Big Trouble in Little China - WTF Happened To This Movie?

Hollywood has had its fair share of historically troubled productions. Whether it was casting changes, actor deaths, fired directors, in-production rewrites, constant delays, budget cuts or studio edits, these films had every intention to be a blockbuster, but were beset with unforeseen disasters. Sometimes huge hits, sometimes box office bombs. Either way, we have to ask: WTF Happened To This Movie?
In the latest episode we look back at what happened to John Carpenter's 1986 martial arts fantasy action pic Big Trouble In Little China starring Kurt Russell, Kim Cattrell, Dennis Dun, James Hong, Victor Wong and Kate Burton. A box office bomb upon release, the film later went on to become a cult classic, even if it seemingly soured Carpenter on the big studio picture. Join us and take a look at What The F*ck Happened to Big Trouble in Little China!
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#BigTroubleInLittleChina #JohnCarpenter #WTFHappenedToThisMovie

[@nephilimglass7008]

I'm in my 40's and I still haven't gotten tired of this epic flic.

[@garynew9637]

I'm 67 lol

[@grahamcreese5665]

Same i love this film i remember a few years back here in England the so called critics were callin this the worst film ever made so gos to show they dont know there arse from there elbows this film is action packed in fact i dont think ive seen a carpenter film that is bad i loved the thing too another diamond film from my childhood! G

[@xSilasDrakex]

Love this movie still.

[@samnangpoe]

same here bro!

[@IAmValenwind]

in my 40's as well... one of my favorite movies ever. it's *fun*.

[@rossdiamondthief6627]

In my opinion, Kurt Russell’s most underrated film.

[@marcelmoreau2733]

Computer who Wore Tennis Shoes, Worlds Strongest Man. Did some hilarious work for Disney in 70s.

[@SpontaneousWeasel]

Another one for me would be 1998's Soldier (an in-universe sequel to bladerunner). He was so good as the tortured warrior.

[@Talal_111]

SpontaneousWeasel never heard of this

[@CONSOLETRUTH2]

@@SpontaneousWeasel good film and many similarities found years later when the first HALO game was released.

[@Nobody-dc8dp]

I just about to say this such an underrated film. Tried to show my friends this movie and they stopped it like half way through.

[@marcelopires711]

The movie that changed my childhood forever. Suddently the world was big place full of inimaginable things. One cannot be the same after watching Big Trouble In Little China. Thank you, John Carpenter, Kurt Russell and all the people who brought the movie to this world.

[@bigmoose99]

May the wings of liberty never lose a feather

[@Jokes_on_D]

Well said bro

[@friedmandesigns]

Hell yes, and well put. Somewhere out there, Jack is holdin' it down for us whilst gobbling a tasty sandwich in his truck. Warm winds and keep on truckin'.

[@imchuckbass4757]

I remember being about 6 or 7 (back in the early 90's) chilling with my dad, and this movie came on. I was enthralled by it and found it hysterical. It has been my favorite movie ever since. It's one of my favorite memories of being with my dad. From there I realized that Kurt Russel and John Carpenter are a magical combo. They have so many great things under their belt besides their projects together, but when you combine them it's just superb.

[@georgelux126]

I remember sitting in the theater laughing my ass off as people walked out in droves. Always wonder what people were expecting from a Kurt Russel Kung Fu movie. Still one of my favorite movies.

[@joejohnson2447]

I’ve walked out of movies before, but out of this one???

[@130hengineer]

Funny same thing happened to me too. Thought I was the only one.

[@psychokinesis878]

People walked out on this movie?!

[@GoldKingsMan]

@@joejohnson2447 I always watch the credits.

[@Matthew.Wade27]

I can't believe people walked out of this movie...

[@RaireDidimus]

"John Wayne without a clue" is hands down the best description of Jack Burton I've ever heard.

[@patrickdezenzio4988]

But with impeccable comedic timing

[@firstjayjay]

lol I see what u did there...:) bravo

[@NevrSilent]

When Russell was plugging the film on Letterman that summer, he referred to Jack Burton as "sort of an action hero-- but he has the personality of Eddie Haskell. It's like if Eddie Haskell has come to save the day." But "John Wayne without a clue" might be even more dead-eyed a description.

[@peterwyetzner5276]

I wasn't aware there was any other.

[@rottieshepcalibre9156]

nah... john wayne was racist... jack isnt

[@ericfisher1360]

Nothing happened to this movie. This movie is one of the best ever put to film.

[@slidetek]

It's more like "what's wrong with the audience?"

[@aa-cb3kr]

You should watch Captain Ron.

[@chocodiledundee1]

Eric Fisher well said man so true I totally support your claim on that 🙌🏼

[@tyrion9999]

no doubt my fellow Fisher

[@benjaminmack3854]

It has action, horror, romance, science fiction, and freaking Kungfu. This is the best peice of cinema that doesn't get enough credit for the characters and story.

[@concerned1]

Saw this at the cinema. Loved it. Still don’t understand why this wasn’t a hit. Definitely one of Carpenter’s best films.

[@TPaine1776]

I completely agree.

[@bigmoose99]

It is a hit. Do you guys not know that?

[@quietdemon8138]

@@bigmoose99 yeah NOW it is a hit and super beloved but when it was originally released it was panned by critics and bombed at the box office

[@bigmoose99]

@@quietdemon8138 when I was growing up it got heavy play on whatever that Sunday cinema show was called. The station is now upn or the cw. I think it was called the million dollar movie🍿 ?

[@bigmoose99]

@@quietdemon8138 I hear you though Carpenter got a raw deal.

[@gwernette5971]

I loved the movie when it came out. Still entertaing to this day. The fight scenes are spectacular. Costumes are amazing. The campiness adds to its charm.

[@umachan9286]

It's movies like this that show Hollywood execs literally have no idea what they're talking about.

[@animeangel1983]

And still don't all they see is dollars now.

[@scrinsons3355]

Well, they're still planning in making a sequel.... 😕 With the Rock starring...... It's to be dreaded, in my book.

[@debyahysrael8264]

@@scrinsons3355 The Rock is too FAKE. He has a S*** -eating grin.

[@kennyhouser3467]

That is a terrifying prospect considering the agendas and politics Hollyweird has pushed in the last decade plus. One of the big appeals to the original is that is unapologetically politically incorrect. That's likely why people have relegated it to cult status. The sense of humor and creativity required to make a sequel that would live up to the original simply doesn't exist in modern movies or creators.

[@Schism07]

​@@kennyhouser3467 Exactly^. Modern film is so woefully hamstrung by deranged, obsessive leftist political ideology and blatant, obnoxious _+SocJus/Fem-Suprem.+_ agenda-pushing that it would take a miracle for today's Hollywood to produce *anything other* than a massive steaming pile of feces, let a lone a half-decent work of art;... and the chances of them making a memorable classic or a genius masterpiece like the original film is a big fat 0%-absolutely impossible in today's clown's circus of a world.

[@innpeasea5121]

This movie is a classic and everyone involved should be considered legends in the film industry.

[@davesmith7432]

I got the 69th like! Nice! 😉

[@innpeasea5121]

@@davesmith7432 nice!

[@danielduncan6806]

Wait, you want to elevate Kim Cattrall to legend status? No, I don't think so.

[@vampirenessis8866]

When I was a kid I watched a recorded VHS of this movie around 800 times. As an adult we can easily double that number

[@nickycotton6137]

Empathise.👍. VHS utterly rinsed ❤ . 1'st Cover/Box reminded of Betamax ones! (Was a BIG Suprise & this Film's Priceless)

[@HeavyMetallHammer]

same here man, probably the best childhood movie i can remember

[@thaitran4527]

I laughed my ass off when my kids school made an assembly announcement for one of their students to report to the office. "Jack Burton". None of the other parents around understood why.

[@georgemorley1029]

You leave Jack Burton ALONE!

[@Ship-security]

They should never remake this movie. It's too good just the way it is.

[@davidian2097]

I remember watching this growing up and it was fkn awesome

[@traemobg]

They are. The Rock is making it.

[@jamie49868]

Amen. If a movie is good enough to remake, then it is good enough not to remake.

[@englandbengal]

timbay sounds like the most The Rock thing to do.

[@MrPobanz]

@Mike Wilhelmson Carpenters "The Thing" was a remake for example. There are good and bad remakes, just like any other kind of movie.

[@metalgrinch]

Not sure why this was so ripped apart upon its release. I remember first seeing it as a kid back in the late 80s and we all absolutely loved it. So different and creative, and have loved it ever since.

[@lordoshower3478]

SergeTheBlerge This was before the introduction of the wild Hong Kong fantasy movies. Wasn’t in the mainstrem nomenclature yet. Ten years later would’ve done much better.

[@alexaraya2018]

SergeTheBlerge this was like The Goonies for grownups

[@silvervalleystudios2486]

As I kid in the 80s I watched this film so many times I wore out the tape.

[@jamienorris7078]

Never listen to critics they know nothing

[@sdushdiu]

...Just as the Adventures of Backaroo Banzai should have been a blockbuster and the series continued.... Or later, the Adventures of Brisco County Jr...

[@debyahysrael8264]

The Rock can never replace Kurt Russel. BTILC is one of my Favorite movies.

[@scottmantooth8785]

*if you're going to do a sequel of this classic for a legitimate reason other than sheer cynical profit motives make The Rock Jack's brother looking at the clues at what happened to him and finding his own variant of the adventure...i would accept that...as long as it was not a gender fluid woke fest of cultural diversity and social justice pandering*

[@tww9tw9]

Never.

[@silvervalleystudios2486]

This movie is one of those masterpieces which should be deemed "untouchable" from reboots, remakes and sequels.

[@dr.christopherdiaz4473]

This movie is one of me and my dad's favorites. When I first met my wife, and she said she loved this flick, I immediately knew she was the one.

[@1sliiver]

Definitely a winner. I just found out my cute neighbor is geeky on this and Beastmaster so...I might in love.

[@PUBHEAD1]

Dwayne Johnson, you leave Jack Burton alone, we are forever in his debt

[@brazelton13]

The only way I see it being OK is if DJ is a character that runs into Jack Burton as some seriously weird shut starts. I mean it has to be Kurt Russell as JB and the rock could just stumble into it.

[@jesscooney8443]

Why it’s shit ..

[@kungfew1396]

Dwayne Johnson is a sequel whore to movies he never originally starred in, Gi.Joe, Fast and furious, The mummy, Journey to the center of the Earth, Jumanji, keep him the hell away from one of the best action movies of the 80s!!!

[@brucechamberlin2545]

Haha

[@HOTDOG401]

If they do another...Jack should be played by Kurt Russell..."Years later....older....still a trucker."

[@TeeJay_757]

I think Kurt Russell is one of the most underrated actors in Hollywood.

[@umachan9286]

I've been saying this for years. He's one of those character actors that gives it his all but never gets the true recognition he deserves.

[@jeremyr6533]

You are a 100% correct. Every movie he did was great acting.

[@thomasc.5219]

What? He was A List since the 80s, he is a legend. One of the most recognizable actors of all time and you wanna use the term underrated. Just cause he wasn't making big box office films his whole career or making Oscar bait doesn't mean he is underrated.

[@TeeJay_757]

I don't mean he's underrated by fans. I mean he's underrated by the Hollywood Elite. Kurt Russell is one of those actors that can carry a scene no matter what the script says. He is a method actor of the highest caliber but he's never received the credit he deserves from the mainstream because of his political views. They've always looked at him and Goldie as beneath them.

[@amthatdad3450]

Walt Disney might have disagreed with you there.

[@What.99]

Jack Burton is one of the best film characters ever created, thanks largely to how amazing and likeable Kurt Russel is as an actor. Jack’s blend of narcissism mixed with idiocy is such a hilarious mixture. I should hate the character because he’s so full of himself, but he’s such a doof that it make’s me love him even more somehow. While The Thing is my favorite Kurt Russel movie, Jack Burton is EASILY my favorite of his roles. Kurt Russel just has a really great personality, and it translates to film perfectly.

[@holden6104]

Everything about this film is absolutely perfect for the type of film it is. An overlooked miracle.

[@venom74799]

Sensational. What’s in it holder??

[@holden6104]

@@venom74799 Wind...fire...all that kind of thing.

[@Dejuan4980]

Can we be honest??? Without this movie there would've never been "Mortal Kombat" This movie had to be a major influence for that game.

[@alexdestefano392]

Agreed. Shang Tsung = Lopan, Lui Kang = Wang and Raiden = Lightning. Who else am I missing?

[@IAmValenwind]

@@alexdestefano392 i bet baraka was influenced by the hairy monster.

[@fernandogimenez7520]

When i was a kid i call this movie the Mortal kombat Movie

[@atomicpressure5112]

I always remembered the fucking straw hats and electricity more famous with this movie

[@atomicpressure5112]

@@fernandogimenez7520 Then you're still too young

[@wutang535]

This film is sucha classic and a cherished memory of my childhood. Don't dare bash on it! I'm an Asian American and the Chinese community who were against this film seriously?Shame on them. This film gave opportunities and work for so many Asians who I know were all looking for a big break like this.

[@Zerofightervi]

I was thinking that too, isn't it a little racist to say only Chinese people should make films inspired by Chinese mythology? The Chinese people in the film are all badass too. I think Carpenter did a great job hiring so many Chinese actors & stunt people.

[@drdarkeny]

This write-up doesn't disrespect the Asian cast at all - it points out the Asian "sidekicks" are the actual heroes, while Macho White Dude Jack Burton is a blundering ass...who nonetheless manages to help save the day, almost by accident.

[@TallicaMan1986]

@@drdarkeny Yeah, it's kinda like Mad Max (Except Max is competent) where he unwittingly enters an ongoing battle where he's that push the good needed to finally defeat their oppressors. The conflict never really started with these two, but they were there to finish it and due to their luck in life will end up inserting themselves into another story. They're wondering heros.

[@ulvesparker]

Me too. I loved the Asian influences. And at the time, there were a few Asian gang incidents in SF Chinatown too as I recall

[@patwest1815]

I love this movie. It was silly and irreverent without being insulting and was the best intro to Chinese culture both past and present at the time. It actually poked fun at the usual cliché of White people owning most of the important roles.

[@idris3672]

"You ready Jack?" "I was born ready"

[@SeriusChevy]

The whole movie is epic, but the ending is Straight movie gold! One of my favorite movies and definitely my favorite ending scene

[@ThePatank]

it also has one of the best movie openings in cinematic history. "Thats how it always begins...very small..."

[@georgehenderson7783]

My favorite movie ending scene is The Man With The Golden Gun's, but this was great too!

[@firstname__lastname]

"Have you paid your dues, Jack? Yes sir, the check is in the mail."

[@lovejen01]

"May the wings of liberty never lose a feather"

[@Thom1212]

"You were not put on this Earth to *'get it'* Mister Burton..."

[@painkillerjones6232]

The "Porkchop Express"...

[@patrickdezenzio4988]

Just remember what ol’ 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 ol’ storm right square in the eye and he says, “Give me your best shot, pal. I can take it.

[@davidszabo1618]

"Aren't you even going to kiss her goodbye?" "Nope." "See you around Burton." "Never can tell."

[@kickheavy8982]

The fact that this movie was seen as a flop at ANY point in time is one of the greatest injustices in movie history. This is my absolute favorite movie period.

[@NevrSilent]

There are lots of great films which don't do that well (or at least not as well as hoped) as far as selling tickets in the theaters. And that, unfortunately, is what constituted a flop for a long time. Fuck, The Wizard of Oz was considered a cinematic underperformer, for a long-ass time. It really only became a "classic" with the advent of color TV (few movies showed off "COLOR" like that film did, so CBS took a real shine to it in the '60s; only then were kids raised on the idea that "this film is a classic"). Big Trouble became one of a great many "cult classics" of the 1980s because of VHS and cable. Teens, who were evolving into film and pop culture sponges in my age group, would watch films like this almost every other day (we also watched a lot of real shit movies too, over and over--we hadn't reached the "On Demand" culture of the last 12-15 years--so we were content to watch plenty of flicks that were actually not that great...all afternoon, and all summer long) were who wound up taking a shine to it. Also, history shows us that Carpenter turned out to be much more of an indie / genre director than studios wanted--especially back then. He's really only made one, genuinely big seller (Halloween). The rest became cult films (and a couple were just genuine dogs). Because he was good, but he wasn't all that mainstream in sensibility.

[@Gwynarra2]

Loved this movie. Saw it in a huge empty theatre with just my two friends. We thought it was hilarious.

[@joekerr2348]

When I was a kid in the 80s, this movie introduced me and sparked my love for Asian action and martial arts films.

[@KenAdams426]

see, movies like this need to be re-released and not rebooted!!

[@dsandoval9396]

Yeah. I can see a pt2 with an older Kurt Russell, or maybe even a prequel with Russell's son playing his character, he looks JUST like him. But a reboot!? No.

[@h.plovecat4307]

@@dsandoval9396 If we get a old man sequel, we better see the head of that hairy monster from the end mounted on his truck.

[@rossdiamondthief6627]

Ken Adams give it time, they’ll remake it with Chris Pratt or Bradley Cooper in the lead role.

[@shakesfirst2443]

Remastered

[@drdarkeny]

@@h.plovecat4307 - No! The Hairy Monster's working for Jack now as a backup truck driver! Put him in a baseball cap and a beer in his hand, and he'll fit right in at any truckstop in the American West....

[@Whatsahandle4]

I've watched this movie more times than star wars in the 80's

[@LordSathar]

It's a better movie.

[@Larrlos]

@@LordSathar damn right it is😁

[@OdinX316]

Yeah me2!! I can't believe the horseshit the executives dished out on this awesome movie!! same lamebrains that thought up Jar Jar binks, lol!!

[@Psychonaut_]

As A kid, I can VIVIDLY remember the first time I saw this. I loved it, and still love it to this day. That monster hiding on his rig at the end gave me nightmares. JC is the best.

[@CommodoreFloopjack78]

"You are not meant to 'GET IT', Mr. Burton!"

[@KenAdams426]

a tough man doesn't mind a little rain on his face. But smart man has enough sense to get out of the rain.

[@mikelatta484]

"A brave man enjoys the feeling of nature on his face, Jack."

[@marccolten9801]

I think of this exchange whenever I'm out in the rain.

[@matthewfranklin9301]

This was my brother’s and I favorite movie as kids. I have the dvd and anytime I see it on tv I always turn to it to watch.

[@giordanopagotto7940]

Same here, my brother’s and I favorite movie as kids s well. A film that's always super fun to watch!

[@easley421]

This and Tango and Cash were ours. Memories

[@arnoldbliss6238]

Yep!

[@jeanackle]

Yep, one of the very few movies I always excitedly try and make the time to see when it comes up on TV!

[@stephenjernigan1057]

Same here. Me and my brother must have watched this 20 times. Great movie.

[@fjones7262]

"I never drive faster than I can see" Jack Burton is a role model

[@jamclutch1818]

Honestly one of the most special movies ever made! Definitely a top 5 of my childhood! I will NEVER get tired of this film!

[@Supa-Fly]

"it's all in the reflexes" Jack Burton 1986

[@Whiskey0880]

Shaaadaaap mista beuuurtan!

[@Larrlos]

Checks in the mail😁

[@audrablue515]

"Besides that, I never drive faster than I can see" lol Classic!

[@thebluecollarhero]

“Everybody relax, I’m here.”

[@egocide9034]

"Goat butts against the edge and his horns become entangled."

[@VCYT]

...an also, President Trump's first words when entering the Whitehouse.

[@flashkraft]

I remember saying that when I was in high school.

[@electricmessiah3932]

Like I told my last wife, I says, "Honey, I never drive faster than I can see. Besides that, it's all in the reflexes."

[@randallpetroelje3913]

Hell yeah!! I’m not alone. I love it too. Thanks. Kindred spirits I guess 😂

[@MrYellingdingo]

'ya know what ol' Jack Burton says at a time like this?' 'who?' 'Jack Burton. Me!'

[@imprezabob]

Ol' Jack always says.. "what the hell"

[@patrickcrowley2268]

I've been a Kurt Russell fan since the 1960's, and this movie is one of my favorites. Kung Fu, action, magic, monsters, sexy girls, comedy, goofy hero, what's not to like? As for Hollywood execs, don't they ever realize that movies have only one goal, and that's to entertain?

[@ptbunz2501]

I love how all these "failures" turned into cult status.

[@Vincer]

not all. There is a thing called ghost of mars.

[@ccggenius]

Well yeah, you never hear about the failures that DIDN'T achieve cult status.

[@nocturnal101ravenous6]

If you really look at commentary of cult classics that were failures, 90% of the time its due to the big wigs f^&ing it up, even today we have a lot of bombs just because they want it their way or no way or have no confidence.

[@prof.ravenwood7704]

@@Vincer Yep, You're right, and That's because that movie was/is A STEAMING PILE OF GARBAGE!! ;)

[@Vincer]

@@nocturnal101ravenous6 Idk. I think i saw as many times other reasons- timing, being too ahead of its time, the creatives involved not knowing how to explain or call it, the list goes on. Evil Dead for example- even if it had a bigger release, everyone at the time could see it was a budget film and wouldn`t spend the dollar on such a risk, but they would on vhs (where it thrived and grew). Of course the big suits screw things up big time too frequently, but 90% of the time is ignoring one of the most essential aspects of inovation and art in film: the risk. The very idea of trying something different in itself brings a bigger risk and that chance. Not ignoring how much of a factor it is makes it much easier and acurate to understand the current market, the studios and even directors decisions, all the way to the creatives struggles and so on. I wish we could have a thriving market of art house projects with a soul doing well but thats just isn`t the reality, and one of the main reasons, if not the biggest, is precisely what they have or do differently.

[@WillyDIreland]

A flawless insane classic.

[@GoldKingsMan]

I asked a Latina Chinese girl if she seen this movie,she said no.

[@gzus5943]

i was an 80's kid, and i love this film...curiously i always found it slightly unsettling in a scary/creepy way...jack Burton is one of the most influential and underrated 80's heroes.

[@JoseTorres-dl3kh]

This was my all time favorite movie. I watched this as a kid and still watch it from time to time. The character kurt Russell portrays with the slap stick style of comedy and the monsters and Kim cattrall. This was truly an epic movie.

[@theworldmustpay]

this whole damn movie is quotable.

[@TwoDogsFighting]

Indeeeed.

[@TonyBabarino]

" Okay. You people sit tight, hold the fort and keep the home fires burning. And if we’re not back by dawn… call the president. "

[@habitsrabbit]

" this Lo Pan character comes out of thin air in the middle of a goddamn ally, while his buddies are flying around on wires, cutting everybody to shreds. And he just stands there waiting for me to drive my truck straight through him, with light coming out of his mouth!"

[@habitsrabbit]

@Nightmarewalkin Psychopathtalkin "who?"

[@habitsrabbit]

@Nightmarewalkin Psychopathtalkin you missed part of the quote.. "Jack Burton, me!" And then finished with what you said lol

[@ivomuniz]

This movie is HUGE in Brazil. It used to air on television afternoons almost once a month for at least 30 years.

[@fernandogimenez7520]

Same happen with Die Hard every Sunday here in Argentina

[@ivomuniz]

@V M ?

[@MadMax-hd3kd]

IM that's weird

[@ivomuniz]

@@MadMax-hd3kd why?

[@MadMax-hd3kd]

Programming

[@ThisIsTheTowne]

James Han, the guy that's been making visions come true for decades on screen. What a legend.

[@EMalachi]

The thing I love about Jack Burton is that while he acts like a tough guy who is only out for himself, he's right there in the fight with his friend when his world is turned completely upside-down. I never took the opening scene as trying to fluff up Jack as being a bigger character than he was, but as Egg Shen protecting a friend and ally who stepped in way out of his depth and was the pebble that tipped the scales in their favour.

[@dmivory82]

"Don't make me kill you tough guy" "Just remember what ol’ 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 ol’ storm right square in the eye and he says, “Give me your best shot, pal. I can take it."

[@leafyshempharvest2722]

it's all in the reflexes

[@KalRandom]

I always lived by Jacks advice, Never drive faster than you can see.

[@vossburton3437]

Besides, it's all in the reflexes

[@Medieval_Dead]

Thankfully twitter wasn’t around back then to cancel this absolute classic.

[@vyranlaise8356]

The first time I watched "Big Trouble in Little China." When it first aired on HBO. I thought it was great and fun. My whole family also love the movie too. I think the studios new or understood just how huge the fans of Black Belt Theater really was. How inportion Asian mythology was for the film. Or how it would effected the enjoyment of the film. It's huge impacted it had on the fans. I really appreciate the Detector and Producers. For taking up this script. Trying their very best to creating this wonderful film. They also made the film family friendly and fun for generations to enjoy. Thanks

[@ethicaltechnical]

Carpenters flops are often his best movies. The thing is my favorite horror of all time. This movie is also just amazing. And only now that I'm older do i appreciate how different and groundbreaking it was.

[@wittafa]

Yeah, the Star Lord character resembled Jack Burton

[@kennyhouser3467]

Hollywood goes to prove that Ad Populum fallacies are abound in society. Much like a single person can be cunning and intelligent. A group of people acts like scared, stupid herd animals. Most things that are considered "trendy" at a given time are ridiculously shallow and offer low replay-ability. George Carlin once had a great line saying "think of how stupid the average person is, and realize HALF of them are stupider than that." That my friend, is why movies like Big Trouble in Little China "flop" but are then relegated to cult status.

[@lachlanmcneill5488]

It's just that people were not ready for what he was doing I think.

[@davemort9166]

Ghosts.Of.Mars

[@StradaleF430]

This is and was my favorite movie of all time no matter what people say.

[@jplus2601]

Raven GTR the greatest film ever made

[@steh8831]

Raven GTR - The most fun I ever had while at the cinema. 👍

[@arnoldbliss6238]

100%

[@daBEAGLE1017]

Agreed

[@larrypjonesjr2224]

#3 Big Trouble in little China #2 Tremors #1 Falling Down

[@violetbliss4399]

One of the best movie experiences ever created in my opinion

[@meatballsubsandwich]

This was possibly my favorite movie as a child, and is still on a short list of movies I rewatch today. I didn't know the hell this movie went through on release. Kind of sad that circumstantial, and probably deliberate, mishaps took this film out prematurely. What a thrill it was to see it become this cult classic that it is now. This was a great look into the film's history. Thank you.

[@brentalanadamlandgrave7635]

DO NOT LET "THE ROCK" DO ANYTHING CONNECTED TO "BIG TROUBLE!"

[@steh8831]

Brent Alan Adam Landgrave - Yeah, I kinda feel the same way. I don't want to see The Rock starring as The Rock in A film about something and The Rock,... I'm not saying that he can't act or that he's not entertaining, but he just doesn't seem right for it.

[@kodaspaws]

agreed

[@silvervalleystudios2486]

A message to 2019 Hollywood:I know you are one big recycling plant and love doing reboots/remakes/sequels but please leave this one alone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@afromalone]

Well said!

[@brentalanadamlandgrave7635]

@wespozo ...it's just that, with the Rock, he's so insecure, he can never allow his character any humility or times where he fails. Failure and pain are the best teachers. They are vehicles for growth. That's why the Rock is only ever the Rock and will never be regarded as a serious actor. He's good at being the Rock, but lacks personal courage and conviction of character to be anything else. Russell played Burton as bumbling. Carpenter said he's an idiot. That freed up the character to enable several needed situations to propel the plot forward into a fantastic movie. The Rock can't do that. He's just gonna be the Rock doing typical the Rock stuff. And his characters will never evolve because the Rock can't evolve. His is the inertia and momentum of, well, a rock.

[@DLYskes1976]

it's always amazing how movies like The Thing, Christine, They Live, The Fog, Escape from New York, and Big Trouble in Little China, might not have been huge movies in the theater, but they end up being such cult classics that you give people the side eye if they have not watched these movies or if they don't like them....

[@dissolution]

I feel like this and "The Thing" are some of the best movies ever made. It's insane to me they weren't received better. But at least they've found their audience now.

[@Cybopath]

Its amazing I had no idea that they were such bombs until the early 2000s, but then this is true of all kinds of art. At least these guys get to see the movie found its audience.

[@1sliiver]

Escape From New York, Christine, and The Fog were commercial successes...as was They Live. But all are memorable along with The Thing and Big Trouble which both have been vindicated with time and all films mentioned have cult status.

[@MonkeyJedi99]

I put Big Trouble in Little China on the same high pedestal as Highlander (1, not 2, and about half of 3), and Ghostbusters (1 and 2, NOT 3). Movies I will watch over and over again every time I get tired of the formulaic rehashes coming out these days.

[@1sliiver]

@@MonkeyJedi99 True...I could watch Big Trouble, Highlander, or Ghostbusters and not get sick of them at any time. They hold that special kind of magic...If I turn on the TV and any of those films are on...I'm in it until the end.

[@SirSmoldham]

The fact that this film took so long to be discovered "PISSES ME OFF TO NO END!" But seriously, I was on set when this was being shot at Fox because I knew the head security guard and the martial artists that were in the film. A lot of them appeared in my first shoestring budget "so bad it's good" film. You make such killer videos. Thank you.

[@joecook3223]

"Along with Rodney pipers insistence on the wearing of sunglasses" MY VISION IS AUGMENTED

[@scottmantooth8785]

*imagine a big trouble and they live crossover taking place*

[@Badastro59]

I think james Hong's Lo Pan is truly a great villian,

[@bighuge1060]

I have to paraphrase this but Hong's delivery of "What are these? Friends of yours? Now, this really pisses me off" while he's looking at a monitor was hilarious.

[@icaruscloud3831]

You are not placed upon this earth to get it mr Burton

[@BCWasbrough]

The scene where the three of them bond over relationship issues is brilliant.

[@pixelmonkey7093]

INDEED!!

[@viscountalpha]

he was charismatic and that really is how they should be.

[@dominickefrim3088]

I stumbled onto this movie late one night by accident while bored and channel surfing. I was so blown away at the fact that I'd never even heard of this movie before but found it absolutely brilliant. The whole time I was watching it i kept thinking "how the hell did i never see this before".

[@joeyharris3951]

And you will keep on watching it.

[@renatogarcia619]

I have always like Kurt Russell and Kung Fu movies so you put them together and you get a great movie

[@dorseykindler9544]

Sounds like how I stumbled across "The Wraith."

[@kurington.blogspot7876]

Saw this movie in the late 80's as a kid and immediately fell in love in it. It's an absolute blast.

[@SeriusChevy]

This movie is hands down amazing!! Its a shame what happened to it at release. At least now it gets the credit it deserves

[@soldat2501]

The lesson from this movie is, Hollywood really doesn't know what it's doing. They are making it up as they go along and just about every time they hate something, it turns out to be great. Truly, I am surprised any good movies are ever made and if they are, they are usually made by accident.

[@johnmoldoch3127]

No kidding, these are probably the same people who cancelled Firefly.

[@geezer0013]

“You will come out no more” “What!?! What will come out no more???” 😂😂😂

[@scottmantooth8785]

*doesn't matter!...'cause it will come out...NO MORE!!!!*

[@RMSAquitaniafan55]

My dad showed me this movie when I was 5 years old, Still one of my top 10

[@matthewreese2483]

My favorite movie of all time. Back in the day, my father acquired a VHS copy and I watched it hundreds of times over the years.

[@darksharxz]

Shared this classic with my son when he was ten, he loved it. Made him laugh so hard. I was so happy to share one of many awesome movies with him.

[@peterpetersen574]

Wholesome

[@stuartbrownlee3108]

This movie is a Holy Relic in my DVD vault.

[@dnasty312]

I just got the *Scream Factory* Blu-ray cheap

[@superunknown2812]

Yes my blu ray version is my holy relic in my collection as well,man i love this movie

[@curtisjackson1121]

I will own this on quantum crystal chips in the distant future

[@moserfugger6363]

A stunningly beautiful movie! The colors, the cinematography, the effects... All of it still holds up. There are very few genre movies which are so timeless and much like fine wine even get better every passing year. greetings from germany :-)

[@NOPerative]

This was a saturday - every saturday movie for me in the 80's. I have it on DVD too and ripped it and put it on my mobile devices. Movie is very campy, very cool and an easy to watch action comedy. It was actually a cover story for Fangoria magazine back in the 80's too.

[@scottmantooth8785]

*remember seeing that one...yeah, i'm old*

[@NOPerative]

@@scottmantooth8785 we'll just assume we're aged and more refined than yesterday; young at heart -all that matters. Take care Scott.

[@scottmantooth8785]

@@NOPerative *pretty much* *have an excellent day yourself Robert*

[@Monkeyboysdontknow]

Jack Burton: "I never drive faster than I can see."

[@kleptortheconspiracythatwa2142]

Monkeyboysdontknow "Besides that it's all in the reflexes."

[@daleholbert3111]

@John Frum China is here I don't even know what the hell that means

[@fjones7262]

You know it

[@ReGarage]

this movie had the magic of the GOOD old stuff... like indiana jones, star wars ,flash gordon etc! They are fairytales coming to the screen, not like modern crap wich are full of political nonsense and dark roten characters.

[@GTSN38]

Yep, today's movies are garbage. I can't recall any movie as great in the last 10 years

[@mojebi3804]

But "rotten" is so cool and deep, bro...

[@gazzaroony]

I hate being the old guy saying they don't make em like that anymore but... they don't.

[@MoodyG9]

ONE OF THE BEST MOVIES IN MY ALL TIME LIST, HIGHLY UNDERRATED

[@eclecticx]

Absolutely adore this movie. Hilarious with great fighting choreography. Probably my favorite Russell role, which is really saying something. He's had so many phenomenal roles.

[@reshpeck]

"You know what Jack Burton always says at a time like this-" "Who?" "Jack Burton! ME!!"

[@markwatson6166]

Best line in the movie, iv used that line more times then anyone should

[@jackburton840]

It’s all in the reflexes

[@reshpeck]

@Studio Autio Yep, that was a ripoff.. I mean an homage to this movie.

[@mj6258]

"old Jack always says .....what the hell!"

[@1MinuteFlipDoc]

🤣 🤣 🤣

[@brianheaton5521]

"What do you have there Egg?" "Six demon bag!" " Fantastic!!! What's that? "

[@PerkyHedgewitch]

This was one of the movies my sister and I grew up on. As kids, any kind of leather pouch or bag we had would automatically be called a six demon bag :-)

[@brianheaton5521]

@@PerkyHedgewitch nice. We have a game called guess the movie quote, and I pull this treasure out from time to time.

[@tsugaru_solos]

lmao

[@nobingnobs8748]

Its a fun trinket in wow. :P

[@davidszabo1618]

A brave man likes to feel nature on his face. And a wise man has enough sense to get out of the rain.

[@gentelmanjunkie542]

Saw it in '86 @11yrs old. Thought it was a Masterpiece. Still do.

[@nathangarcia4522]

What's weird is I've always loved all of John Carpenter's films, Escape from New York, The Thing, Christine, Big Trouble, and especially They Live. When I look back at how relatively unsuccessful they were I'm honestly surprised and not just because of how much I like them personally but they seem so well known and regarded.

[@AllsparkSupremacy]

"China is here Mr. Burton." Jack: "What does that mean? China is here, I don't even know what the hell that means!!!" Classic MF ish!

[@kphillips6102]

LMAO

[@kungfew1396]

"We really shook the pillars of heaven didn't we Wang"?👍

[@davidszabo1618]

All his buddies are flying around on wires, & he just stands there waiting for me to drive my truck right through him with light coming out of his mouth!

[@ChrisfromGeorgia]

I always enjoyed this movie as a child and even today as a grown man in my 40's.

[@prof.ravenwood7704]

As a kid in the 80's I remember seeing Fox advertise the heck out of this on TV, and I and neighborhood friends were quoting the Jack Burton ....ME(!) line before we even got to see it. Even though friends and I were very interested to see this in theaters, I could only see movies in theaters every once in awhile. Also, It came out at an inconvenient time when I had just moved to another state, and my Grandpa had recently passed away. Consequently, I saw it on video/cable like alot of kids, and loved how weird and funny it was, but I was surprised to learn it flopped, because I always figured it was a hit, what with how much my friends and I saw and quoted the ads!! So, about 4 yrs ago I chose this for movie night with friends, many of whom were younger than me and had never seen it. They had a few drinks in them, and we were all laughing our butts off through the thing! The one gag I never noticed was so funny before, was when Wang disappears while He and Burton are crawling through a tunnel or pipe, and Jack nervously hollers out to him, "WANG?!?!"!! The Guys were in tears and on the floor laughing! I find that Mystery Science Theater, Monty Python, and movies like this are exponentially funnier after midnight! It's what I like to call the dingy hour!! This movie even funnier when you realize that they inverted traditional hollywood tropes, by making a Sidekick out of the "Lead Hero", etc, and also upon revelation that if Snake Pliskin was Kurt's impression of a seething Eastwood, than Jack Burton is Russell paying homage to the Swaggering Duke (John Wayne, ....NOT Isaac Hayes!) Lol!!

[@DERRICK_McLOVIN]

" Just remember what ol' 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 ol' storm right square in the eye and he says, "Give me your best shot, pal. I can take it."

[@a.m.m.4592]

I loved this movie as a kid. Russell was hilarious in this movie.

[@echozgus]

me too

[@KenAdams426]

What does that say? Hell of Boiling Oil. You're kidding Yeah I am. It says keep out. I LOVE THAT LINE!!

[@aarontousinau6885]

Classic line So many in this movie too

[@shanestephens4728]

Alex I’ll have you brought off to a hell where people are skinned alive it’s that simple understand ❤️

[@madaemon]

It really goes to how much of an "anti-Mary Sue" Jack Burton is. A more conventional hero (Indiana Jones, Lara Croft; though I love both) would *of course* be able to read the regional slang of 4th century BC Guangzhou, but not our Jack--our Jack would believe whatever you tell him those Chinese characters say....

[@jamegumm]

Black blood of the earth... You mean oil? No, I mean black blood of the earth!

[@davidszabo1618]

@Alex What the hell is Gracie Law doing here?

[@dalevintage]

Seeing this movie as a kid in the 80s...was a revelation. It's an awesome, fun, beautiful, interesting, action packed, romantic adventure comedy! I'm grateful for it!

[@fokker1138]

It's saddening how studio interference and Hollywood shenanigans have always interfered with the success of of John Carpenter's movies. He really is a master film maker.

[@robertdaone]

Loved all of John Carpenter's movies. I have this on Blue Ray and watch from time to time along with Escape From NY, Halloween and The Thing. Kurt Russell was bad ass as Snake Plissken in Escape from NY. Oh I forgot "They Live" was also a great movie by Carpenter and there was a lot of truth in that movie.

[@warreng675]

Not The Fog

[@drdarkeny]

@@warreng675 - Oh, I like THE FOG. Yes, its story doesn't make much sense, and the idea of a "hereditary priesthood" was good for a laugh from my Born Roman Catholic Best Friend - but it exists in a time when a female hitchhiker and a male truck driver could meet, sleep together, become a couple almost by default, and fight a terrifying evil with no moralizing finger-wagging. The fog is genuinely creepy, the cast is capable, and Carpenter is able to sell an idea so clunky any other director would've been buried under the weight of it all...

[@CONSOLETRUTH2]

Don't you mean he was Solid Snake from metal gear and not Snake Plissken? Hahaha. Snake Plissken was an influence on Kojima for Solid Snake.

[@robertdaone]

@@CONSOLETRUTH2 Great game and it probably had the best voice acting that I have heard in a game to date. I literally did not want to put that game down until I finished it, it really drew me in with story and voice acting.

[@1sliiver]

@@suicidaleuphoria7012 He already has the title of being one of the greatest directors of all time.

[@wstine79]

This movie helped influence Mortal Kombat.

[@robertdaone]

I said the same thing years ago.

[@robertfrost8264]

19:50 yah

[@robertdaone]

Actually the old Bruce Lee movie "Game of Death" influenced most side scrolling fighting games. In the movie Bruce would fight from one level to the next in the building and at the end of each level he had to fight a boss. That movie came out in the 70s and I think it had a big impact on arcade fighting games also.

[@honkytonkinson9787]

Robert S I.E. Kung Fu on the NES

[@robertdaone]

@Alex yes I know that i had posted the same comment about the mk characters on another youtube post about 5yrs ago.

[@Deeplycloseted435]

Of all the 80’s action movies I’ve shown my kids, guess which one they want to rewatch again and again? The blu-ray version looks AMAZING

[@MementoMorituri]

Well, you know what Jack Burton would say at a time like this: " It's all in the reflexes."

[@br33zy771]

Every actor in this movie performs flawlessly. Just about everything in it is perfect.

[@thenew4559]

Big Trouble in Little China is one of those quintessential 80s movies. I've always wished there were more movies like it.

[@reeanimationgaming1034]

Oh lord.. A LOT of time has gone into making this video, so much research.. Thanks man, your hard work really shows! Great video, great movie!

[@thugzman7890]

Your videos are always so informative!! 👌🏽

[@hoviksmail]

Some of the best movies were made in the 80's and early 90's.

[@709mash]

Late 90's (99 in particular) was really good as well imo.

[@WideAwakeViking]

"You were not put upon this earth to 'get it', Mr. Burton!"

[@dwc1964]

great line! needs more likes

[@bbb462cid]

@@dwc1964 Shut up, Mr. Burton!

[@mj6258]

Oh god i love that line , iv'e used it on so many friends who said i dont get it. "Shaddup Mr Burton , you were not put on this world to 'get it' "

[@matthewsmith9755]

Classic and the dude that huffed and puffed and blew him self up.. So ridiculous 😂

[@redicebluefire2552]

Lol, I love that line!

[@JBob08]

Just found your channel, but I absolutely love it. These mini documentaries are perfect.

[@TheNecronacht]

Loved this movie and actually went to see it in theater back in the day.