In Character: Jack Burton | Big Trouble in Little China (1986)

Join me as I discuss another one of my favorite film characters - the incredible Jack Burton as played by Kurt Russell in John Carpenter's Big Trouble in Little China.
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[@Skrubb_Lord]

_"You just listen to the old Pork Chop Express here now and take his advice on a dark and stormy night when the lightning's crashin' and the thunder's rollin' and the rain's coming down in sheets thick as lead. Just remember what old Jack Burton does when the earth quakes, and the poison arrows fall from the sky, and the pillars of Heaven shake. Yeah, Jack Burton just looks that big old storm right square in the eye and he says, 'Give me your best shot, pal. I can take it."_

[@r.shanethompson7933]

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

[@spencerraney4979]

He really shook the pillars of heaven.

[@ladygaladriel44]

Growing up whenever we were in the car and it was raining my dad would start reciting this quote verbatim. It’s become so nostalgic and dear to me because of that.

[@MrCharliesay]

Still baffles me how this film wasn't a hit. It has everything.

[@singaporesammy]

Including competition at the box office. It came out 2 weeks after Karate Kid II and 2 weeks before Aliens. Those were the two biggest movies of that summer. The only movie that did well in between was Ruthless People, and that came out 4 days before this.

[@thomasmacnab480]

Yes for us. Although I love it. It really is a fun crappy film. But that’s why it’s awesome

[@ottomatic42]

Its a hit in my heart, and that’s all that matters.

[@jasonblalock4429]

Also, kung-fu films hadn't really gone mainstream at that point. With a handful of high-profile exceptions like Enter The Dragon, most wuxia stuff that made it to the west was seemingly silly, badly dubbed, and generally seen as being for kids. And without some knowledge of wuxia movies, BTILC is practically incomprehensible. So people didn't start to notice it until more movies in the 90s and 2000s started openly referencing Chinese and Hong Kong cinema. Basically, BTILC was *way* ahead of its time.

[@cubul32]

Terrible acting most of the time. Things could be better don't kid yourself

[@thrdstooge]

If you want an awkward moment, lay down a Jack Burton movie quote in the middle of an office job, team meeting.

[@karlhungus5436]

Sensational, Egg, what's in it? ...silence

[@1alexanderkup1]

Are you crazy… Is that your problem?

[@thrdstooge]

@@1alexanderkup1 classic

[@thewalkingquadriplegic7857]

Thewalkingquadraplegic...ME!!!

[@devriestown]

@@1alexanderkup1 indeed

[@commonsense20177]

One of my all time favorites. It's got it all big trucks, martial arts, super powers, monsters and smart assery

[@eyeln9ne696]

Couldn't have said it better!

[@sebastiancalzada4773]

Dont forget the romance. Perfect for datenight.

[@luishumbertovega3900]

...and what about a very beautiful Kim Cattrall ???

[@LAGator-qu7tc]

Yup pretty much..... straight classic.

[@Spuddud]

its got smartassery out the smartassery. Quite rare

[@NewMessage]

One of the all time best flicks, hands down.

[@mrdavidlopan]

Indeeeeeed!

[@doublep1980]

We need a Jack Burton/Ash Williams crossover.The 2 most clueless and reluctant badass, asskickers of ancient Evil.

[@Termin8or_115]

Yes yes and more yes

[@ianfinrir8724]

Hollywood, hire this man!

[@haletosis1380]

I'd pay double to watch that

[@dinoy6918]

Has been one of my favorite movies ever since I was a kid

[@dinoy6918]

TELL EM THE CHECKS IN THE MAIL

[@straker454]

I was never disappointed by this film. I loved every minute of it as a kid.

[@jeenkzk5919]

Jack Burton, the most knowledgeable man without a clue. Never knew anyone like that! Not at all! You can never go wrong when Carpenter and Russel collaborate!

[@Beeznitchio]

You didnt mention that Jack Burton is Kurt Russell doing a John Wayne impression.

[@JaronActual]

John Carpenter described the character to Kurt as "John Wayne without a clue."

[@ScarletVoodoo]

Holy crap, my mind is blown. This went over my head and now I can't unsee it.

[@frankreads8618]

And Snake Plissken is Kurt Russell doing a Clint Eastwood impression!

[@Supermunch2000]

Kim Cattrall at her absolute finest.

[@OldSchoolCurt]

Mannequin was her at her finest

[@r.shanethompson7933]

I'm afraid that both y'all boys are wrong on this one. Kim at her absolute FINEST, would be her unforgettable portrayal of physical education instructor Ms. Honeywell in Bob Clark's masterpiece PORKY'S!!! Convince me otherwise.

[@r.shanethompson7933]

As we say around here... She was finer than frawg's hair split four ways!

[@williamshaw9047]

@@r.shanethompson7933 That touch-your-toes scene is hard to beat. Oh man.

[@xEXABYTEx]

I always felt like at the end if he kissed her, he would have stayed. So he didn't.

[@jasonblalock4429]

Also, I think Jack is just enough of a contrarian to deliberately NOT do the thing everyone wants him to do, just because he thinks that will make him look cooler. (And, TBF, blowing off 80s Kim Cattrall would definitely take a high degree of self-control...)

[@looweegee252]

@@jasonblalock4429 no titties no sale Need my green eyes and DDDDs For alphas like Jack and myself It's too easy to turn down a whiny little girl like GRACIE LAW hahahaha I would hollar at the journo with the red hair

[@ariochiv]

Witness, right?

[@calebdehart6651]

He knew he'd stop being Chad and start being a simp obviously if he kissed her.

[@cheezyridr]

he knew that she wanted him to, and that's why he didn't

[@Cor_Nelis]

I guess there are people who'd watch The Rock in a reboot of this or anything else, but I'm not one of them.

[@unclecreed2986]

Chris Pratt would be a better fit.

[@jayclyde6045]

@@unclecreed2986 I agree but they should still leave the original alone and NEVER do a reboot, we have all seen they never work and they're all useless.

[@jayclyde6045]

I like the Rock but he just wouldn't fit in it right, no one really compares to the original, why screw with it. The original has already been done, it's a crying shame that it flopped, it could have very likely had a sequel. The movie so led up to it being one and now we may never know how Jack Burton ever dealt with that cliffhanger!!

[@themidianite1645]

Have you seen the trailers? It's a nightmare.

[@themidianite1645]

I personally have no problem with The Rock as Jack Burton. I think he can pull it off. My line one issue is that this movie isn't even a reboot, but a Family Guy style pop culture reference aggregate with a ton of CG. It looks horrible. They just stuck the name on some cash in comedy movie.

[@SkywalkerSamadhi]

One of my favorites of all time!! I LOVE when are trying to get in by saying they are there to fix the phones and Jack is holding a phone.. like they needed a prop to look legit and he just grabbed a phone!!! 🤣😂😅 The humor in this movie is so fucking great!!

[@roberthunter4884]

This scene was an homage to the Bruce Lee film Fist of Fury when he went undercover as a telephone repairman to gain entry into the bad guys lair.

[@SkywalkerSamadhi]

@@roberthunter4884 that's cool. I didn't know about that. 😏

[@bonesjackson81]

Favorite line has become, "Now this really pisses me off to no end"

[@coachrenaldo]

2:18 heh. The ADR “I’m a reasonable guy, but I’ve just experienced some unreasonableTHINGS.”

[@Friggle_Dee]

The movie is phenomenal. My older brother and all my friends still quote lines, make memes, still buy memorabilia. Just bought a Lo Pan throw blanket on Amazon actually haha. The movie transcends time. Ive even got my young nephews to love it. My friends do the same with their kids.

[@singaporesammy]

All my favorite characters have the three Bs. Bravery, Boastfulness, and Buffoonery. Jack Burton, Ash Williams, Spike from Buffy, etc. It just works.

[@jasonblalock4429]

Indiana Jones and John McClane too. (At least in the original Die Hard, less so as the series went on.)

[@shaneburst5661]

Reggie Banaster from Phantasm!

[@alexscott730]

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

[@KidFresh71]

When fantastic movies like this aren’t commercial hits, it makes me love them even more. Am I the only one?

[@pappy374]

" Henry Swanson's my name........and excitement's my game!"

[@jtr82369]

You leave Jack alone, he showed great courage

[@jackburton6330]

Damn right.

[@singletona082]

I love that Jack basically took the credit for everything so that his buddy can settle down and have a quiet life with his fiancee. He wasn't doing it for glory or to get the girl. hell. He knows himself well enough to turn DOWN the girl and accept the road is where he belongs and is happiest.

[@TheMrsmartass13]

This movie used to scare me as a kid, with a few of its visuals, but when I got older it became one of my favourite ever.

[@king802]

Old Lo Pan scared the hell out of me.

[@Amzingred]

i love that their is no sequel due to the ending leaving you the thought their was a planned sequel. Because it be impossible to actually do a sequel with Jack Burton and still be the same awesomeness. Because in the sequel, Jack Burton will know exactly what the hell is going on.

[@badlaamaurukehu]

Yeah, they should leave it alone.

[@nicholasbullock1709]

Some releases have a special features that show an extended ending. Nowadays it would have been a post-credit scene.

[@meligoth]

His expressions along with his comedic timing while being the straight man is what makes Jack a memorable character. Sure those are some natural Kurt Russell traits, but he can scare your pants off with that Wyatt Earp glare.

[@ChristianHansard]

This is still one of the best entertaining wacky movies ever made.

[@ScarletVoodoo]

I've probably quoted this film more than anything I've ever seen. It's a damn masterpiece.

[@noahbawdy3395]

I loved Jack. He thought he was the hero of the film. It was only when he caught the knife and threw it back that he ever accomplished anything. I've watched this movie countless times and still LMAO.

[@petersarubbi]

I like to believe that somewhere out there, rolling down our highways, old Jack Burton is out there in the Pork Chop Express keeping us safe from the forces of evil... He's the hero we need right now 😎💗👍

[@chadopitz6883]

YES. Brilliant performance in one of the most entertaining films ever made.

[@sm6jesse]

love this movie. favorite scene/still is in the beginning when he's in his truck and stuff starts to go down, he as knife in this hand and this scared/surprised/stupid look on his face. Its catches me off guard in the best way and really sets up his character as mostly all bark and no bite, but a genuinely good guy.

[@shawn2508]

Great edit. Still, my favorite quote of his is a simple one when he is coming out of the sewers once he has released all the girls. "Everyone relax I'm here"

[@jgw1846]

I’m so glad I was a 80’s kid. Thank you dad for giving me an appreciation of great movies.

[@bigbaddawg101]

For the longest time, when I was younger, I thought that floating eyeball creature was a beholder.

[@deadaccount6135]

Probably would be a variant, in the same class.

[@likecrazyhorse]

I'd accept Chris Pratt as Jack Burton, but not The Rock. The Rock has a problem with looking weak on film, totally the opposite of Burton.

[@JanPospisilArt]

Oh man, Pratt would be good! Star Lord is exactly that kind of character.

[@jamesp3902]

Have the Rock play the 'Wang' Character. Have Pratt play Jack Burton Jr. The Rock plays the skilled competent character. Pratt plays the semi-skilled comedian. Make it a quasi sequel.

[@buda3d2007]

@@JanPospisilArt starlords dad is better IMHO ;)

[@LameWolff]

This movie is a classic. Doesn't need to be tainted with a remake.

[@thisplaceisdeath1465]

Well Holy Shit, you might just have nailed that casting, pity we're going to be stuck with the Rock

[@paulhumphries9430]

3000 years and he can't find a broad to fit the bill. One of the funniest lines in a movie.

[@bombkart5114]

There were others,to be sure...

[@SenisterDenister]

Russell's best John Wayne impression.

[@singletona082]

What really sells Jack Burton as the sidekick is that he isn't constant buffoonery incompetent at everything. He's simply in over his head for most of the ride. In those sections where it's RELATIVELY normal or he isn't planning and is just letting reflexes do their thing? Dude's hell on wheels and is a genuine asset in Wang Chi's quest to get his fiancee back.

[@48306jw]

You left out one of the movies' greatest lines; "If we're not back by dawn, call the president".

[@Meta-Drew]

This movie is endlessly entertaining, I can watch it on repeat and never get bored. I've watched it for an entire day a couple times and I quite often watch it at least twice back to back. Other films with the same level of infinite rewatchability for me are Crocodile Dundee, Unbreakable, Primer, and Wet Hot American Summer.

[@Noodle797]

One of my all-time favorite movies. It's goofy as hell, but it never takes itself too seriously. Everyone is just perfectly on point.

[@newperve]

The fact is that Jack is actually useful, just not as useful as the lead in an action movie. When you are in trouble you get the hero that's available. And while you say he's "reluctant" when presented with the opportunity to help his friend he takes doesn't hesitate to do so. Yes he cares about his truck but he cares about his friend more. Nobody really risks their life to save a truck that is, after all, insured.

[@shawn2508]

I loved that Jack didn't kiss Gracie in the end. He doesn't get the girl! BUT on his terms. "Oh, God, you are not even gonna kiss her?" ... "Nope."

[@JanPospisilArt]

"...that even the darkest of magic is no match for THE REFLEXES." you meant, surely.

[@maxmatson1578]

Thank you for this!🙏 "Big Trouble In Little China" is my absolute favorite film Of all time!👍 And "Kurt Russell" is my favorite actor of all time!👌 So much so that I want my last words on this Earth to be "Give Me Your Best Shot pal.. I can take it".

[@niceguy1774]

His character influenced me a lot as a child. I would walk around talking and acting like him (and still do after enough Bushmills), not realizing that Russell was just doing a John Wayne impression.

[@pattihultstrand6866]

LOVE this movie! Not just because my guy, Kurt Russell is in it, but because it is such FUN!

[@thegingergyrl455]

I love Kurt Russell. This movie is pure enjoyment. I may need to binge his movies. Thanks.

[@albion65]

If you are interested, there's a series of "Big Trouble in Little China" graphic novels that continue the story of Jack. I believe there is even one where he teams up with Snake Plissken.

[@Tellin08]

That sounds like they could be fun. I'll check them out.

[@Phaota]

One of my favorite Russell films and 80s flicks. I have a poster for it above my computer desk beside another for "Beetlejuice". The story of Jack continued in comic form by BOOM! Studios. "Look, black blood of the Earth" "You mean oil?" "No, black blood of the Earth". LOL

[@putowtin]

Jack Burton just wants his damn truck back.... that's it, that's the movie and that's why it's perfect!

[@charlesgreen8703]

And his money,and time is money to a guy like Jack...and your phone is dead,by the way! P.S. in the meantime pay up $1,148 bucks times two!

[@videovoidtv]

JACK BURTON IS A GOD DAMN HERO AND ALL OF YOU SHOULD HALF REMEMBER THAT... *great episode. I was a big fan.*

[@RockLibertyWarrior]

This and "Flash Gordon" were my go too movies when I played sick or was really sick from school. I watch this on my birthday every year and I am in my 40's now!

[@stinkfist911]

No reboot. No retelling. No compromise. This movie was perfect and anything more will only take away from that which came before it. And that we can no longer abide from Hollywood.

[@Harri927]

It's one of my favorite movies of all time. It never gets old.

[@HEAVYCHEVY409]

Jack: You know what ol jack burton says at a time like this? Jack: what the hell 😆 lol

[@verenov77]

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

[@RobotacularRoBob]

I've never seen the film all the way through, but it feels like the kind of film that could never be made today. Kurt Russell does quite well as a John Wayne-esque westerner fish-out-of-water in an unfamiliar land. I definitely need to watch it all the way through for once.

[@notsyzagts7967]

Have you gotten around to that yet?

[@MajorJakas]

Seriously, "Big Trouble in Little China" is easily in my top 5 favorite/best movies. More than that, to me, only "Dr. Strangelove, or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb" is better.

[@richw3215]

This is my favorite childhood movie. I name every cargo vehicle I happen to have in a game, Pork Chop Express.

[@Will-nq3fo]

Watch at least 3 times a year with my daughters, they love it!

[@creed8712]

I got a chance to watch this in a theater at a special showing and it was honestly so much fun.

[@smsimms7593]

I know how much you love to hear this: I watched this movie for the first time on your recommendation. I agree with the praise. Thanks.

[@PerrydactylShow]

Easily one of my favorite 80's action heroes. I believe you did ole Jack good

[@joaquimmartins5314]

This movie is amazing. I was nine when I first saw it and I remembered it like it was yesterday. After that, I saw it so many times that I lost count. Kurt Russell does a wonderful job. He does the silliest things but everybody takes him seriously. The scene when he kills the bad guy with the throw of the knife was amazing. Nobody expected that. I remember my friends in amazement trying to imitate the throw with a stick. Just kids! I really do recommend this movie to everyone. It brings me lots of good memories of the '80s.

[@billyshead1339]

Jack burton is the cool brash American dude that doesn’t really know what’s happening. I love his character.

[@4stringz.]

Absolutely love this film. I remember seeing it in the theater as a kid

[@andyngo22]

Jack : What's that? Egg Chen: The black blood of the earth. Jack : You mean oil? Egg Chen: No I mean the black blood of the earth. LOL . . . Gets me everytime

[@williamshaw9047]

"...but unlike other action heroes, Jack Burton is not the action hero he thinks himself to be..." [clip of Jack casually pointing his submachine gun at one of the other guys before they run out]

[@mikkaelrodriguez1770]

One of the best movies ever!! Love this movie. No one else could be Jack Burton, Kurt Russell is so awesome . Some movies just need to be left alone, and this is one of them. They won't ever be able to catch that same majic.

[@lugnuts7800]

Was killing time and saw this playing in a theater for 50 cents, best 50 cents I ever spent! Love this movie!

[@michaelbush7696]

I don't many times my brother and I watched this when we were kids but it's a lot. Great movie!

[@luishumbertovega3900]

Agree with you 100%, I treasure this movie !!! If the Academy respected comedies and bestowed Oscars for acting roles in films like this one, Kurt Russell would have won easily for this movie and the following year for Overboard. It's about time for Mr Russell to receive the recognition he deserves for his 50 years career of great roles !!! Blessings from San Juan PR !!!

[@sk-sg1dd]

I f-ing love this character, cracks me up every time I was the movie

[@mikesbookreviews]

God, I love Kurt Russell.

[@devriestown]

HONESTLY.......this movie blow my mind as a kid and made me fall in love with it. The funniest thing is my father is a builder. And has an even MORE over the top personality than jack burton but much the same. I used to help him on the job site and the closet i can explain to him was Jack burton x50 lol good time's.

[@eddiethetruhead]

I couldn't agree more. This film is in a class by itself and Kurt was perfection as Jack Burton. Kim Cattrall looks bangin with those green eyes too. Nice vid Bro.

[@Aidey75]

It was actually way ahead of its time. Audiences had to catch up with it, sometimes years later, but it's one of the great films for sure, an absolute cult classic. Kurt Russell's best character for sure.

[@domenicpolsoni8370]

Coming from a huge Kurt Russel/John Carpenter fan, this movie is one of my all time favourites. Classic.

[@rushnerd]

One of the absolute best movies of all time. One of Carpenter's best projects.

[@Piterdeveirs333]

I watched this movie hundreds of times growing up. It is the only movie I can honestly say is my all time favorite

[@jactramar]

Agree with everything in this video, Jack Burton is one of the greatest movie characters ever and Kurt Russell's performance is amazing.

[@Spuddud]

Easily seen this movie over 100 times. Prob 50 times sober. If you've just downed a sixer and are scrolling though w/e service just put this on. Action/comedy no dull breaks and just plain fun. JC/KR do it again.

[@thewalkingquadriplegic7857]

Man I'm going to watch it. It's been 20 years

[@basurablanca]

The "Can you describe your favorite movie in the most boring way possible" challenge got this entry from me: Witless man stands next to the guy who saves the day, and recovers his truck.

[@JukeHighwalker]

I think you meant to say one of the greatest movies ever made. It's an ingenious 180 take on the Hero trope. It's John Wayne in real life. A pure bafoon no matter the setting. It may not be what Jack says, but it's the truth...

[@ianfinrir8724]

Big Trouble In Little China is a story told from the sidekick's point of view. It's amazing.

[@cmbaz1140]

he is a bystander who believes himself to be the protagonist... and i love it...

[@ceeespee2204]

Big trouble in little china has always been and will always be my favorite movie of all time.

[@jimmcintyre4390]

Completely forgot about this all time cinema classic. Thanks for the video!

[@KillbillyA]

I remember this was one of the coolewst movies of the time, along with giants like ghostbusters, cause it was something special, not just machinegun fire, it was magical. And I still remember the commodore 64 game that was there, back then, most movies had their 8-bit game.

[@SheevieWonder66]

Gotta love how the phone repairman walks in with an actual telephone lol

[@DishRag1]

This movie is an all time classic and favorite, love it and loved it while growing up.

[@ABandApart01]

“Here’s to America’s Armies and Navies And The Battles they have won, here’s to America’s Colors, the colors that never run.” “And May The Wings Of Liberty Never Lose A Feather!”

[@ABandApart01]

Gary Lee love it! So glad people know these quotes just as much as I do! “Remove your tie please...” “I Know What You Mean My Wife Gave It To Me For Christmas!” 🙌😂

[@stephenharris5532]

This, and Prince Of Darkness are two of the best cult classics of all time. They both hold up really well and I think they're John Carpenter at his best (he made both movies consecutively). Carpenter's music is hit or miss for me, but I love it in both of these movies.

[@antoniodias2883]

When I was a kid, this was my favorite movie. I thought it was the biggest hit movie in the planet.

[@showbread9366]

Stylistically unmatched

[@elizabeth1703]

this was on my radar for years then one night i gave it a try for fun and im SO glad i did. it was way more entertaining than i expected.

[@hectorbartlett567]

No one in Hollywood plays cheesy better than Kurt Russell... Top actor, excellent movie and an unforgettable decade!

[@unclebee5674]

Big Trouble in Little China ranks at the top of my list of 80's action movies. Goonies, Indiana Jones and Star wars are among that list as well. They were fun to watch.