Big Trouble in Little China
Fun and ridiculousness with John Carpenter and Kurt Russell just like Escape From New York only a little more supernatural and goofy.
This movie plays off all kinds of stereotypes that must have been and probably still often are held by Americans about Chinese martial arts and Chinese culture in general. But because it's so goofy and so self-aware to that fact, it doesn't really anger me. But in the same way it isn't extremely impressive either. Maybe it would have been if I had been watching it when it first came out.
One interesting thing that Carpenter and Russell mention on the commentary is how the studios just didn't understand the fact that Russell wasn't supposed to be a competent hero. They were mocking the skillful and competent hero who has to has all the moves, says the right things, and looks good doing it. Kurt Russell hardly ever makes his way into action, and when he does he only manages to survive by somehow getting delayed or removed from the action. He's cocky for no reason. It's like some aspects of Indiana Jones taken to the fullest.
This movie is basically just a bunch of guys goofing around, but they are having so much fun you just want to join them.
Oh and make sure you stay until the end credits for John Carpenter singing the outrageous theme song. BIG TROUBLE -- IN LITTLE CHINA!
Rating: 7/10