The Jason Statham Sci-Fi Action Gem On Netflix That Packs A Punch
The 2001 Jason Statham science fiction action movie, The One, is currently streaming on Netflix. The film, which features Jet Li in the leading role, is directed by James Wong from a script he co-wrote with Glen Morgan. The plot explores the concept of a multiverse where individuals exist in several parallel universes.
The story follows Gabriel Yulaw (Jet Li), a former police officer from an alternate universe who embarks on a mission to eliminate alternate versions of himself from various dimensions. Yulaw believes that by destroying his counterparts, he gains their strength and power, ultimately leading him to become The One. Yulaw’s pursuit of power sparks conflicts with law enforcement agencies across dimensions.
The One’s special effects were deemed a highlight, showcasing the filmmakers’ commitment to bringing the multiverse concept to life.
Agent Harry Rodecker (Delroy Lindo) and his partner Agent Evan Funsch (Jason Statham) are determined to stop his deadly spree, leading to a tense cat-and-mouse game spanning multiple universes. The One reaches its climax in a thrilling showdown between Yulaw and his last counterpart, Gabe Law, set in the iconic Los Angeles Coliseum.
Despite its mixed critical reception, it remains an engaging sci-fi action film that showcases Jet Li’s talents and offers a unique perspective on parallel universes and the quest for ultimate power.
The One garnered mixed reviews from critics following its release. While Jet Li’s performance and the film’s adrenaline-pumping action sequences received praise, the plot’s lack of coherence and depth were criticized. However, the special effects were deemed a highlight, showcasing the filmmakers’ commitment to bringing the multiverse concept to life.
The One, also starring Jason Statham, achieved moderate financial success. The film grossed approximately $43 million in the United States and around $72 million worldwide. Despite its mixed critical reception, it remains an engaging sci-fi action film that showcases Jet Li’s talents and offers a unique perspective on parallel universes and the quest for ultimate power.
Jet Li and Jason Statham Reunite In The Expendables
Jet Li and Jason Statham would later collaborate again in the popular Expendables film series. This star-studded action franchise pays homage to classic 1980s and 1990s action movies by bringing together an ensemble cast of iconic action stars. Known for its over-the-top violence, and witty one-liners, the series is a tribute to the genre while also delivering modern thrills.
Directed by Sylvester Stallone, The Expendables introduces viewers to a team of mercenaries led by Barney Ross (Stallone). This elite group is hired to overthrow a ruthless dictator in a Latin American country. The cast is a veritable who’s who of action stars, including Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Mickey Rourke, Terry Crews, and more.
The sequel, The Expendables 2, directed by Simon West, reunites the team to face a formidable adversary, Jean Vilain (Jean-Claude Van Damme), who possesses deadly weapons of mass destruction. The film embraces action nostalgia even further by adding Chuck Norris and expanding the roles of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis.
Directed by Patrick Hughes, The Expendables 3 introduces a younger generation of mercenaries to the team while keeping franchise mainstays like Jason Statham in the cast. The story sees Barney Ross recruit a group of new, more tech-savvy members to track down and stop Conrad Stonebanks (Mel Gibson), a former Expendable turned arms dealer who poses a significant threat.
Jason Statham is set to reprise his Expendables role as Lee Christmas in the fourth installment in the franchise. The movie, set for release on September 22, is directed by Scott Waugh from a script by Kurt Wimmer, Tad Daggerhart, and Max Adams. This time the Expendables are tasked with stopping Suarto, the leader of a terrorist organization, who is attempting to smuggle nuclear warheads.
Jason Statham is also working on The Beekeeper. The upcoming action film is directed by David Ayer from a script by Kurt Wimmer. The movie, scheduled to hit theaters on January 12, 2024, also stars Jeremy Irons, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Bobby Naderi, and Josh Hutcherson. The story follows a former operative of a powerful organization known as Beekeepers who seeks vengeance.
Jason Statham, known for his tough-guy persona and martial arts prowess, has forged a successful career as an action star. His impressive catalog of work also includes 1998’s Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch in 2000. He also starred in the Transporter series of films from 2002 to 2008 and Crank in 2006.
Jason Statham also excelled in the Fast & Furious franchise. His other roles include The Italian Job (2003), Death Race (2008), and Spy (2015). With so many prominent roles, fans that may have missed Statham in The One can catch the film on Netflix.
