in the "Guardians of the Galaxy" sequel (which, of course, you're fully aware of). Your videos are great, Mr. Tron! :)
The first time I can remember being blown away by a martial arts sequence was the funeral/alley fight between the two clans. I don't know how old I was when I saw it but I was only eight when this movie came out.
This was the perfect 80s film! Had every genre represented like the commentator says. Every decade has movies like this but after 2000 I haven't seen one that encapsulates an era as we are in post modernist, a historical times!
... and that my friends, perfectly describes why this film is legitimately my favorite film of all time. The story, the effects, the actors, the music, the martial arts! Hell the guy with the shotgun and bandoliers is my JKD instructor! (Jokingly referencing Guro Dan Inosanto)... this film is forever my childhood.
I've must have seen this movie 30 times as a child. Had more or less forgotten about it by now, but I'm definitely going to see it again soon. Thanks for the reminder.
One of my all time favorite movies. Loved watching it as a kid and love it as an adult too. It just keeps getting better. From wanting to be super powered warrior like the 3 storms, to just feeling tired of everyone's shit like ol' Jack Burton. This movie has something for everyone and yet it doesnt cater to any one. Thanks for the vid Rossatron.
This is why I subscribe to and love your channel. I don’t need another video telling me what a classic Citizen Kane or Gone with the Wind is (I get it) I love how you celebrate the action genre in all its forms and remember how great some of those 80s action films are. I grew up in the 80s. I remember watching American Ninja, Predator and Big Trouble and thinking they were AMAZING. And I still do. Love you videos, keep them coming!
"Full wizard battle" is a player versus player video game fighter made before even the first basic Street Fighter.... projected as a hologram. Now that's ahead of its time.
They announced the upcoming DOOM movie will feature lot's of practical effects, and especially that "no full CGI demons at all". That sounds very good!
Glad to hear that The Rock's BTILC is not a remake and they respect the original: “There’s a lot of things going on with [Big Trouble in Little China]. We are in the process of developing that, and let me tell you, the idea is not to actually remake Big Trouble in Little China. You can’t remake a classic like that, so what we’re planning to do is we’re going to continue the story. We’re going to continue the universe of Big Trouble in Little China. Everything that happened in the original exists and is standalone and I think there’s only one person that could ever play Jack Burton, so Dwayne would never try and play that character. So we are just having a lot of fun. We’re actually in a really great space with the story that we’ve cracked. But yeah, no remake. It is a continuation, and we are deep into development on that as well, and I think you’ll start hearing some things about that probably soon.”
I saw this as kid and I absolutely loved it, I think this movie is one of my most favorite movies I saw as kid and I hope no body tries to make a remake of this movie
My #1 favorite movie. I think the number one thing that makes this movie is the dialog. It's just unusual enough to make it interesting. They say (and do) off the wall stuff every single scene. When the guy pulls out the knife and Jack says "hey. Where'd you get that?" What kind of response is that? It's so odd that it's hilarious. Or when Wang says "she's trouble Jack. She's a lawyer" and his response is "a what?!". "It always works at home!" "Yeah we'll have me over for dinner some year..." By him saying year, it makes it off enough to think that's a funny way of saying it. I don't know how much was written and how much was scripted by the script is really what sells this movie. And of course Russell's delivery is perfect. Wang's as well. My friends and just started playing the board game recently and it's not bad.
You've also gotta love some of the over the top action too. During the fight scene in the alley one guy puts a plank of wood behind another guy's head before kneeing him in the face IIRC. The plank of wood bit was just thrown in there for the hell of it. Another guy decides to jump through a window to land on a guy instead of just opening a door and then attacking him.
This is one of my favorite films of all time, I watch it very often. At the very beginning of the film when the attorney is grilling Egg Chen about the whereabouts of Jack, then produces lightning in between his hands. That makes me believe "Chinese Black Magic" is real lol! Also, even though release dates are a year apart, I believe that Pee Wee Herman visits the Psychic next to the Brothel and left his wallet just an hour before it exploded in a ball of green Flame!
Whenever I find somebody who likes BTINLC I always like them a little bit more. It's my film barometer. And just seeing this video this morning has made me that little bit happier
People like to say that Jack Burton is useless in BTILC. I would argue that Jack Burton plays more a character that does help out from time to time but is mostly played to comic relief. However, there is no doubt that Wang Chi is the more competent and intelligent character. Here is a list of things that Jack Burton does during the film that help the effort of the other group members: Drives Wang to airport to pick up his GF. Pushes Wang out the way of a car. Pursues car to gang hideout Becomes mole in bordello Volunteers to join Wang to the warehouse. helps impersonate electrician at warehouse. Breaks out of wheel chair and frees Wang. Holds knife to throat of enforcer. Shoots guy after escape. Shoots three guys after sewer escape. Keeps security gaurds busy so hookers can escape. Offers to join rescue effort with yellow turbans. Kills armored guy in big battle Kills Lo Pan. Breaks group out of warehouse with truck. As you can see Jack Burton is not completely useless. He is a support character who is played for comic relief.
Also in a deleted scene of the film, Jack was able to take revenge and kill the remaining members of the Lords of Death. ruclips.net/video/niClmbOvWdI/видео.html
Just found your channel and watched liked 6 videos in a row. Started off with Leathal Weapon to Terminator to Arnold to Predator, etc. etc. Your breakdown of it all is great! I’m now a subscriber! Keep it up!!👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
I saw this for the first time a few years ago and absolutely loved it. I wish I could've seen it when I was a kid because I would've been obsessed with it, but better late than never! Great video Rossatron
My favorite thing about BTILC is that it is a movie told from the sidekick's perspective, but that he thinks he's the hero. Not many movies are willing to do that.
EXACTLY. The main character believes he's a hero, whereas he's actually an incompetent sidekick that refuses to realize that. The "sidekick", Wang, is the actual hero of the story - he's out to heroically rescue his beloved, and he's as smart and strong as a hero would ever be. And he's a good sport, he doesn't have time to think about standing or face, he's too busy doing the right thing. He's even got a sense of humor. But Jack Burton, our main character, is still the king of this movie. God Bless Jack Burton.
"Eh, you know what ol' Jack Burton use to say at a time like thus?"
"Who?"
"Jack Burton, ME! Ol' Jack always says...'what the hell'."
I would love to see more films use this, it makes for some fantastic comedy.
I prefer hieronymus bosch over you. XD
Looks like somebody listened to the commentary
@@scampoli25 They mention that on the commentary? Nice! I just got the idea from reading an essay like 15 years ago. Forget which one though.
Carpenter has a habit of making movies that are poorly received at first but then become beloved classics.
Had* And it's one of the great tragedies of cinema.
I keep thinking I should go rewatch Vampires and Ghosts of Mars to see if those are ready for critical re-evaluation yet.
I liked Vampires when it came out and didn't hate Ghosts of Mars. So I have the feeling they might have gotten worse. But I'm willing to try it some day. And I'm a big fan of Escape from LA, that most people seem to still hate. The Ward, on the other hand, that will never be considered good.
If nothing else, Vampires did have Carpenter's last great score.
I recently rewatched Ghosts of Mars. It wasn't as bad as it could have been, but wasn't as good as it should have been.
it's all in the reflexes.
Hollow? Fuck it!
May the wings of Liberty never lose a feather.
6.9 on the Richter scale
What HUH! What'll come out no more?!
Never drive any faster than I can see.
This movie actually holds a dear place in my heart. Being a mixed race Chinese American meant that my mother would introduce me to countless good Hong Kong action flicks, whilst my father would show me classic American films. This movie came along and allowed me to join both cultures together in a spectacular journey that I had yet seen done at that point in media.
This movie seems like such a haven for Chinese-American actors, especially at the time. Faye Dunaway's servant from Chinatown is the villain for heaven's sake!
Isaac, have you ever watched the Shaw Brothers classic The 36 Chambers of Shaolin?
Yes! more reccomendations please!
NEVER DRIVE FASTER THAN YOU DRIVE, It's All in the Reflexes...
"Is it a masterpiece?" Hell yes it is!!
I don't think so
@@MasaM-c2c You'd be wrong.
I think part of what makes this film so good is how it uses Kurt Russel’s goofy Burton as an entryway to telling a story about Chinese folklore & legend that I feel we just don’t see enough here in the States.
Also, without wishing to get “too political,” there’s something great to me about this being a film made in the West that has both a primarily Asian cast with an Asian lead (yes, I know about Burton, but the main joke is that Burton _thinks_ he’s the main character when he’s really the hero’s idiot sidekick) and an atmosphere & story that’s just _drenched_ in countless Eastern myths & legends.
I agree - Dennis Dun was perfect in this, him and Kurt are my fav on screen duo of all time.
I agree. So many popular Asian actors in this movie, and none of it feels forced. The movie is just plain fun.
Kurt Russell is one of Americas most underrated actors.
Tango & Cash
He is called the best kept secret in Hollywood for a reason by veteran actors.
I actually discovered this move in the summer of 87 at age 10 on Cinemax or HBO and the first thing that stood out to me at that early age was the fact that the hero was the side kick and the side kick was the hero. John Carpenter said in the DVD commentary that the critics didn't get the joke. They thought it was snake Blisken going to China town to kick ass. I love this movie because it lampoons the heroic macho American archetype and completely flips it on its head.
This movie F***ING RULES! It's one of the most fun and amazing cinema experiences you can have, and it is a shame it wasn't a huge hit back in its day.
Kurt Russell and John Carpenter. Just awesome movies. No one captures mood and tone so exquisitely. The Thing, Escape from New York, They live, Halloween, this. Movie perfection.
+Sam Smith
Your comment is perfection, brother!
They live is actually Roddy Piper
One my favorite movies of all time. It's the funniest action movies of all time.
This movie is too good to properly describe.
Carpenter is a Boss Film Maker!!!BTILC is a Classic,to be watched over and over.lol!!
I can't even remember how many times I watched this masterpiece
This flick is way, way better than it should be. I first saw it on television, and at the time I remembered something vaguely about my older brother talking about it or something from way back when. I had no real expectations. I couldn't believe it was so good: it was over-the-top cheesy, but in a way that owned it; it didn't celebrate it, it wasn't self-aware, but it ran with a ridiculous story with a straight face, and as it got crazier and crazier, I never felt my suspension of disbelief being tested.
One thing that makes it work so well, IMO & all that, is that it starts small. It begins as a small story in a small section of a city, but expands to encompass grand stakes and a big mythology. It's believable, in a weird sort of way; watching it, I could believe there was this latent magical world waiting to explode.
I doubt we'll ever see a better movie about a narcissistic trucker going down the rabbit hole. Too bad Hollywood decided to ruin it with a remake or whatever. More shaky-cam, cut-and-paste bullshit crapped out by an industry that's imagination impaired and creatively lazy. At some point, somebody has to come to grips with regression to the mean and start remaking terrible movies that should have been good. (Maybe somebody has, and I just don't know about it. Absolutely likely.) Again, IMO & all that. (Edited for typo)
And that's why I always wanted a Jack Burton and Ash Williams crossover movie. The Jaw Vs. The Chin.
I was thinkin earlier when watching this again that a movie with both of them would be amazing.
Easy set up to it, just have the Pork Chop Express pull into a town full of deadites. Jack has no clue what going on until Ash tries and fails to explain things.
"Kurt Russell. If you're any kind of genre fan, you worship this guy already." I feel so exposed...and also, thankful, because now I need to watch this movie again. btw That comparison between Burton, Quill, and Sparrow was really well done. That edit caught me off guard.
Hey, have you seen Bone Tomahawk? It's a fairly recent Kurt Russell film that flew under the radar. It's good, but it's not for the squeamish. I grew up watching gory shit but even I had trouble watching a couple of scenes from that movie.
Thanks! And yep, big fan of Bone Tomahawk. That 'splitting' scene was brutal.
Is it just me or were lightning effects better back then?
I've always thought the same thing every time I watch this movie. This was like 10 years before the MK movies and BTILC looks like it was made in 2020, but better.
This is correct. I've been saying it for years that 80s lightning is the bestest. Back to the Future, Terminator, Return of the Jedi....
Back when film was art and not just cynical cash grabbing.
It's because talented animators would hand draw them onto the frames. And these days they just slap an Adobe plug-in 'Lightning 02' onto the film in a poorly integrated digital effect and call it a day.
They really don't make films like this anymore. Carpenter hit such a stride in the 80's with gems like this and the thing plus they live. I discovered BTILC one night on hbo and instantly fell in love with it. Great video Rossatron, keep up the good work sir.
Once you see this movie it stays with you forever. It is just so good in so many ways.
Like I told my ex wife. I never drive faster than I can see!!
This movie is so quoteable 😂
A D Good Ole Jack Burton Says What The Hell🤷🏾♂️💯.
Have ya paid your dues Jack? Yes sir the check is in the mail.
I was born ready!
And besides, it's all in the reflexes.
Honestly, if you're gonna do a Big Trouble in Little China remake or a spiritual successor, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is not the best pick for Jack Burton or a Jack Burton type of hero. That role works better with someone like Chris Pratt or Ryan Reynolds. Someone like The Rock looks like he belongs in an 80's action movie like Commando, playing the unstoppable hero who can carve through an army of cannon fodder goons without breaking a sweat. Guys like Pratt and Reynolds, while no slouches in terms of action, can pass as someone who is way in over their heads and they should not be in any type of fight.
Then again, why remake BTiLC when we've got the original on Blu-ray.
No one can replace Kurt Russel. NO ONE
chwen hoou No one can replace James Hong’s villain either. What an amazing, under appreciated actor. One thing I might enjoy is martial arts superstar Wu Jing playing Wang Chi . But its still hard to imagine they could capture the magic of the original.
Best thing could do is make it a sequel and bring Hong back for a similar villain or role. Or put him in Victor Wong's place as the Egg Shen-type character.
For the "hero" maybe Golding or one of the dudes from CRA?
The Rock might be able to pull it off. He can be self-deprecating funny. But I'd almost rather see Chris Helmsworth give it a go. Well, I'd rather not see it remade at all. It is not possible to make a better version of this movie. The fact that the original is steeped in 80's cheese is what really makes it. That's just not something that can be recaptured, even if they tried to Kung-Fury it.
Yeah, I could actually see The Rock making this work, but he would have to be 100% onboard with the idea that his "hero" character isn't the hero, and never was. And he seems to have enough self-awareness that I think he could do that.
If anything, I'd be more concerned with audience blowback. Would people want to go see a movie deliberately written to make The Rock look like a fool who's out of his depth? I kind of doubt it.
This is my favorite film of all time. It's not perfect, but it encapsulates an era for me of nostalgia. I can understand why it has a cult following. Thanks for the video, my dude. Yeah, it introduced some humor into action movies, like no other. The film took risks! If you did or did not like it, it was still beautiful. Fun.
just glad my mum loved kurt Russel and me and my brother had this on vhs we watched it all the time and still watch it now . classic
As a kid I wanted to have the power of lightning so bad because of this lol
+mr. noname
I wanted to be able to blow stuff really good with my mouth.
Mission accomplished.
i remember my mom showing me this movie during quarantine my senior year of high school. I fell in love with it immediately and I still rewatch it regularly, definitely my favorite movie I’ve ever seen
"May the wings of liberty never loose a feather".
The quote of quotes.
Couldn’t agree more with you man. For me this is definitely the pinnacle of Carpenter’s style of movies, he’s got it all down perfectly and Kurt Russell gives his absolute best performance. I hadn’t thought about the influence of Jack Burton on Sparrow and Starlord but now you said it...damn!
Every line from Kurt is classic.
Big Trouble In Little China has the right balance of action, adventure, fantasy, drama, and comedy.
@Scorch1028 that's why I love it so much
I got to see this at the Egyptian in Hollywood about 8 years ago, and Carpenter was there for a Q&A. Someone in the crowd asked about a sequel, and Carpenter's response was something like, "Why the hell would we make a sequel to a movie that didn't make any money in the first place?!" He then concluded the Q&A with, "I gotta go meet my drug dealer." LOL. I seriously have never had so much fun in a movie theater than I did that night.
The Rock as the main character for Big Trouble in Little China sequel ? No thank !
Oh man but the rock can pull a funny acting
I can see the rock doing Jack Burton. He has enough comedic chops to pull it off. That said, I'm not sure remaking BTILC is a good idea, especially with Hollywood drowning itself in crazy ideological nonsense.
It's supposed to be a sequel apparently. So I don't know that he's actually playing Jack Burton.
They confirmed it's going to be a sequel and that they want Kurt Russell to play Burton again.
I'm down for a sequel.
Yes, Jack Burton is clearly just a comic relief sidekick in the movie. Wang Chi is clearly the hero of the story, he has the girl that needs the rescuing, he is the one that fights the big bad boss at the end. While Jack Burton is just along for the ride and for comic relief, he is clearly just the sidekick, that doesn't know he's the sidekick.
I've loved this film ever since I first saw it in the cinema in 86' , there's always a danger that movies from your childhood won't stand the test of time but Big Trouble in Little China just seems to age like a fine wine- superb
It's a combination of taking itself very seriously, and not taking itself seriously. It reached a balance. If it were played straight, like any other movie of this quasi-genre, it wouldn't be as good.
Indeed,
I'll tell you what makes it so good: When the armored samurai is attacking Jack, and he flips the knife in his boot while on his back, and impales the samurai. The fact he gets stuck like that and can't get the samurai off him, brings this movie to a whole other level. it's a stylistic 'realism' we don't see....or like when Jack tries to shoot, and he's safety's on. You don't see that in movies.
Great video! I love this movie. You forgot to mention one thing, just how damn quotable this movie is:
"Just remember what old Jack Burton does when the earth quakes, and the poison arrows fall from the sky, and the pillars of Heaven shake. Yeah, Jack Burton just looks that big old storm right square in the eye and he says, 'Give me your best shot, pal. I can take it."
"Which Lo Pan? Little old basket case on wheels or the ten foot tall roadblock?"
Jack Burton: [speaking to Lo Pan] "Are you crazy… Is that your problem?"
I included as many quotes really as I could without going overboard to get this across, why do you need me to tell you if you can see it?
I in no way meant any offense. This is one of my favorite movies, and I loved your video on it. I just wanted to drop some quotes. What did I say that offended you? There's only so much you can cram into a video that's less than eight minutes long. And no, I don't need to be spoon-fed anything. I didn't say or do anything wrong here. I was only praising the movie for being so quotable.
It seems like the entire internet is easily offended this week, and irritated with me. I love your content and I have nothing but the upmost respect for you. At any rate, keep making videos and I'll continue watching them. I'll just keep my opinions to myself.
Rossatron You jumped down his throat a bit there like.
"Who are these people? Friends of yours? Now this really pisses me off to no end"!
There's never been a movie like this. It IS a masterpiece.
I have always considered this to be a guilty pleasure, now that I'm quite old I consider this just like a delightful pleasure.
No reason to feel guilty. :D
I'll never forget the first time I was this movie. had to be around 6-7 years old watching tv with my older brother and Dad flicking through channels in like 1999, when we stopped on this and my dad goes "Oh, youre gonna like this, I love this movie" and it's been a staple in our house since. used to rent it a lot at our local video store
my 2nd favorite John Carpenter movies of all time right up there with Escape from New York.
Both featuring Kurt Russel. Hmmm...coincidence?
And "The Thing" with Kurt Russell too .
That right there is the holy trinity of Eighties movies.
Has been so long since I've watched the movie as a kid, I think I'll do it again
I’ve watched it 500 + times and can nearly quote word for word. GOAT
What sells it for me is that there are all these tiny details in sound, posturing, design and acting that don't usually come out when a film made from a single vision and come out on repeated viewing. You can see this was an actual 'team effort' where people enjoyed themselfs and it really makes the movie better for the sum of these parts.
A truly fantastic review of a truly fantastic movie! For me, this film is the apex of atmospheric action, sillyness and cameraderie of a whole series of different genres all mashed together for a simply wonderful feel and end result. And also, this is my number one movie of ALL. I know that sounds silly, but it really gives me everything I need. Not ONLY is this movie about a sidekick thinking he's the HERO, but for a budding star like Kurt Russell to agree to play him, is just astoninshing. I literally cannot think of anyone else with that kind of star material who would. As Rossatron says, "it works on so many levels". Simply THE best action-comedy ever made.
I've never watched this assuming it was just corny garbage, but now I can't wait to go and watch it! it looks like a great way to waste a Saturday night with some beers and pizza.
Why would you consider watching a movie, drinking beer, and eating pizza a 'waste' of an evening ?
The 3 storms intro has got to be one of the coolest in movies.
True
If I could like this video a thousand times, I would.
You captured all that is great about this film.
Possibly my favorite movie. It’s just so special.
"Hollow?"
"Hollow."
"Fuck it!" 😎
Just watched the movie. Loved it. One thing that I personally loved was the setting and random rooms they end up in. Gave me that goonies feeling. Freeing a bunch of random women, to then dive into a pool, through a tunnel, up a ladder. Really felt like an under ground maze.
Just remember what old Jack Burton does when the earth quakes, and the poison arrows fall from the sky, and the pillars of Heaven shake. Yeah, Jack Burton just looks that big old storm right square in the eye and he says, 'Give me your best shot, pal. I can take it.
This should have been a smash hit when it came out in 86. It's so fast paced, funny and action packed. Pretty much the perfect cinema going experience. Maybe it really was ahead of it's time but in any case it is yet another John Carpenter classic.
I don't think they could remake this movie and top the original. It's the amazing cast that work with Kurt Russel that make this movie so memorable. Like the movie The Big Chill...an ensemble cast captures a moment in time that can not be re-created or topped very often. Great video and homage to this amazing movie, which I also re-watch quite regularly.
I wrote a treatment for a sequel when I was a teenager, back in '87. I called it, "Little Trouble in Big China", and it begins in America with Jack Burton trying to start early retirement, while Margo, Eddie, and Gracie attend the wedding of Wang Chi & Maio Yin in Hong Kong.
Because of the events that took place in the previous film, the disgraced Emperor Qin Shi Huang unleashes the Seven Curses of the Weeping Dragon. Each curse is personified by an eternal master, much like the three we saw in the first film.
At the wedding of Wang Chi, and Maio Yin, Margo encounters her Curse, and loses her mind. Then, Eddie tries to fight off his curse, he loses all hope. When Gracie goes missing, Wang calls his trusty friend in America... Egg Shen.
Egg catches up with Jack Burton at the Mexican border to tell him of what has happened, and that either one of them could be next to be visited by their own personal Curse, not to mention Wang & Maio Yin. Together, they must travel to Hong Kong to meet with Wang, find Gracie, and face the Emperor Qin Shi Huang head-on, before the remaining 4 Curses finish their job.
This is a great family movie too. Dad & son love it. Poster in the bedroom. Your review said it all especially Kurt Russell. His Jack Burton is funtastic.
It only recently occurred to me that the special effects in this film aged really well. Yeah they’re not spectacular, but considering the budget and the time period, they actually still look pretty damn good!
And I agree, Kurt Russell and Dennis Dun had some awesome on-screen chemistry. It’s a shame we didn’t get to see these guys in more movies together. Still, this movie will forever be one of my all-time favorites!
This is one of those movies that you never get tired of watching. It's kind of like "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" of martial arts films.
I've lost count of how many times I've watched this film. It's got everything I want from an entertaining movie. Action, drama, suspense, comedy, horror and romance, it's all there. I love how relatable Jack is, we are all guilty occasionally of thinking we're more capable than we really are, and watching Kurt Russell take that little human foible and turn it all the way up to 11 is just joyful.
Part of what why I love this movie is its confidence. A lot of movies now try to do the whole "self aware" thing, but it comes off more as insecure, as if the movie is not so sure of itself, and is afraid of being laughed at. Whereas this movie is just balls to the wall insane, and while Jack Burton is made to represent the audience's point of view, at no point in this movie does it seem to make fun of itself. This movie is really cocky, and it really gives off a "take it for what it is" kind of vibe, and that's kind of rare now.
Wang. And the fact this video opens up with Eddie screaming "Wang!" Confirms this. What an absolute stunning lead hero. But, every hero needs a sidekick....
Other side notes what makes this movie so good is the score as soon as the movie starts the music kicks in with Jack driving down the highway.The music that was used when the gang showed up too steal away Wangs beloved girl with green eyes.The music with the thumping drums in the scence in the alleyway just so different and memorable and badass
This was a great take on one of my top 20 best films, if not, my top ten of all time. This film changed my life forever
#80sChild
"Have you paid your dues Jack?! Yes sir, the check is in the mail".
I'm glad you made this video. A lot of people shit on this classic and I thought I was the only one who really loved it lol
I loved this movie as a kid, and still love it to this day.
For anyobdy worrying, producers confirmed that "Rock's" BTiLC going to be a sequel and that they want Kurt Russell to play Burton again.
Umbrella Awesome news.
Made my evening, thx 😊
Really? Will the rock be his son?
That would be funny as hell as Jack turns to Gracie and states, “man our son is fuckin’ huge. You sure he’s mine?”
The editing at 5:25 is so great dude.
Big pat on the back for making such a fluid conversation of intercut clips from different movies.
I love all the characters in this movie. Jack and Wang worked perfectly together.
Your comparison of Jack Burton to Peter Quill seems very fitting, considering he ended up playing Quill's father in the "Guardians of the Galaxy" sequel (which, of course, you're fully aware of). Your videos are great, Mr. Tron! :)
I remember renting this on VHS a looooong time ago. It blew our minds.
The first time I can remember being blown away by a martial arts sequence was the funeral/alley fight between the two clans. I don't know how old I was when I saw it but I was only eight when this movie came out.
I saw Big Trouble at the movie theater in Mobile Alabama. I was 16 and my brother was 14. We loved it . First DVD I bought.
This was the perfect 80s film! Had every genre represented like the commentator says. Every decade has movies like this but after 2000 I haven't seen one that encapsulates an era as we are in post modernist, a historical times!
I had the privilege of seeing a midnight showing of this in Vancouver what a blast
Don’t know how many times I have watched this movie. I even own the a limited edition of the movie poster signed by Drew Struzan.
Dude, when they turn down that alley the rest of the movie is a trip for the imagination
So cool
... and that my friends, perfectly describes why this film is legitimately my favorite film of all time. The story, the effects, the actors, the music, the martial arts! Hell the guy with the shotgun and bandoliers is my JKD instructor! (Jokingly referencing Guro Dan Inosanto)... this film is forever my childhood.
One of the best movies ever made. Infinitely rewatchable
"I was born ready".
Oliver Sikes Possibly the one guy that gets away with that remark 😊
I've must have seen this movie 30 times as a child. Had more or less forgotten about it by now, but I'm definitely going to see it again soon. Thanks for the reminder.
One of my all time favorite movies. Loved watching it as a kid and love it as an adult too. It just keeps getting better. From wanting to be super powered warrior like the 3 storms, to just feeling tired of everyone's shit like ol' Jack Burton. This movie has something for everyone and yet it doesnt cater to any one.
Thanks for the vid Rossatron.
Captain Jack Sparrow and Peter Quill are pale shadows of Jack Burton.
This is why I subscribe to and love your channel. I don’t need another video telling me what a classic Citizen Kane or Gone with the Wind is (I get it) I love how you celebrate the action genre in all its forms and remember how great some of those 80s action films are. I grew up in the 80s. I remember watching American Ninja, Predator and Big Trouble and thinking they were AMAZING. And I still do. Love you videos, keep them coming!
I'm from Portugal and I remember renting this movie on a video store back 1991 those day's.
"Full wizard battle" is a player versus player video game fighter made before even the first basic Street Fighter.... projected as a hologram.
Now that's ahead of its time.
They announced the upcoming DOOM movie will feature lot's of practical effects, and especially that "no full CGI demons at all". That sounds very good!
Glad to hear that The Rock's BTILC is not a remake and they respect the original: “There’s a lot of things going on with [Big Trouble in Little China]. We are in the process of developing that, and let me tell you, the idea is not to actually remake Big Trouble in Little China. You can’t remake a classic like that, so what we’re planning to do is we’re going to continue the story. We’re going to continue the universe of Big Trouble in Little China. Everything that happened in the original exists and is standalone and I think there’s only one person that could ever play Jack Burton, so Dwayne would never try and play that character. So we are just having a lot of fun. We’re actually in a really great space with the story that we’ve cracked. But yeah, no remake. It is a continuation, and we are deep into development on that as well, and I think you’ll start hearing some things about that probably soon.”
I saw this as kid and I absolutely loved it, I think this movie is one of my most favorite movies I saw as kid and I hope no body tries to make a remake of this movie
My favorite movie since I was a kid. JOHN CARPENTER is a wizard.
The effects in BTILC were top notch. One of my favorite movies
My #1 favorite movie.
I think the number one thing that makes this movie is the dialog. It's just unusual enough to make it interesting. They say (and do) off the wall stuff every single scene.
When the guy pulls out the knife and Jack says "hey. Where'd you get that?" What kind of response is that? It's so odd that it's hilarious.
Or when Wang says "she's trouble Jack. She's a lawyer" and his response is "a what?!".
"It always works at home!" "Yeah we'll have me over for dinner some year..." By him saying year, it makes it off enough to think that's a funny way of saying it.
I don't know how much was written and how much was scripted by the script is really what sells this movie. And of course Russell's delivery is perfect. Wang's as well.
My friends and just started playing the board game recently and it's not bad.
You've also gotta love some of the over the top action too. During the fight scene in the alley one guy puts a plank of wood behind another guy's head before kneeing him in the face IIRC. The plank of wood bit was just thrown in there for the hell of it.
Another guy decides to jump through a window to land on a guy instead of just opening a door and then attacking him.
"threatening" is a good choice of words I think.
This is one of my favorite films of all time, I watch it very often. At the very beginning of the film when the attorney is grilling Egg Chen about the whereabouts of Jack, then produces lightning in between his hands. That makes me believe "Chinese Black Magic" is real lol! Also, even though release dates are a year apart, I believe that Pee Wee Herman visits the Psychic next to the Brothel and left his wallet just an hour before it exploded in a ball of green Flame!
This movie had flawless comedic timing. Every joke or gag nails it on the head.
For decades, When I fabricate bullsh!t quotes... I always begin & mask it with "Just Remember what ol' Jack Burton always says"
Whenever I find somebody who likes BTINLC I always like them a little bit more. It's my film barometer. And just seeing this video this morning has made me that little bit happier
People like to say that Jack Burton is useless in BTILC. I would argue that Jack Burton plays more a character that does help out from time to time but is mostly played to comic relief. However, there is no doubt that Wang Chi is the more competent and intelligent character. Here is a list of things that Jack Burton does during the film that help the effort of the other group members:
Drives Wang to airport to pick up his GF.
Pushes Wang out the way of a car.
Pursues car to gang hideout
Becomes mole in bordello
Volunteers to join Wang to the warehouse.
helps impersonate electrician at warehouse.
Breaks out of wheel chair and frees Wang.
Holds knife to throat of enforcer.
Shoots guy after escape.
Shoots three guys after sewer escape.
Keeps security gaurds busy so hookers can escape.
Offers to join rescue effort with yellow turbans.
Kills armored guy in big battle
Kills Lo Pan.
Breaks group out of warehouse with truck.
As you can see Jack Burton is not completely useless. He is a support character who is played for comic relief.
Also in a deleted scene of the film, Jack was able to take revenge and kill the remaining members of the Lords of Death.
ruclips.net/video/niClmbOvWdI/видео.html
Just found your channel and watched liked 6 videos in a row. Started off with Leathal Weapon to Terminator to Arnold to Predator, etc. etc. Your breakdown of it all is great! I’m now a subscriber! Keep it up!!👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
I love this movie. The special effects are awesome... way better than much newer movies. Its just a masterpiece.
I always rewatch this whenever it pops back up on Netflix.
This and Predator are the two movies I re-watched the most.
Haven't watched this movie in a long time. Classic 80s special effects.
I’ll watch this start to finish any time I catch it on tv, loved it since I rented the tape when I was a kid, shortly after it left theaters.
I saw this for the first time a few years ago and absolutely loved it. I wish I could've seen it when I was a kid because I would've been obsessed with it, but better late than never! Great video Rossatron