her is another film that i have loved since i was a child. here is another film that seems to grow on me each time i watch it. and here is another film that i had no idea was a john carpenter film until later in my life (i didn't know who he was at the time). i had first saw this film, like all films in the 80's and early 90's,on television, chopped up, full framed and therefore destroyed to all hell. i'd watch it whenever it was on and that was a lot. then once i was old enough it was constant rentals. i never owned it on video but i bought the dvd the day it was out. sitting down and watching it again (the first time in a few years and the first since i had watched the commentary) i was just blown away by the film again. it is obvious now but as i grew up i had no idea that kurt russell's character was a moron, an anti-hero, a buffon and really doesn't do much to save the day. but he is and he doesn't and the film is better because of it. filled with stellar effects, raiden (stolen by street fighter), kurt russell, a great secondary cast including james hong, awesome action, sci-fi spectacle, kind of horror moments, humour galore, laugh out load moments, fabulous cinematography, another great carpenter score, great make-up, a frenetic and frenzied pace, solid editing, strong directing and a fun script you just cannot go wrong with big trouble in little china. now the film does have a few problems. by problems i mean things that detract it from being a perfect or very very high scoring film but these problems do not detract from the film at all. in fact they are so inconsequential they only deserve a mention in a passing wind as to never be heard or thought of again. in as little words as possible i will say the problems stem from: acting, logic, models, story. again, these problems exist but they don't matter and in fact end up adding charm to the proceedings. big trouble in little china bombed on release but it, like many a carpenter classic, has had a steady and strong growth over the last almost 30 (wow) years since it's release. it's not typical carpenter, it's not a typical action flick, it's not your typical hero but if you are a fan of films that kind of fall into it's own class of genre, that defy rules and regulations, that are a mish mash and blend of subjects and cultures, that are a little weird and are balls to the wall acrion adventure obscurity then hell this film is for you. if you've only ever heard bad things, don't listen. carpenter made this film at the height of his powers. at the height of his powers he was a genius and one of the better and most consistent directors out there. this is team up number four for russell and carpenter and together they make movie magic. i can and will watch this film again and again and i personally think it's time for jack burton and the pork chop express to ride again. bring on a sequel! bring! it! on! 84/100