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 Big Trouble in Little China
(1986) on IMDb

“Big Trouble in Little China (1986)”: A Cult Classic Action-Comedy Adventure.

Some people pick the darnedest places to start a fight!

Big Trouble in Little China
Movie poster for Big Trouble in Little China © Twentieth Century Fox. All Rights Reserved.

Big Trouble in Little China (1986) is a cult classic action-comedy film directed by John Carpenter, in which a tough truck driver finds himself in the middle of a mystical battle in San Francisco’s Chinatown.

John Carpenter’s “Big Trouble in Little China” is a wildly entertaining action-comedy that perfectly captures the spirit of the 80s. The film stars Kurt Russell as Jack Burton, a bumbling truck driver who unwittingly gets caught up in a centuries-old battle between mystical Chinese warriors and a powerful sorcerer.

Big Trouble in Little China is a mashup of genres, blending kung fu action, horror, comedy, and fantasy into a single, hilarious package. Russell’s performance as the hapless hero is a standout, perfectly balancing his tough-guy bravado with his comically inept bumbling. The supporting cast is equally impressive, including Kim Cattrall as the tough-talking lawyer Gracie Law, Dennis Dun as the skilled martial artist Wang Chi, and James Hong as the villainous Lo Pan.

The action sequences are expertly choreographed and executed, with stunning displays of martial arts and acrobatics. “Big Trouble in Little China’s” special effects are also impressive, particularly the elaborate creature designs and supernatural elements that add to the film’s fantastical tone.

While “Big Trouble in Little China” was not a commercial success upon its initial release, it has since gained a cult following and is now widely regarded as a classic of 80s cinema. Its unique blend of genres and Kurt Russell’s iconic performance make it a must-see for fans of action, comedy, and fantasy alike.


Jack Burton

Jack Burton
Midjourney

Jack Burton from the movie Big Trouble in Little China is the quintessential truck driver with a quick wit, big mouth, and a never-ending need for adventure.

  • Alias – None
  • Gender – Male
  • Race – Human
  • Occupation – Truck Driver
  • Religion – Unknown
  • Allies – Wang Chi, Gracie Law
  • Enemies – Lo Pan, the Wing Kong
  • Abode/ Base of operations – His semi-truck, The Pork Chop Express
  • Nationality – American
  • Languages – English, Cantonese
  • Alignment – Chaotic Good
  • Affiliation(s) – None
  • Significant others – None

Physical Description: Jack Burton is a tall, muscular man with shaggy, blonde hair and a perpetual five o’clock shadow. He wears a white tank top, blue jeans, and a pair of boots. On his belt, he carries a large hunting knife and a revolver.

Jack Burton

Medium humanoid (human), chaotic good

Armor Class 17 (leather jacket, Luck stat)

Hit Points 150 (20d8 + 60)

Speed 40 ft.

STR 18 (+4) DEX 14 (+2) CON 16 (+3) INT 10 (+0) WIS 12 (+1) CHA 14 (+2)

Skills Athletics +8, Perception +5, Survival +5

Saving Throws Str +8, Con +7, Wis +5

Senses passive Perception 15

Languages English, Cantonese

Challenge 10 (5,900 XP)

Actions

Jack Burton’s Truck. Jack can call upon his trusty big rig, which deals 4d10 bludgeoning damage to any creature it runs over. If a creature fails a DC 20 Dexterity saving throw, they are knocked prone.

Double-Barreled Shotgun. Ranged Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, range 40/120 ft., one target. Hit: 2d8+4 piercing damage.

Knife Throw. Ranged Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 2d6+4 piercing damage.

Fisticuffs. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 1d8+4 bludgeoning damage.

Reactions

Just a Flesh Wound. Jack Burton can use this reaction when he takes damage that would reduce him to 0 hit points. Instead of being knocked unconscious, he remains conscious with 1 hit point.

Equipment

  • Leather jacket
  • Double-barreled shotgun
  • Combat knife
  • Keys to the Porkchop Express
  • Lucky boot knife (+1 to attack and damage rolls)

Abilities

Jack Burton’s Reflexes. Jack can use his bonus action to gain advantage on his next attack roll or Dexterity saving throw.

Never Give Up. Jack Burton gains a +2 bonus to his AC and saving throws for every ally within 30 feet of him.

Porkchop Express Driver. Jack Burton can use his action to drive his truck, moving up to 60 feet in a straight line and dealing 2d10 bludgeoning damage to any creature he runs over. He can also use his action to rev his engine, causing all creatures within 20 feet to make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute.

Big-Talker. Jack Burton can use his action to make a Charisma (Intimidation) check against a creature he can see within 30 feet. If he succeeds, the creature is frightened of him for 1 minute.

Luck. Once per day, Jack Burton can reroll any attack roll, saving throw, or ability check and must use the new result.

CR Level

Jack Burton from the movie Big Trouble in Little China is is a CR 10 creature, making him a formidable opponent for a party of adventurers around level 10-12. With his high hit points, strong attacks, and unique abilities, he is a memorable and exciting boss fight or NPC ally.

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