The multiverse has become a staple of American comic books, with the DCU first using it in the 1960s to integrate its various owned properties into one. Marvel first used the multiverse in the 1970s, allowing them to explore “What If?” stories and introduce alternative versions of beloved characters.The multiverse would evolvethrough the decades for both companies. Still, Marvel would integrate the multiverse into its films to greater commercial success with movies likeDoctor Strange,Avengers: Endgame, andDeadpool & Wolverine, to name a few.
When film fans think of the concept of a multiverse, they likely think of theMCU, given its global dominance at the box office. However, the idea had been around in cinema long before the popular comic characters took a stab at it. One production that based its action around a multiverse isThe One, starring Jet Li and other notable names, includingJason Statham. We will examine howThe Onemovie tackled the multiverse and whether it is worth watching.
‘The One’ Is a Multiverse Themed Action Movie
Gabe Law (Jet Li) is an LAPD officer experiencing a weird phenomenon that sees him growing consistently more powerful and agile daily. When he meets an alternative version of himself, Gabriel Yulaw,he learns of the multiverse and that he is the last remaining version, with his doppelgänger killing every other version. Splitting the power of the hundreds of killed versions, the two begin a deadly showdown. Gabe also finds unlikely allies in Roedecker (Delroy Lindo) and Funsch (Jason Statham), pursuing Gabriel across the multiverse for his crimes.
“There is not one universe. There are many: A multiverse. We have the technology to travel between universes, but travel is highly restricted and policed. There is not one you. There are many. Each of us exists in present time, in parallel universes. There was balance in the system, but now a force exists who seeks to destroy the balance so he can become The One.” Opening lines from The One.
The Onestarredinternational action star Jet Li, who had already established himself with leading roles in the beloved Hong Kong action franchiseOnce Upon a Time in Chinaand appeared in American productions likeLethal Weapon 4andRomeo Must Die.Despite appearing in the acclaimedSnatchandLock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Jason Statham had yet to find the success he would in his later career when he landed a supporting role as a multiverse jumping agent inThe One. Director James Wong is better known for his directorial debut work,Final Destination, and for being a producer on theX-FilesTV series.
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The action thriller boasts 92% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes.
Box Office and Critical Response to ‘The One’
Despite having thestar power of Jason Stathamand Jet Li, The One landed on shaky ground at the box office. While it had an impressive debut in the number two spot, running behind Monsters Inc., it saw a steady decline in the opening weeks.The Onewould make $79 million worldwide at the box office off a budget of $49 million. Considering advertising and other costs, the action flick did not earn back its total cost for Sony Pictures Releasing and was considered a commercial failure. Perhaps somewhere in the multiverse,The Onewould have been a smash hit, asthe movie was initially set to be the debut of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson before he opted out to doThe Mummy Returnsinstead.
Critics were particularly unkind toThe One, with the action flick currently sitting at 13% rotten with 89 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.Notable scathing reviews includethe Irish Independent, which would call it “Twaddle of the highest order that makes you wish you had a wormhole of your own to escape into,” andRobert Ebert, who stated, “The movie offers brainless high-tech action without interesting dialogue, characters, motivation or texture.” Most praised Jet Li’s action, but it was not enough to sway critics to giveThe Onepositive reviews.
Should You Watch ‘The One’
Approaching thesci-fi crime thrillerand how it touches on elements of the multiverse,The Oneoffers an exciting take on the concept that predates its prevalence in the modern MCU.The action is top-notch, with Jet Li showing off his skills that made him an icon. While Jason Statham’s character is underdeveloped, the movie still serves as a treat for fans of the actor, especially under the context of the two working together for the first time; they would go on to star opposite each other inWar(2007) andExpendablesone to three.If you want a quick, fun, sci-fi action flick, thenThe Onewill certainly scratch that itch.
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However,time has not been kind to The One, with dated special effects and a nu-metal score; bands like Drowning Pool, Disturbed, and Papa Roach may be nostalgic for some, but it will be grating for many. The film is also a far cry from the best works of Jet Li or Jason Statham. There is fun to be had, and fans of either actor will enjoy the feature for what it is. You can watch it for yourself, asThe One is streaming for free on Hoopla, or it can be rented on Prime Video, Apple TV, or YouTube.
