Cast: Jet Li, Carla Gugino, Jason Statham, Delroy Lindo
Director: James Wong
Screenplay: Glen Morgan & James Wong
Producers: Steve Chasman, Glen Morgan, Charles Newirth, James Wong
Cinematography: Robert McLachlan
Music: Trevor Rabin
U.S. Distributor: Columbia Pictures
The concept of alternate universes has fascinated science fiction writers through the years, forming the basis for a number of fascinating books, television episodes, and motion pictures. But, as Hollywood has often illustrated, the seed of a worthwhile idea does not necessarily germinate into a compelling motion picture. Such is the sad case with the latest Jet Li vehicle, The One, which represents bad action, worse drama, and excruciating science fiction. The film is adept only when it comes to crafting visually arresting images, and that's hardly a good reason to spend 80-odd minutes in a theater.
For Jet Li, who is in the process of establishing himself as a significant force in American cinema, this is missed opportunity. Following his previous two outings (both modest successes), Romeo Must Die and Kiss of the Dragon, Li's star and reputation in North America have been in ascent; The One represents a misstep. Not only is the movie saddled with a silly script that lobotomizes complex issues, but it reduces a key element of Li's appeal. The martial arts sequences make heavy use of digital imaging - to the point where technology obfuscates Li's natural abilities. Any limber, athletic actor could probably have performed as well under these circumstances. Consider, for example, that the climactic sequence features Li fighting himself - not something that can be done convincingly without a lot of computer manipulation. Li's other films may have used special effects to beef up some of the martial arts sequences, but not to the point where the actor becomes incidental to the action, which is what happens here - and it's not even exciting action. Despite being filmed with flair (the final battle takes place under a hail of glittering sparks), there's no suspense. It's all hum-drum.
The One transpires against the background of the "Multiverse", a series of 125 parallel universes connected by wormholes that open and close at regular intervals. (I don't know why the number 125 was chosen, since it doesn't have any mathematical significance, and most "Multiverse" theories imply that there should be an infinite number of existences.) The dastardly Yulaw (Li) has discovered that, when he kills other versions of himself, the energy and strength of the dead individual becomes disbursed among the survivors. Finally, Yulaw has killed 123 of his 125 selves. A theory states that when only one is left, he will have the power of a god. So, with two Multiverse gateway cops, Funsch (Jason Statham) and Roedecker (Delroy Lindo), hot in pursuit, Yulaw goes after his only remaining self, the happily married Gabriel Law (Li), who is about to be thrust into a conflict he doesn't understand. At stake may be the stability of the Multiverse.
With subject matter as pregnant with promise as the concept of travel through alternate universes, The One should have been a bonanza for science fiction fans. However, because director James Wong (who helmed the equally dumb Final Destination) is disinterested in the paradoxes inherent in this kind of travel, we are presented with a frustratingly banal action movie that uses the science fiction elements as window dressing. Ironically, the fight sequences suffer because of the weakness of the storyline - had we cared more about the characters and their situations, we would have been more concerned about the outcome of the various martial arts encounters. As things are, they're just testosterone-juiced eye candy. And, while Li fans may be intrigued by the idea of seeing their hero do the Jekyll and Hyde good guy/bad guy routine, it gets to the point where the only way to tell Yulaw from Gabriel is by their different clothing. Psychological depth, like intelligent plotting and suspenseful action, are not on this picture's cinematic menu. The One's title isn't far removed from its rating on a four-star scale.
© 2001 James Berardinelli