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There is a distinct period in the sci-fi world, and the beginning of this period is March 31st, 1999. On that day, The Matrix was released with its slick visuals and crazy use of CGI. From that day on, sci-fi entered the realm of The Matrix and every movie that would come out and have science fiction elements would feature people moving really fast, occasionally dodging bullets, and kicking people so hard that they go flying through the air. The One was one of the first films to jump on the bandwagon, with fight sequences and special effects stunts that feel lifted, if not outright stolen from The Matrix.

The One plays around with the concept of alternate universes and has many similarities to Time Cop. In every alternate universe, there are versions of yourself… so while you may be a good guy in one universe, your alternate universe self might be a kiddie fiddler. One of the universes has developed a way to move through the universes, and an evil dude in that universe has figured out that if you kill one of your alternate selves, you gain their strength… so he sets about traveling to all the different universes and killing himself. Confusing right? The last person he has to kill is a cop named Gabe… his complete opposite. Gabe must survive with the help of a couple of cops from a different universe, all so that the evil dude doesn’t become “The One.” It’s a solid plot and it provides for some entertaining sequences. The story sounds a whole lot more complicated than it actually is, but once the premise is set up, which takes a little bit of time; it’s pretty much nonstop action nonsense after that.

James Wong (Final Destination, Final Destination 3) creates a solid flick, but one that doesn’t feel original at all. The One feels like a mishmash of other sci-fi flicks and does nothing that is unique or original, with the exception of the awesome scenes where people are moved from one universe to another. Wong’s vision of an alternate universe is minimalist and sparse, and he doesn’t take true advantage of the whole “alternate universe” thing. The characters are also less interesting than they should be, as Wong tends to rely on his star (Jet Li) to carry the action. The only problem there? Jet Li can’t speak English! While Jet Li is truly awesome in his foreign flicks and in American movies where he doesn’t have to talk, when he has to play a talky American role, he comes up short.

It’s surprising to realize how great the cast of this flick is. Jet Li might be the worst actor in the whole film. It’s as if the casting director knew that Li would need a shitload of help to carry this film. First, you’ve got Delroy Lindo (Gone in 60 Seconds, Romeo Must Die) rockin’ out as an alternate universe detective with that trademark smoothness. Then you’ve got pre-action hero Jason Statham as the alternate universe cop’s partner… in one of his few roles with hair. Statham is under-utilized, but it’s not like he was signed on to be the star, so it’s understandable. Carla Gugino (Watchmen, The Unborn) plays the requisite and forced love interest of the film, and her screentime is annoying at best.

The real flaw of the film is Jet Li (Lethal Weapon 4, Hero). Jet Li does what he does best, kick some ass and pull off some stunts, but as great as his stuntowrk is, he still sucks as an actor. Li is not a star; he can’t carry a flick… at least not in English. The One is enjoyable despite Jet Li. When he shuts up and fights, he’s great, even though there is a whole lot of wirework and CGI fucking up the proceedings. If only his character was a mute.

Another thing that sucks like a methhead in need of some cash is the fact that the movie is PG-13. You can get away with a PG-13 comedy… maybe even a ghost story, but if you’re making n action flick, there’s no reason not to kill the fuck out of people. I get the feeling that the people behind this movie had no intention of making a good movie, but simply ripping off The Matrix just enough to get people to check it out. They failed, and the movie, while watchable, is nothing truly memorable.

Final Synopsis: It’s kind of cool, but doesn’t feel fresh. If it comes on cable and you’re too lazy to change the remote, it’s not the end of the world.

Points Lost: -1 for Jet Li’s marble-mouthed English, -1 for not being rated-R, -1 for weak characters, -1 for not being original

Lesson Learned: Statham’s hair is funny looking.

Burning Question: Why is Jet Li in American movies? Do you think they are going to let him talk in The Expendables?

The One
6/10

Tags: 2001, action, adventure, alternate universe, carla gugino, Delroy Lindo, James Wong, Jason Statham, Jet Li, latest movie reviews, martial arts, recent3, sci-fi, sci-fi action, science fiction, tucker smallwood