After “The Matrix” became a game changer in cinema history for its groundbreaking effects, several movies in the early 2000s were influenced by The Wachowskis’ style including “Charlie’s Angels,” Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man” & Equilibrium.” The Matrix was also referenced or parodied in other movies including “Scary Movie,” “Shrek,” “Osmosis Jones” & “Kung Pow! Enter the Fist.” Another movie influenced by The Matrix is none other than “The One.”
Released in 2001, The One earned was critically panned by critics. Although Sony and Revolution Studios recoup its budget which is approximately $49 million, they couldn’t pay off marketing costs. My favorite action star Jason Statham, reprises his role as Deckard Shaw in “Fast X.” His upcoming movies are “The Expendables 4” & “The Meg 2.” As a fan of Mr. Statham’s work since childhood, I wanna share my thoughts on the precursor to “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”
This review contains no SPOILERS. I’m giving some of you a chance to see The One.
Powerful & Fatigue Elements
Powerful: Jet Li did a fantastic job for his dual role as hero and villain.
Fun Fact: Before Jet signed on to headline The One, Jackie Chan & Dwayne Johnson were considered for the lead. They dropped out. Jackie didn’t wanna play a villain. Plus, he already signed on for “Rush Hour 2.” Dwayne was busy filming “The Mummy Returns” & “The Scorpion King.”
Jason Statham & Carla Gugino both did a decent job for their respective performances.
James Wong (Final Destination) did a great job directing. He co-wrote the script with Glen Morgan.
Action Sequences display Gabe & Yulaw’s martial arts skills. Jet did his own choreography with help from future Oscar winner, Ke Huy Quan.
Cinematography didn’t have any technical flaws.
Former guitarist of Yes, Trevor Rabin (Remember the Titans, Get Smart, Race to Witch Mountain) orchestrated instrumental tracks.
Pacing didn’t take forever going from one scene to another. I didn’t get easily bored.
A few heavy metals songs suit Gabe & Yulaw’s battles.
This is the first (no pun intended) collaboration between Jet & Jason. They later worked in “War” and The Expendables 1-3. It’s a darn shame Jet didn’t come back for The Expendables 4.
If you’re a “Power Ranger” aficionado, Archie Kao (Blue Ranger in Power Rangers Lost Galaxy) appears as a police officer.
Dean Norris (Hank Schrader from Breaking Bad) makes a brief appearance as a police officer.
If you wanna spice things up a notch, take a shot every time a character utters out “one.” I’d drink water or non-alcoholic beverages if I were you. I do not condone alcohol poisoning.
Mr. Li delivers the last line showing everybody who’s boss.
Fatigue: A Green Screen seems pretty fake. It was the early 2000s back when Visual Effects were slowly advancing.
The Final Verdict: A-
Say what you will, I have a soft spot for The One. To this day, I don’t understand why critics loathe this misunderstood precursor to Everything Everywhere All at Once. I liked it as a kid and I still like as an adult. If you’re eager to see The Expendables 4 or The Meg 2, give The One a try.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 