Is it the art that speaks to the budding artist? Or does the observer simply seek out that which confirms their soul? You know what Jack Burton says at a time like this?
Who? Jack Burton! The hero of Big Trouble in Little China, a film from 1986 which… okay, is not high art. However, it hit me when I was twelve, so I was the most impressionable age to see this, however this film has grand scope, great characters, fun effects, and most importantly, does not take itself too seriously.
As a friend of mine said to me, “You are the connoisseur of 80’s B-movies.” That’s when I grew up, so sure, that’s what speaks to me. Ahead of its day, I think this film hired every single Asian actor in Hollywood… and they still didn’t have enough. There’s a scene where an obviously Russian looking dude is fighting in a Chinese street gang.
This also gave me a love of anything with Kurt Russell in it. Now, if you don’t think he’s amazing, watch Soldier (1998) and see how he delivers an almost wordless performance. You know exactly what the character is saying and doing in every scene without saying a G-D word. And he’s the main character!
I still quote this film all the time, even with the fact that most of the lines don’t make sense out of context. “Six demon bag, sensational!” “Yes, sir, the check is in the mail.” Even “Which Lo Pan? The little basketcase on wheels or the ten-foot-tall road block?!”
Ah… not my favorite movie of all time – that I had to finally admit was Dune (1984) – but one of my “quote-fest films” which along with Hudson Hawk (1991) and Army of Darkness (1992) I love to watch and quote all the time. Interestingly enough, I realized that all three have the same plot. Wise-cracking hero gets put in insanely weird situation and does precious little to save the day.
And all of them are generally considered bad films. However, I like action, I like comedy, and these are all three. I know I’m not alone in liking these “cult classics.” Of course, I like Buckaroo Banzai (1984) so your mileage may vary.
What do you think? Have you seen this film? Am I completely wrong? Tell me in the comments below!
Albigensia Press 