Big Trouble in Little China (1986) - Movie Review

[@tonygonzales3206]

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.

[@lifegood3322]

I started to say something similar cause its true but went in a different direction! 😂 This movie was cutting edge in the 80's!

[@fiercegrace1974]

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.

[@tonygonzales3206]

@@fiercegrace1974 Nice. I saw aliens with my dad that year. And that was probably my second favorite movie of all time.

[@billhart3728]

😂

[@animal1nstinct394]

it's the inspiration behind Mortal Kombat

[@Draven_X_23]

I love it. Cody doesn't. That's fine. Not everyone likes the same things. He's wrong though.

[@CodyLeachYT]

🤣🤣🤣

[@Dec4AllTimeAlways]

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.

[@thewolf01x95]

Is he ever right?

[@CodyLeachYT]

Never

[@phantomcorps3373]

@@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.

[@marchionessamoretto7326]

The fighting scenes with the three mythical warriors: rain, thunder and lightning are genius.

[@Nicholasmcmath-cr1xl]

Same it is

[@metamortis13]

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!

[@garrettpeck4437]

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.

[@Kilan80]

The Kurt Russell angle makes the movie. " What.. what will not come out? What will not come out again, huh!?" Kurt was brilliant

[@el_killorcure]

Yeah he's a walking talking WTF incarnation...

[@ahorsewithnoname773]

"I'm a reasonable guy. But, I've just experienced some very unreasonable things."

[@Currency1001]

One of my favorites from Carpenter. Timeless action flick.

[@markwarburtontkd]

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. 👏

[@CodyLeachYT]

I appreciate it. Too often people completely disregard the concept of something simply being “not for me.”

[@CodyLeachYT]

“It’s not for me”…and that’s ok!

[@joshshin792]

Ughh *eye roll 😂

[@andrewsreed03]

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

[@roberthenrypoet]

This movie is weird, all over the place, and bat shit crazy, and I'm here for it!!! 😂😂😂 Nice review Cody.😊😊😊

[@PaulBulko-wh3gy]

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.

[@thectk1000]

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.

[@playedout148]

Basically making fun of John Wayne or the all American hero type mythos. He's even doing a half ass John Wayne imitation.

[@adamcade604]

The movie was the inspiration behind mortal Kombat and that makes it more awesome! I don't understand how couldn't you love it!

[@taylorpack7705]

Bloodsport was the inspiration for mortal kombat with van damme

[@jlawhonestmusic6565]

Yeah, it's safe to say this movie inspired a lot of what came after!

[@Peer165]

​@@taylorpack7705You mean to tell me that Raiden isn't inspired by certain characters in this movie? 😂

[@weirdguy1495]

Not to mention Shang Tsung in particular.

[@Terminal.Rainbows]

@@taylorpack7705They took Johnny Cage’s ball punch fatality from Bloodsport but Raiden and Shang Tsung were definitely inspired by Big Trouble.

[@shakenbake3249]

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

[@CodyLeachYT]

Shit happens

[@ErnestJustice]

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 👍

[@JadaBlaze01]

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.

[@jrod112278]

Fair review: You can appreciate for what it's going for while acknowledging it's just not for you. I respect that.

[@tonyklaas7654]

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.”

[@chrisretzlaff2895]

I don't know if this review is for me...😂😂

[@Jumpman-gs3wj]

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.

[@johnpoffenbarger5103]

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!

[@jackiebartolo235]

Jack Burton is my all time favourite action character 😅 for all the reason you stated plus I’m a massive Kurt Russell fan

[@Kurtsg10]

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!

[@montybruce6079]

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.

[@jasonvoorhees310]

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.

[@Dec4AllTimeAlways]

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.

[@jasonvoorhees310]

@@Dec4AllTimeAlways 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.

[@mrskinszszs]

@@Dec4AllTimeAlways I'm in my 30s and I still think it's a very good movie.

[@michaelcoffey1991]

@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.

[@stevesmgt]

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!!!

[@CodyLeachYT]

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

[@stevesmgt]

Total agreement!! @@CodyLeachYT

[@jlane03]

That breaking news bit honestly got a very good laugh out of me.

[@erickdubose123]

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.

[@matthewganong1730]

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.

[@Toxin932]

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!

[@CodyLeachYT]

I imagine if I watched this as a kid I would've loved it.

[@Toxin932]

@@CodyLeachYT Anyone I show the movie too has the same thoughts as yourself

[@pauly1148]

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

[@julianmitchell5776]

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

[@brett7935]

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.

[@BackroadsNBrokenDreams]

Loved this movie as a kid

[@stevenboyd365]

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.

[@grockthedj9789]

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.".

[@IHRZGHKIP]

But, seriously this is one of the most quotable films ever. "Everbody relax, I'm here." is one of the greatest lines ever written.

[@el_killorcure]

After "Hollow? Hollow, fock it!!"

[@IHRZGHKIP]

@el_killorcure yes, even after that. You can out my quote on a poster.

[@pieroog]

Raiden has been confirmed to be based on the dude from this movie. Same with Poon Dong (Crank II) on Lo pan.

[@MrBoyYankee]

Prayers for you with the reviews of Memoirs of the Invisible Man. That's gonna be an endurance test.

[@GingerMacLeod]

Props to you Cody for being honest with you not loving or getting some of it. You can’t force yourself to like something! But it is one of my favorite movies, so thanks for at least covering it!

[@darkomortyc-1323]

I love "Escape from New York" more, and "Escape from LA. is underrated I feel like. John Carpenter is my favorite horror/genre filmmaker. I consider "The Thing" to be the best sci-fi monster movie ever. Or one of the best.

[@kylereno5383]

This movie is an absolute classic. Its not perfect at all, but still a classic nonetheless.

[@TheThird1977]

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.

[@phillipweber6059]

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.

[@kentkatchem]

I LOVE this movie... why, because I remember exactly where I was in 1986 when this was at the theater... I was 14 yrs. old.. I knew it was campy as s**T then.. still know... but dammit.. I love that man! :)

[@TheTimMalcolm]

One of my favorite movies of all time... on the commentary which clearly this guy listened to because he talks about many things talked about on the commentary... as Kurt said... people approach him and he can understand what type of sense of humor the fan has based on wether they liked this movie...... and later says that this is either on the top of peoples list or they didn't see it and wouldn't get it if they did...... the only thing that makes this guy somewhat unique with this review.. but because he's a youtube... he saw it ... but clearly didn't get the humor.

[@murphythecat3652]

I love big trouble in little china, and I respect your opinion, but I’m just happy that the John carpenter reviews are BACK!!

[@chrisbergin390]

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

[@alimfuzzy]

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.

[@bradjebb3389]

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.

[@NadeemShekh-uy9zn]

The way you feel about this movie is exactly how i feel about thor ragnarok

[@docbrown6797]

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.

[@brent.b.productions2015]

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!

[@nealyoung30862]

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...

[@stevefusco2032]

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.

[@Anubis-hl6wh]

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

[@MrBoyYankee]

Big Trouble in Little China+Bloodsport +Enter The Dragon = Mortal Kombat 🐉

[@mikeyhartley7644]

Now I gotta see Cody review 3 ninjas... one of my childhood favorites 😍

[@joelmayberry6771]

That was my favorite movie as a kid!.. Watching it as an adult... Yikes! Lol

[@caseyboyd2860]

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! 🤘

[@JenMistress]

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.

[@DuecePiece]

Jack Burton is a timeless, iconic supporting "lead" character, I personally can't find anything but awesome out of this movie- but to each their own! 👍❤️

[@Draven_X_23]

I always think of the opening that was added is just making this part of the X-Files. Jerry Hardin's character is never given a name so it fits my brain cannon.

[@th3ron07]

I absolutely respect your opinion but you've still managed to make me put that movie on and that's what it's about 👏👏

[@susanboose955]

😓😓😭. 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.

[@andrebunting7603]

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.

[@Merit2397]

That being said, I respect and understand if this was not Cody's cup of tea. There's the beauty of having different opinions and perspectives that makes us all unique and I even get why this wouldn't appeal to everyone. I just like it for being an action-packed Carpenter flick with a dose of 80s cheese. And heck, it was after watching this review that made me want to check it out.

[@HLHReviews]

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’.

[@seanlaughlin522]

I actually have a pretty badass pair of boxer briefs that's full on big trouble from Little China that I got at a convention a couple years ago. The best part about the boxers is right on the crotch it says "big trouble" in the same font. It's definitely the coolest pair of boxers I've ever owned.

[@orlandoruizjr3834]

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.

[@UnicornRyder04]

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

[@TimmyDatooth-fr5df]

You as a reviewer are a breath of fresh air with how you review

[@The3rdGunman]

I like that he is willing to share a different opinion. I don't get the love for The Shinning, There Will Be Blood, or The Big Lebowski but everyone else seems to love them.

[@The3rdGunman]

@@DekaWilson Oh stop

[@JakeDHS07]

Just from the thumbnail I sense controversy incoming!!! 😂

[@brianuziel9187]

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.

[@walthersorsa4847]

I respect your opinon on Big Trouble In Little China, but this is one of my favorite John Carpenter movies and its a blast from start to finish. Great review Cody and take care and stay safe 👍.

[@rileylallier429]

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.

[@donniechappelle5530]

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

[@odinson99m]

Big Trouble was The Matrix of its time. Let me explain. When I went to see it I had no idea what it would be but as the movie unfolded and the further down the rabbit hole I fell, the more AWESOME this film became! Escape, Thing, and Big Trouble ate the Holy Trinity of Carpenter.

[@jermainehaslam5634]

I'm with you Cody, I'm not a big fan of martial arts type of action either and I like seeing Kurt Russell being the man who is going to kick ass .

[@teddyking6563]

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.

[@chrisvetor]

People who get mad at others different opinions piss me off, we all perceive things differently, sometimes it resonates and sometimes it doesn’t. Shouldn’t hate on someone because they don’t enjoy something you do. Keep it real Cody!

[@Merit2397]

So, "Big Trouble in Little China" was a first time watch for me. Like Cody, I wasn't really into Kung Fu movies either. I don't know what it was, but aside from Marvel's "Shang Chi", I didn't really have much interest in the genre. Still, last month I finally decided to watch the movie... and ended up having a great time. Wish I had grown up on it.

[@maxbench25]

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

[@punctualwizard]

I love this film. The inversion of the white male protagonist and the minority side kick stereotypes, with Kurt Russel being the sidekick who *thinks* he’s the leading man. The tone, humor, and action all play into things so well. Add in the VFX studio was the same one that did ghostbusters, and that Carpenter took time to consult with Asian community leaders to ensure nothing offensive was done. Casting, music, fight choreography. Magnificent

[@thehexhector]

I thought it was creepy when Lo Pan came out and shot lights out of his eyes and mouth! 😳😳😱

[@Rob16164]

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.

[@Anarckitty83]

Big Trouble in Little China is a perfect movie and infinitely rewatchable. It's okay that you didn't like it. It's beloved by countless others.

[@botz77]

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

[@shawnwhite6236]

This was one of the rare Carpenter movies I also have yet to embrace in the same way I do his others. I have not been able to get into it and I've watched it from end-to-end multiple times hoping I'll like it, but it has yet to happen.

[@shawnwhite6236]

Having said this...I will try it again this weekend after watching this review

[@Fixxxer07082]

No worries on not getting it - most of the general public in 1986 didn’t get it either, so it kinda bombed. For me, I feel like you had to be there in the 80s . . . In that it was almost like a Greatest Hits of all the stuff that we loved at the time. It’s got marital arts and swordplay (Ninjas were The Shit in the 80s), fantastical adventure stuff ala pretty much any movie ILM did effects work on at the time….it’s got a hero who’s a bit more of an everyman, thus making him a bit more relatable than say a Rambo or even an Indiana Jones. Lo-Pan is the evil wizard that, for my money, most Fantasy movies in the 80s had. Hell, it even has some monster stuff….and monsters are cool! But yeah….since it’s basically a Western meets a Shaw Brothers movie meets Indiana Jones, I TOTALLY get why audiences didn’t get it back then. I’ve loved it since seeing it as a kid sometime in ‘86/‘87.

[@Dec4AllTimeAlways]

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.

[@montybruce6079]

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

[@scottv8124]

Thank you for the Donnie Darko nod, Cody. Made my night ✈️🪓

[@LyleVSXyle]

This sort of felt like whenever I would show people Repo Man (1984), 80% of the people would not get it and say it was just fine, but 20% would adore it as much as I did.

[@chrisb8193]

I LOVE John Carpenter (he’s my favorite director), but I’ve never really warmed to BTILC. I think it starts with a bang and then the momentum just evaporates and it turns into a bit of a slog. I appreciate you being honest.👍

[@reeanimationgaming1034]

I’m from 1979, I watched this SO many times as kid and teenager, I loved it. BUT, let’s be honest here… I watched it again lately as a 40+ year old, and it’s not really that good. Everything feels so random. In the last part they just run around randomly in that hotel. I was surprised at how random it all was. I wasn’t enjoying it as I remember it. But the atmosphere and the way the whole movie is shot, is still top tier today! 👌

[@joshuah9109]

I was 16 when this came out. I saw it in theaters and I walked out disappointed. I watched it years later when it became a cult classic, but it still didn't do it for me.

[@RedRider763]

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

[@darrenmorfoot]

Your absolutely not alone here.. John carpenter he's a genius And Kurt Russell next to Kevin bacon i regard them as the 2 most underrated actors especially in there prime.. Kurt Russell I don't care what movie he's in he never disappoints.. I know this particular movie is a fan favourite I've watched it twice fell asleep twice 30 mins into the movie 😄.. I just never got the why it's hailed as a classic... But also I'm glad that it is

[@willriker943]

Big trouble in Little China awesome movie I am a John Carpenter junkie. Kurt Russell is awesome I've been keeping up with him since the computer wore tennis shoes from Disney in the 1960s

[@markgreene1162]

Too young to take my ass to the movies so I rented it based on the VHS cover a couple of years later and loved it ever since. A fast pace martial arts/ American action movie that hits the spot. Call it Chinese fast food.

[@jamestoner3900]

Movie Reviews: 1. Jacob's Ladder (1990) 2. The Towering Inferno (1974) 3. The Edge (1997) 4. Wolf (1994) 5. Event Horizon (1997; that movie deserves a Prequel and a directors cut)