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The One
 Release
Date: November 2, 2001
Studio: Columbia Pictures, Revolution Studios
Director: James Wong
Screenwriter: Glen Morgan, James Wong
Starring: Jet Li, Carla Gugino, Delroy Lindo, Jason Statham
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for thematic elements, drug and sexual content)
Official Website: Sony.com/movies/TheOne
Plot Summary: Jet Li portrays Gabriel Yulaw, a police officer confronted
with a sinister form of himself escaped from an advanced, parallel universe and
intent on killing Gabriel. His alter ego’s hunt culminates in a fateful battle
between good and evil that changes Gabriel’s perception of reality and forces
him to examine the evil hidden within himself. In a story of perception altering
possibilities, this action film features riveting martial arts stunts and
innovative special effects while asking the questions: What if you exist in a
parallel universe? What would that say about your destiny?
Review By: John Barker
- Take a pot shot but be warned.
This Jet Li vehicle is only his fourth Hollywood
film, and certainly not his best, but shows that he does have the charisma and
ability to at least scale the heights of Jackie Chan if not surpass his success
as an action star. This is coincidentally the film that he chose over staring in
one of The Matrix sequels, and I can’t help but think that he would
have served his career better opting for the already successful sci-fi franchise
rather than this unknown quantity.
The story sees a multiverse instead of a universe
which is policed to stop unauthorised travel between these multiple universes.
Unfortuately one man Yulaw, (Jet Li), while on assignment for the Multiverse
Police Agency had to kill a version of himself which gave him greater strength.
Yulaw then continued to kill other versions of himself in order to gain more
strength until only one other incarnation, Gabe, exists. Gabe has to survive as
the multiverse may be destroyed if he dies. He is pursued by two of his fellow
officers Roedecker, (Delroy Lindo), and Funsch, (Jason Statham).
This film sees two Jet Li’s fight it out in
spectacular fashion, due to some wonderful special effects. But outside the
martial arts sequences the film is a cluster of clichés taken from films like The
Matrix, ( The Wachowski Brothers, 1999, US), The 6th Day,
(Roger Spottiswoode, 2000, US), and Timecop, (Peter Hyams, 1994, US). The
story is also of little relevance as it takes a back burner to the effects and
action and even if it was given preference it is a thin premise anyway.
The acting is ineffective from most of the cast
with Li being the only real actor to improve his profile showing charisma and
more linguistics than he has done in his past films. Delroy Lindo seems to be on
cruise control and gains nothing but a pay check from this encounter. Also Jason
Stratham who is mostly known from his appearances in Lock, Stock and Two
Smoking Barrels, (Guy Ritchie, 1998, US) and Snatch, (Guy Ritchie,
2000, US) is poorly cast and does not make a good partner for Jet Li.
This is the brainchild of X-Files
contributors Glen Morgan and James Wong, who really struck big with Final
Destination, (James Wong, 2000, US). They show little of the originality or
wit which made their film debut such a success. Although some moments of visual
ingenuity impress, it does not compare to the films they try to emulate.
In conclusion, the film is very average and if
people are looking for a real indication of Jet Li’s talent they might try
seeking out Black Mask, (Daniel Lee, 1996, Japan) or Kiss of the
Dragon, (Chris Nahon, 2001, US).
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