Big Trouble in Little China (1986) - Movie Review
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- čas přidán 28. 11. 2023
- Big Trouble in Little China was John Carpenter's homage to martial arts cinema. The goofiness, wackiness, and non-conventional hero makes it stand out while always being difficult for me to completely enjoy.
#JohnCarpenter
Cody J Leach
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Imagine seeing this movie in nineteen eighty six being twelve years old in the theater. This movie blew me away and is my all time favorite movie.
I started to say something similar cause its true but went in a different direction! 😂
This movie was cutting edge in the 80's!
I see you you and raise the experience. I saw it double billed with Aliens at a drive in 1986 and I was 12 as well.
@@fiercegrace1974 Nice. I saw aliens with my dad that year. And that was probably my second favorite movie of all time.
😂
it's the inspiration behind Mortal Kombat
The fighting scenes with the three mythical warriors: rain, thunder and lightning are genius.
Same it is
I love it. Cody doesn't. That's fine. Not everyone likes the same things.
He's wrong though.
🤣🤣🤣
This is actually a great movie if you're below the age of 15. It used to come on local TV channels a lot. When I was about 13 circa 1993-1994, it was great. But when rewatching it in your 30s, it's not that great similar to how I feel about Spaceballs. Great for that time or if you're a child but no longer works in modern times or if you got older.
I think Kurt Russell tries a little too hard to be as charismatic as Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones. Another 80s classic that has never made me like it is The Breakfast Club. I don't understand the appeal. Only Back to the Future seems to aged the best among classic 80s movies with comedy.
Is he ever right?
Never
@@CodyLeachYT I completely understand your point of view, even though I disagree. I think it also has to do with when you saw the film, how old you were, and such. When I first saw it as a kid, I thought it was confusing in a sense. But I still had a great time watching it. Kurt Russell being the dumb hero was odd to many of his fans, so I get that. He's a great actor and he is playing a character type that doesn't hit with some people. Not long after that, Bruce Willis played a wisecracking hero as we all know. It kind of has the same tone as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie. A comedy mixed with martial arts. I do see the film's flaws, and as a stand alone film, I think it's great. Of the John Carpenter body of work, I can totally see why it doesn't hit with some people. But I love the film, flaws and all and it's a good time. Kurt Russell and John Carpenter seemed to have some fun on this one, and that makes the actor and filmmaker in me happy. Also shout out to Dean Cundey who lensed some of the best looking films of all time.
The Kurt Russell angle makes the movie. " What.. what will not come out? What will not come out again, huh!?" Kurt was brilliant
Yeah he's a walking talking WTF incarnation...
"I'm a reasonable guy. But, I've just experienced some very unreasonable things."
I’m right there with you Cody. I absolutely respect the legacy of this movie and can see why a lot of people love it, but I’ve never been a fan of it to the level of other Carpenter films like The Thing or They Live. I’m glad it’s a cult classic though. Great review man!
I didn't know what to make of Big Trouble in Little China upon first seeing it in the theater. My opinion of it has risen upon each revisit. There's really nothing else quite like it. Jack Burton is a fascinating character. He's basically a parody of the American movie hero. He thinks he's the lead, but he's actually a sidekick to Dennis Dun. (I just wrote that, and then you said it in your review!) If your appreciation of this hasn't grown over multiple viewings, I guess it really is just not your thing. Too bad. Wish you could enjoy it as much as I do. And I'm not a particular of martial arts films either.
This movie is weird, all over the place, and bat shit crazy, and I'm here for it!!! 😂😂😂 Nice review Cody.😊😊😊
This video shows how good of a reviewer you are, dude. At no point are you discrediting the film, or its fanbase etc - even in the negative, just explaining why it doesn't work for you. I wish more people could realize that just because we may have different opinions that's okay. Great video. 👏
I appreciate it. Too often people completely disregard the concept of something simply being “not for me.”
“It’s not for me”…and that’s ok!
Ughh *eye roll 😂
I liked martial arts movies at the time this was released, and I've never clicked with this movie either. I've tried over the years to rewatch it in the hope I might see it through a different lense but I still feel the same about it. @CodyLeachYT
Great review! I always felt like Burton's character just serves to highlight what a mystical and strange world he and the audience suddenly find themselves in. He's beyond out of his element. He's not just a fish out of water, he's a fish on the moon. But despite his lack of relevant skills in the situation he always charges head first into the fight. It's a thin line between silly overconfidence and true bravery, but he comes through when it counts.
Also my favorite moment in the movie is Wang's first beatdown of the thugs. You'd think it feeds into the, all Asians know martial arts, stereotype but Carpenter made it a, don't judge a book by its cover, moment given Wang's unassuming stature and character up to that point.
Basically making fun of John Wayne or the all American hero type mythos. He's even doing a half ass John Wayne imitation.
One of my favorites from Carpenter. Timeless action flick.
People will have lived and died by the time we get to the end of this review series. These are some of my favourite videos this channel has put out so it kinda sucks that you gotta wait a decade for the next one lol
Shit happens
I don't know if this review is for me...😂😂
Big Trouble in Little China and The Thing are both in my top 5 favorite movies of all time. Still watch both 2-3 times a year.
The movie was the inspiration behind mortal Kombat and that makes it more awesome! I don't understand how couldn't you love it!
Bloodsport was the inspiration for mortal kombat with van damme
Yeah, it's safe to say this movie inspired a lot of what came after!
@@taylorpack7705You mean to tell me that Raiden isn't inspired by certain characters in this movie? 😂
Not to mention Shang Tsung in particular.
@@taylorpack7705They took Johnny Cage’s ball punch fatality from Bloodsport but Raiden and Shang Tsung were definitely inspired by Big Trouble.
If we all shared the same opinion, nothing would be interesting. I love how wild this film is and I totally dig it. Good review 👍
I found your channel a few months ago and really love hearing your thoughts on movies. I usually watch the movie before I hear any reviews on it, but I always come here afterwards. BTW that 31 on 31 is a must watch for me every year now. I watched this year's and had to go watch previous years. Keep doing you man.
@Cody it saddens me you have to have a discussion about it being ok to have a difference of opinion lol. I am glad you speak your mind even when we disagree it comes from a place of love and fandom for the genre's we all love. As for Big Trouble it remains in my top 4 B Movies of all time. (The others being Last Dragon, Remo Williams and Return of the Living dead). I am glad you were able to resume all things Carpenter this is my 3rd favorite film of his slightly ahead of Starman and Christine and behind the Thing ,Halloween and Escape from N.Y. I have always loved Carpenter. Thanks again for discussing this, even if you did not love it as many of us do, it is always nice to get to watch YOUR thoughts on a film.
Your reviews are always entertaining and completely honest, regardless of whether I agree with your power points or not. You seem like someone I would probably hang out with, have a few beers, and talk movies and music....assuming you would wanna hang out with me. Keep doing what you do, Cody. It is appreciated.
Big Trouble In Little China is one of my all time favorite movies the most slept on John Carpenter movie and a big inspiration for the fighting video game Mortal Kombat. The characters Raiden and Shang T Sung from Mortal Kombat are inspired by the characters Lightening and sorcerer Lo Pan from Big Trouble In Little China.
Bro, never ever let popular opinion dictate your reviews, even for a film as loved as this one (one of my personal favs). I recently reviewed a movie that I knew would get hate because I actually kinda enjoyed it, even after watching and reading a ton a negative reviews before going to the theater. But you know what, I'm almost 46 years old, and I WILL NOT be influenced into liking or disliking anything, even if a hateful review would've gotten a lot more views. Great review, double thumbs up!!!
Oh I never have and never will. lol doesn’t stop the feeling of “ugh…here we go!” when you know you’re about to step into a minefield. Lol
Total agreement!! @@CodyLeachYT
Hey Cody thanks for carving out the time to review this movie. I had a feeling you wouldn’t like it too much after you mentioned in an old video how it never really caught your attention while knowing who John Carpenter is.
My experience was pretty different since my dad randomly got this for me on VHS for a 6-7th bday. This was my first taste of Kurt Russell so I only knew him as silly and over confident 😂. I was wayyy too young to understand any of the lure this movie tried to lay out for me. At least they give a little taste of why LoPan is doing this and when he got cursed when Wang is telling Jack in the private wheelchair room.
As a mega fan of this movie I still respect other people’s opinions and I don’t waste energy trying to get people to love it. I realize it’s very whacky and out there but it’s my #1 no matter what.
But again… thanks for taking the time to do this review Cody and thanks for doing your homework before the review. Much respect buddy.
Great review Cody! I have always loved this one. It has always worked for me and Kurt Russell is my 2nd favorite actor. I hear what you saying about this movie though!
Great job!!
This is too funny! A few days ago I was looking at your Starman review and I said: Cody is not going to continue this review series because it doesn't get that many views. But I am soo glad you are back to doing this! Because I thought you should finish this even if not everyone watches this ;) So good you are back! Keep up the good work!
Fair review: You can appreciate for what it's going for while acknowledging it's just not for you. I respect that.
The reason I consider carpenter as my favorite director and put him above craven is that in my opinion Wes craven is a great horror director but carpenter is a great director no matter the genre.
I can appreciate your honest review of this movie, I was 8 when I saw this movie in 1988 on HBO. I loved it than and I love it now but only because of the nostalgia. I also get some of the wink wink jokes now. It was refreshing hearing a different take on this film. Sometimes we watch films as children and don’t see the flaws and remember the moments and sayings that put a smile on your face. Jack Burton just looks that big ol' storm right square in the eye and he says, "Give me your best shot, pal. I can take it.".
I think this is one of those movies you had to watch as a child or have nostalgia for because I agree. Didn’t enjoy this movie that much.
I love BTiLC and I love this review too. Objectively fair and explaining why it wasn't for you is such a rarity these days.
As for the film, I first watched it as a 10yr old and fell in love with the fighting and the magic and the monsters. Subsequent rewatches as I got older allowed me to pick up on the nuances kid-me wouldn't have understood, and then, as a father setting down to watch it with my own 15yr old son for his first-time viewing, with him loving it for the same reasons I did, was a cool passing-the-generational-torch moment that is priceless.
We've watched it together now about a dozen times in the last two years, and it never fails to put a smile on our faces.
Dont feel bad cody for not liking this movie. It's definitely not for everyone and is a niche film for sure. Personally i love the ascetic, feel, and music of this film. But i definitely understand that it's not for everyone. Great review.
This is actually a great movie if you're below the age of 15. It used to come on local TV channels a lot. When I was about 13 circa 1993-1994, it was great. But when rewatching it in your 30s, it's not that great similar to how I feel about Spaceballs. Great for that time or if you're a child but no longer works in modern times or if you got older.
I think Kurt Russell tries a little too hard to be as charismatic as Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones. Another 80s classic that has never made me like it is The Breakfast Club. I don't understand the appeal. Only Back to the Future seems to aged the best among classic 80s movies with comedy.
@@TeamDaemon1980 as a kid was the first time I saw it. That's why I love it so much probably. Plus I've always loved Kung fu movies, Samaria cinema, ect.
@@TeamDaemon1980 I'm in my 30s and I still think it's a very good movie.
Movies fucking amazing . And I’m far from one of those weirdos who thinks it’s the second coming from Christ or anything like that . I just think it’s a great , fun movie
I havent seen it recently but saw some shorts of it & I remember seeing some scenes on tv when I was a kid. Just from Nostalgia like that makes me some what of a fan. Have to watch it to know for sure
Loved this movie as a kid
I love big trouble in little china, and I respect your opinion, but I’m just happy that the John carpenter reviews are BACK!!
Prayers for you with the reviews of Memoirs of the Invisible Man. That's gonna be an endurance test.
@Cody wanted to write this separately and ask if your going to eventually go back to the podcast with you and the wife or if that is on hold til after Christmas or perhaps cancelled for the time being.
Kinda funny that you said that about the thought of putting it on the thumbnail, because before this video reached to playing from today's watchlist, I thought about opening my comment saying, "Ah, Big Trouble in Little China, the first Mortal Kombat movie." Guess we were kinda on the same page with this. 😉😂🤣 Anyways, even though I do love this movie, ranks up there with They Live as one of my go to John Carpenter movies, I'm cool with you not caring about it as much. That's why it's an option after all. And did enjoy this video, thank you, Cody.
Cody, have you thought about shooting and editing the rest of your John Carpenter reviews, and then releasing them after you finish all of them? It would help this review series not get too delayed. If I recall correctly, it's kind of what you did with Hellraiser.
Jack Burton is my all time favourite action character 😅 for all the reason you stated plus I’m a massive Kurt Russell fan
I've been watching this since I was a little kid. The 80s.had some classics. Many are not for everyone. Sometimes, just being there around the time of a movie's release makes one love something for pure nostalgic reasons. That's how I feel about many flicks from this era. Kurt Russell is awesome as always. I love how off the wall the movie is. The sets are fun, and the music kicks ass. You're entitled to your opinion though, man. Though you should know though. The game of Mortal Kombat came out after this movie. Fun review, Cody.
YEEEEEES!! Cody, so stoked to see you back on the Carpenter train! ...will you eventually be doing the last couple Romero 'Dead' movies too? (The OCD on that one is driving me loco😇😆, lol)...BUUUT this is awesome to see and looking forward to the rest., and great uploads recently man👊!
A top 10 movie of all time for me and My favorite Carpenter movie!
“Have you paid your dues Jack…yes sir the check is the mail.”
I think this is one of those movies that kids that grew up in the 80's, like I did, really appreciate it more than modern audiences for sure. It actually is kind of goofy, but I love it!
Love this style of intro Cody.
You as a reviewer are a breath of fresh air with how you review
Did you watch Saltburn Cody...? Would love to hear your thoughts on that!
I would love to know what your thoughts are on the Bruce Willis movie Hudson Hawke?
It was one of my favourites growing up, because it was just kinda fun.
Hi Cody, first let me say, love your channel. Keep up the content bro. I think the problem is for me that, you are usually so spot on with your reviews of movies, you seem to “get” a lot of movies, that it’s a head scratch why you don’t “get” Big Trouble in Little China. I personally love this movie…it one of my all-time favorites. But you certainly are entitled to your opinion, and I welcome it. For example, I love how you respect the Star Wars movies, but you don’t worship them. I’m the same way…they are good for what they are, but the fact that people make them a religion always baffled me. I also COMPLETELY AGREE with your take on Pet Semetary being thr scariest movie ever made….I’m a father too, and that movie absolutely chills me to the bone. Keep it rolling brother.
Gonna have to say that my rating is "Go Out and Buy It" and buy the Scream Factory Blu Ray, like I have bought the steelbook from them (which I also recommend). But don't worry, I still love you @Cody Leach!
Cody is the best movie reviewer on youtube. 🤘🤘🤘
I share your opinion with this film. I watched it once, and it just didn't appeal to me like it does with so many others. It's one of those films that I appreciate more than I actually enjoy. Keep up the great work Cody. You're killing it as always! 🤘
Was wondering when you were going to proceed with John carpenter series. Big trouble in little China has been one of my personal favorites carpenter or otherwise since childhood
I understand 👍
That breaking news bit honestly got a very good laugh out of me.
Love ur review. I am a massive fan of this due to all the reasons u like it. I am a bigger fan than u, but I can see the things that I didn’t like. Thank u for another amazing review. I find it funny that people are carrying on already over the was gunna make a joke thing, it kinda shows people don’t actually watch it properly but are just after some thing to complain or correct people over. Don’t change Cody u always are the reviewer I trust. Keep up the good work and I’m looking forward to more reviews from u.
Upload your review of The Fall of the House of Usher! I absolutely LOVED this series, and I'd love to hear your thoughts on it
Fav of all time, have it in every format... even UMD
Glad were back to john carpenters review series love big trouble in little china reminds me of overboard that breaking news skit was classic as whell
I like the fact that big trouble played the main charecter as a side charecter and the side charecter was the main charecter
This movie is an absolute classic. Its not perfect at all, but still a classic nonetheless.
I don’t get the raiden reference comment you made. You mean you pronounced it more like raiden from metal gear solid 2 , or just the comparison to Raiden from mk. Sorry, I’m exhausted and was just wondering😂. Glad to see you getting back to carpenter. Really curious what you think of in the mouth of madness. 👍
Just wanted to say I love your vids cody
I personally didn't get this movie the first time I watched it either. But after repeated viewings I slowly started to love it. Once I realized Jack is not to be taken seriously as the tough guy hero and more so a parody of one, I enjoyed it way more.
I feel you man. I’ve only seen this movie once about 10 years ago. Didn’t hate it but have never had the desire to rewatch
Love your channel, dude.
I appreciate that!
Thank you for the Donnie Darko nod, Cody. Made my night ✈️🪓
But, seriously this is one of the most quotable films ever. "Everbody relax, I'm here." is one of the greatest lines ever written.
After "Hollow?
Hollow, fock it!!"
@el_killorcure yes, even after that. You can out my quote on a poster.
I love the fact that you give your honest review on this movie, and I absolutely respect it. It's one of my favorite films of all time, and I'm genuinely sorry you didn't get enjoy it...
My favourite carpenter movie by far, I remeber being a kid in my dads house alone and saw the dvd sitting beside the tv with lo pan on the cover. Popped it in and my carpenter craze began!
I imagine if I watched this as a kid I would've loved it.
@@CodyLeachYT Anyone I show the movie too has the same thoughts as yourself
Yeah as for as Carpenter goes, this one rules them all. Halloween, the thing, the fog, escape from Ny, they live. All great but BTILC is the GOAT
Off topic but I absolutely LOVE that Rob Zombie Halloween shirt. May I ask where you got it?
Gutter Garbs
damn saying 3 ninjas you brought back memories from my childhood, I feel you about this movie, my older brother loves this movie while for me I appreciate it (especially with mary jane) but never my favorite from carpenter. I think this is held in such high regard because kurt russell is just so lovable. It’s like escape from LA, we love kurt so much it’s hard to hate something he’s in
I really enjoyed this film! I watched it yesterday and it was such a blast!! I really thought it was so unique and clever!
But it’s fine if you don’t like it. You’re still an awesome CZcamsr.
I’ve always loved this movie since a kid. It’s always interesting hearing an opinion different from someone.
By the way, Raiden is pronounced ‘Ray-den’, not ‘Ry-den’.
Love this movie!! Great review brother!
I didn’t see this movie until I was an adult, and I thought it was fun but a little weird. I watched it with my daughter when she was about 9 or 10 and she absolutely loved it. I think seeing it through her eyes gave me a new appreciation for it, and now it’s one of my favorite Carpenter films.
I had the same reaction on my first viewing. I am a huge Carpenter fan and this one fell through the cracks. I watched it for the first time about 5 years ago and didn't get the appeal. The second viewing is when it hit for me and now I love it.
I remember seeing this out if context when I was 7 in the backroom of a Hong Kong video shop, just wandered in and there was the floaty eyeball guy. It was amazing.
Wow I wasn’t expecting this review. Haven’t watched it yet, curious what you have to say. Even if you bash it, it’s all good it’s still one of my all time number one fave guilty pleasure
The Jack and Wang character dynamic was influenced by the Green Hornet and Kato. Not trying to change your opinion but thought you would find it interesting. Great review.
Always thought the end added to the charm. This doofus still managed to save the day….with his reflexes. I can’t imagine anyone else as jack Burton..it just would not work unless it was Russel.
I’m one of the ones who adores this movie. I saw it when I was a kid and didn’t know what I was watching…just knew I loved it.
Raiden has been confirmed to be based on the dude from this movie. Same with Poon Dong (Crank II) on Lo pan.
There are still a lot of great Hong Kong action movies, as well as Asian action movies in general, that aren’t traditional martial arts movies.
I’m still curious what Cody would think of The Raid movies. Like John Wick, they have a lot of martial arts but are incorporated alongside other genre elements, like police/crime thriller.
Now I gotta see Cody review 3 ninjas... one of my childhood favorites 😍
That was my favorite movie as a kid!.. Watching it as an adult... Yikes! Lol
I love the hell out of this movie and it's one of my favorite Carpenter films and just movies in general. I wish that Jack Burton was a character like Indiana Jones and was just thrown into different adventure stories in different genre movies I think that would have been an interesting series.
Anyway respect your opinion and I can't wait to see the John Carpenter ranking.
Because I agree with a ton of opinions that you have on movies I have to respect your opinion now BUT I absolutely adore this movie. I love the Jack Burton character. I love the mixture of action, comedy, martial arts, and fantasy. I love how absolutely insane it is. I love how it clearly influenced mortal kombat. Guess we all have beloved movies that we just don't get. Mine is the big lebowski.
I strongly agree lol, Can you please review Ghost Ship?
The way you feel about this movie is exactly how i feel about thor ragnarok
😓😓😭. Always appreciate the honesty though. The wild, all over the place tone in this movie is how a majority of golden age Hong Kong movies actually are as well, it’s incredibly strange cinema but SO GOOD.
It's definitely a wild ride and an acquired taste, I am not a big fan but the energy and score salvage my viewing experience.
Just watched this in the cinema and it's brilliant!
I love it, but its not one that I rewatch on any type of basis.
I absolutely respect your opinion but you've still managed to make me put that movie on and that's what it's about 👏👏
Really glad someone else said it… never really loved this movie even tho I’ve been told I’m supposed to.
I really want to hear your take on that Tsunami surfing scene from The escape from L. A
Super fair review! Man, I didn't know about the intro scene and it makes so much sense now! As much as I love that movie, I've always found it out of place because Jack is definitely not the hero of the movie, so I never understood the purpose of that misdirection. With that being said, yeah man...this movie is still one of my favorite of all time hehe What you didn't like (and I get it!) about Jack Burton is why I love it hahaha The 80's was the peak era of the gun blazing American muscular male action hero (which I love too don't get me wrong) so for John Carpenter to make Kurt Russell a likeable dumbass, giving the spot for Dennis Dun to be the real hero was a bold (and great) move imho, especially at that time. It's clear Kurt Russell had fun shooting that movie and it was probably refreshing for him to not play the stern action hero again, making fun of himself instead.
I feel you on this. Maybe I would've liked it more if I watched it when I was younger. Which is a surprise being born in '81. It's a decent movie but nothing that I sit back and think " Man I wanna watch that". I like that it's in a different vibe from Carpenter. Definitely lower on my list of his movies. They Live and The Thing will always be the pinnacle for me.
Hell yeah sir!!!! A classic!
I ❤ this movie more than I can say! Shout-out Leo Sayer! 🙄
Anyway... I still couldn't watch it more than once every 3-5 years unless I'm experiencing it with someone else that hasn't!
Just because I can recite it by heart every scene as I watch it and I don't want to get to the point I hate it! So no worries from a big fan you do you!
Love the channel!
Best Raiden you will ever see!! ⚡Mortal Kombat unfortunately gave us Christopher Lambert & he just doesn't do it for me 😞 lol.... Super fun movie!!! And thanks for the review, Cody 🤘🫶🎬
This film has a special place in my heart because me and my grandad used to watch it together at least once a month on rotate with willow, jaws and predator. R.i.p grandad
One of my favourite films ever, I watch it at least once a year
Took a few watches to grow on me this one but now I mostly love it. My main problem is the exposition, there's a lot of it and it's very clunky.