One, The MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +2 1/2 Content: -2

One scientific theory, used in some sci-fi stories, features the concept of a parallel universe which mirrors our own. But while the parallel universe, and the people in it, looks the same as ours, the people may act quite differently. This imaginative science-fiction, action film goes a step further and considers that there is not one, but many parallel universes. Referring to the multiverse, it further imagines one world as more advanced which develops the ability to travel between the many universes. The advanced world also has police to monitor the travel and prevent abuses. Yulaw (Jet Li), a former dimension cop, discovers that he grows stronger after having to kill his double in one universe. So he travels to each dimension, killing his double and growing stronger and faster each time. Gabe (Jet Li), a policeman in this universe, is the last double of Yulaw left. And if Gabe dies, the energy that connects all the Yulaws will be in One. Will the One be good or evil? And will only one Yulaw upset the balance of energy throughout the multiverse? The action is non-stop in this sci-fi action adventure.

This film focuses more on special effects and martial arts stunts than plot and character, which is to be expected. Along with the violent choreography of martial arts hits and kicks, multiple bursts of automatic weapons and shoot outs frequently occur as Yulaw attempts to kill Gabe. But Gabe has also gained strength and speed as the doubles died. Good and evil are evenly matched in this battle. One scene features an extended battle between Yulaw and his former partner which includes blody wounds and a broken neck. Focusing on action sequences and camera tricks eliminates virtually any sexual content, however, the s-word fouls the dialogue more than a dozen times. In an interesting twist, prisoners are exiled to a universe referred to as Hades. But non-stop violence and obscenity-laced dialogue prevent recommending THE ONE.

Preview Reviewer: Paul Bicking
Distributor: Columbia Pictures, 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232