Directed By: John Carpenter
Written By: Gary Goldman, David Z. Weinstein & W.D. Richtor
Cinematography By: Dean Cundey
Editor: Steve Mirkovich, Mark Weiner & Edward A. Warschilka
Cast: Kurt Russell, Kim Cattrall, James Hong, Dennis Dun, Victor Wong, Kate Burton, Donald Li
John Carpenter's first entry on my list. Not John Carpenter's best film, but it is the most lighthearted and fun. The film plays with character conventions. The hero a symbol of 80's american action hero, Here he is made into the sidekick. The wanna-be hero here is goofy and thinks he know's it all, But half the time gets his ass handed to him. He is our surrogate into the introduction of this culture and what is going on exactly. His name is Jack burton, Where as his co-star Dennis Dun playing Wang is the actual hero of the film trying to get his kidnapped girlfriend back and facing evil in it's own home to do it. With plenty of Kung-Fu added in. Shockingly Dennis dun had never had martial arts training until this film. In one scene our expectations are turned on us when we see two chinese gang about to fight one another and you expect a Kung-Fu extravaganza. Then they start having a shoot out with one another for a few minutes until they start frighting each other hand to hand. it is only a hint of the things to come in the film.
The film is like a comic book come to life with it's action, comedy, fantasy elements running side by side, or like a videogame. (No wonder now John Carpenter is a video game fanatic. He paved the way for there future a little). it was originally supposed to be a western, But it was decided it would be easier to make it more modern.
Kurt russell plays Jack Burton like a classic John Wayne type hero. The studio wanted Carpenter to cast Jack Nicholson or Clint eastwood when both turned it down. he was free to cast the only actor in his mind who could play the role. Mr. russell usually does his best work working with Carpenter. He probably feels more at ease working with him. it comes off through on screen. They usually end up makiing iconic characters
The film starts out as a mystery (which was only added because the studio wanted Jack Burton to be or at least seem more heroic, Since the only really heroic thing he does during the whole movie is kill the villian) then delves into the story and it's outrageous elements. It's pure 80's, but doesn't suffer from dating too badly. It has impressive special effects for it's time. There are many memorable scenes and the film is never boring because it rarely slows down. it's like a full speed locomotive. With plenty of great one-liners.
This is definately a movie that couldn't be made today. If it was, it would be wall to wall action, Huge Budget and a more well known cast. Even though Part of the joy of the film is that there are very few actual stars. In fact co-star Dennis dun has a long resume but i remember only seeing him in one film before and after this which was John Carpenter's PRINCE OF DARKNESS. Today it would have to be someone like Jet-li which would lead you in the audience to see the twist of conventions. It is truly original, Nearly impossible to duplicate.
I remember seeing this on cable for the first time. i was hooked instantly at 10 years old. Anytime it came on after that i watched it religiously with my uncles. Who wouid over the years point out little details that i may have missed. So that each viewing was a revelation for me.
The film is like a adventure you would like to go on as a adult. This is one of those films that pulls out the geek fanboy in most people and brings you a joy that you felt as a kid. When you saw certain movies and wiahed you could be there or experience the adventure. You did whenever you watched the film again and swore once you grew up, You would go on one just like it. Some of us do. Some us go chasing after it forever. Some settle convinced they never will, some write so they can hopefully relive the experience or create one of theior own for others to experience.
The films test scrrening scores were huge, but in the end the studio didn't really know how to market the film to audiences. So it ended up bombing, luckily it developed a cult audience on video. Which proves if your film is good. Eventually it will be discovered by a audience.
It's a near perfect film. It is not arty it was made only in mind to entertain audiences and to have fun. Nothing is too serious. it is inspired and clever. The film proves that action doesn't always have to be about set pieces. It doesn't necessarily make the audience check their brain at the door.
A must see addition to your film library.
GRADE: A
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