This Classic John Carpenter Picture Is The Greatest B-Movie Ever Made [Big Trouble in Little China] ( www.dreadcentral.com )

I’m going to cut to the chase. John Carpenter’s Big Trouble in Little China is perhaps the greatest B-movie of all time. And seeing as the celebrated cult classic observes a release date anniversary today, I am prepared to loudly and proudly sing its praises.

Big Trouble in Little China works so well because Carpenter knew precisely what kind of film he was making. He wasn’t trying to create fine art. He was far more interested in serving cinematic comfort food and I am here for it. The beloved director succeeds remarkably in delivering a rip-roaring action spectacle with a hefty helping of imagination, a killer sense of humor, and a dynamite showing from Kurt Russell as lead character Jack Burton.

HeapOfDogs ,

I loved this movie as a kid. Also Kurt Russell was hot.

Rolando ,

!bmoviebonanza is the community y'all should follow!

Greatest B-movie ever? My vote goes for Bloodsport.

ouRKaoS ,

I would like to nominate The Last Dragon.

Davel23 ,

Ah, an opportunity to post my favorite YouTube video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xiAbDkXDgg

sartalon ,

Just rented this and watched it with my wife and 12 year old daughter.

Wife rolled her eyes, but I knew she was game, but the 12 year old stayed through the whole movie! That is a rave review in her book.

Man I love this movie.

morphballganon ,

Thanks, my wife gave it to me for Christmas.

Emperor OP Mod ,
@Emperor@feddit.uk avatar

She's a keeper.

D61 ,

I haven't seen this movie in so long that I need to watch it again.

Talaraine ,

I recently found an Egg Shen's Six Demon Bag t-shirt and I wear it proudly.

There's all kinds of ways to find your people. This is mine.

Emperor OP Mod ,
@Emperor@feddit.uk avatar

I would wear one proudly too!

I see a few designs:

Pat_Riot ,
@Pat_Riot@lemmy.today avatar

This is not just my favorite Kurt Russell film, it is easily my favorite movie. It has everything, action, magic, neon!

Kolanaki ,
@Kolanaki@yiffit.net avatar

The last time I watched it I couldn't help but wonder if the neon lights in the boss room were actually supposed to be neon lights, or some kind of magic shit.

Pat_Riot ,
@Pat_Riot@lemmy.today avatar

It was the 80s. The neon was intentional and rad.

Thordros ,
@Thordros@hexbear.net avatar

This picture isn't a film at all. It's just a picture!

https://hexbear.net/pictrs/image/2c65941a-8f9f-4937-9aa0-35670befa531.webp

maegul Mod ,
@maegul@lemmy.ml avatar

Maybe a good candidate for Fedi Film Club?

I’ve never seen it!

Emperor OP Mod ,
@Emperor@feddit.uk avatar

Get out if here! And over to the Fedi Film Club to nominate this. I will second it, maybe third it too. Now away with you!

maegul Mod ,
@maegul@lemmy.ml avatar

Lol!

maegul Mod ,
@maegul@lemmy.ml avatar

And over to the Fedi Film Club to nominate this

Done.

southsamurai ,
@southsamurai@sh.itjust.works avatar

B movie? You shut your dirty mouth! Big trouble is a classic!

Kolanaki ,
@Kolanaki@yiffit.net avatar

Doesn't B movie just imply a small budget? Which IMO makes it even better that they could make such a kick-ass film with not much money (relatively).

southsamurai ,
@southsamurai@sh.itjust.works avatar

Iirc it was originally about being the B reel, a secondary movie of a double feature. That came with a lower budget and thus less quality.

Think pretty much any Roger Corman movie lol. Mind you, Corman was brilliant with the budgets he had, they stand the test of time imo.

But the term has shifted to encompass anything cheesy (which big trouble is for sure), low budget, or even indie movies sometimes.

The budget wasn't really lacking, something close to 20 mil. And it certainly had a good cast with an experienced and marketable lead. Though Cameron has said the effects budget was bare bones, which does show despite them being effective.

It was a bit of a bomb in theaters, but was massively loved in home video where it didn't have to compete with other films as much.

And, despite it not being a B film by the original definition, it actively drew inspiration from B movies, particularly some of the kung-fu genre and horror.

It's in my personal top twenty, even over some of the other movies released around the same time, including Aliens. It's definitely my favourite Kurt Russell movie and character, even over Snake Plissken or his more serious stuff. Dude just chewed all the scenery and owned it.

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