|
Starring
:
Jet
Li
Carla
Gugino
Delroy
Lindo
Jason
Statham
Action
:
Yuen
Kwai
Producer
:
Steve
Chasman
James
Wong
Director
:
James
Wong
|
THE
ONE (2001)
Reviewed
by Tony Ryan
While
the premise of alternate identities is not an original one, it
is an idea which has proven popular in Hollywood for decades.
Jean Claude Van Damme's 'Double Impact' proving the best known
amongst action fans. 'The One' tries to add a fresh dimension
to the old adage, and was originally formulated as a starring
vehicle for WWF's The Rock before he committed himself
to 'The Scorpion King'; a 'Mummy' spin-off.
While
not a conventional martial arts actioner in the usual Jet Li
style, it is refreshing to see Jet in another different role.
He still plays a cop, as in a dozen other films, but this is
certainly more “Hollywood”, and as such, will
appeal to a different audience, even if it alienates some of
his hardcore fan base. The plot is paper thin, with little
characterisation taking place in the short running time. In
its place are a number of special effects set pieces and
action clichés leading up to the ultimate showdown: Good Jet
versus Bad Jet. A mouth-watering prospect!
To
be fair, the finale is excellent - a pure adrenaline rush,
combining innovative choreography and state of the art special
effects. What will please many is the length of the fight
scene, which shows how the Americans can just as happily sit
through a ten-minute fight as a two-minute one, if it is
tackled in a way that suits them. Prior to this, all action
sequences seem to be over before they begin, but are suitably
impressive, and the camerawork and slow motion actually
enhance Jet's moves for a change.
All
in all, one for the mainstream family, and I can't help
feeling that this version of the film is so much better than
it would have been had The Rock been available. As a result,
Jet should be applauded, but he still remains an unknown
quantity in the Hollywood market, as many producers still
don’t know how best to use him. I hope his truly
breakthrough role comes sooner rather than later, as he isn't
getting any younger, and who knows how long this Western 'Hong
Kong' obsession will last.
Worth
seeing just to hear Jet say: "I’m no-one’s bitch!"
Rating:
 
|
