John Carpenter's Films - Ranked From Worst To Best

4. Big Trouble In Little China (1986)

Pros: Another excellent Kurt Russell performance. Knowing, playful references to other films. Over-the-top effects and action

Cons: Poor character development. Unrelenting pace might leave you feeling burned out. Question mark surrounding forthcoming, big-budget remake

Overall: If there's one film that can be used to describe Big Trouble in Little China, Carpenter's ode to Chinese martial arts films, it's 'fun'. Big Trouble in Little China is lots and lots of fun, full of corny but endearing one-liners and spectacular action sequences. It also features another superb turn by Kurt Russell, who plays reluctant (and rather useless) hero Jack Burton.

Like a lot of Carpenter's work, Big Trouble was largely dismissed when it first came out, with critics condemning it for its apparent over-reliance on special effects and lack of character development, particularly when it came to female characters. The reception contributed to the director's disillusionment with the Hollywood system and was a major factor in his decision to return to the independent arena.

The film has since become a cult classic and a remake (starring Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson) is currently in development.