The One (2001)

The One Vs. Neo: Now That's A Fight I'd Pay To See

What if The Matrix's Neo was not born with his abilities, but rather acquired them after killing some 125 versions of himself in parallel universes? In in overly simple statement, that's the basic premise of the movie. Kill one version of you dies, that makes the remaining versions stronger. You can dodge bullets, become ultra smart, ultra strong... basically like Neo. Kill all the other versions and the universe either explodes, or you become god. So is THE One's plan until he meets his last version, and since both THE One and The One are both on equal power, this One might be a bit harder to kill. If you're not confused yet, then by all means buy the movie.

For the action/sci-fi fan, there's plenty of entertainment to behold, and much to sink your teeth in. From the original premise, to fight sequences to the general action, there's certainly enough to keep you going, and the movie succeeds where it should fail. Add a young Jason Statham, and you got a great popcorn flick. Sure, there's a plothole or two, it'll inevitibly be compared to The Matrix, and you'll be perplexed and confused throughout half the movie, but it could have done a lot worse. Get for a rental, check it out on cable, you'll be entertained. October 27, 2008

A decent flick, as I recall... It's been a while.

I seem to recall this was a pretty good sci-fi / martial arts type movie. Though I also recall it was a little weird in parts.

I generally enjoy Jet Li's work, even if he does have a few weird or "dark" roles. In this one, he plays both the good guy and the bad guy(s).

I seem to recall it's more or less sci-fi fluff. Good for killing a lazy weekend afternoon. But probably nothing that would ever go up for an Oscar. August 12, 2008

Good although not excellent sci-fi fare

Martial arts sci-fi thriller in which Jet Li plays a villain called Yu Law murdering versions of himself in parallel worlds so that he can become `the one', a being of unlimited power. But he has met his match in the version of himself known as Gabriel Law. This film is not bad and Jet Li does a decent job playing good and evil versions of himself. The special effects and fight scenes stand out and are really what make the film. Brit actor Jason Statham also does a passable job as a `multiverse agent' out to apprehend the evil Yu Law and bring him to justice. But although enjoyable this film does not reach the heights necessary to be considered excellent. Still, good enough sci-fi fare.

August 3, 2008

Christmas Gift

My son had been looking for this video for a long time. Thank you for your promptness in sending the video. To date he has not viewed the video, but if problems occur, I will let you know. December 27, 2007

A Good Concept Not Realized

When I first saw `The One' on VHS is was introduced with its own trailer. Thank goodness, otherwise we'd never figure out the plot from the disconnected screenplay.

`The One' is an interesting concept which combines everything we loved about `The Terminator', `Time Cop,' `The Matrix,' `Sliders' and more. Just like `Sliders' technology has made it possible to travel between alternate universes. Super criminal Jet Li illegally travels from universe to universe with the sole purpose of murdering himself so he can be the one Jet Li.

Hot on his trail are supercops Delroy Lindo and Jason Statham (with a bad American accent).

The idea of sci-fi and Jet Li as both hero and villain is intriguing.

However `The One' falls short of its goal due to several road blocks.

Poor dialogue. The disconnected screenplay has characters doing and saying things which make no sense and add nothing to further the story. All the characters seem rather calm even though they are fighting for their lives.

Characters' actions make no sense. As with the dialogue it becomes lost as we see characters drift from scene to scene without purpose or awareness. For example the LAPD Jet Li after witnessing a climatic shootout with himself, simply returns home to his wife Carla Gugino as if it is a normal day. You'd think the police would want each of their officers to provide a statement and the shootout would be headline news. Later Li goes to the hospital for a brain scan where at least 5 of his fellow officers go to hangout for no reason.

Lindo and Statham also have a pointless existence as they have been hunting Li for 2 years and have witnessed his incredible feats. Yet they calmly ask Li to drop his gun and put his hands on his head. Since Li can dodge bullets, you'd think these two would have realized he's not coming quietly.

Bad casting. While Li is a martial arts legend his broken English makes it impossible for us to see him as the good husband cop. The over use of `Matrix' style fight sequences with computer animation negate Li's use of martial arts which makes us question why Li was cast at all.

Lindo and Statham come off like Laurel and Hardy as they too seem to take their roles as if they were mere delivery men.

`The One' does have some good sci-fi and fight sequences in the beginning but it carries too much baggage which prevents us from enjoying it, thanks to B gen-x director James Wong.
November 21, 2007

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