film: The One satisfies its purpose
Steven Reddy, The Peak

Imagine that you exist in different forms in parallel universes. Your alter egos live out different destinies and follow different paths, both good and evil.

Starring Jet Li, The One features him as both the antagonist (Gabriel Yulaw) and protagonist (Gabriel Yulaw) in a special effects extravaganza for the silver screen. The bad Gabriel Yulaw, (known simply as Yulaw in the movie) goes from each parallel universe to the other killing off his alter egos (123 to be exact) in order to gain their strength, intelligence, and basically he feeds off their 'wasted' energy if you will. The one thing standing in his way is the last Gabriel Yulaw, affectionately monikered "Gabe" by his peers.

Gabe has noticed that in the past few years he has gotten faster, smarter and stronger. These characteristics of course can be accredited to the handiwork of his alter ego Yulaw. No one really knows what will actually happen if and when Yulaw finally eradicates himself in all universes. Some believe he will explode, some believe he will implode, while some believe he will attain a God-like, or invincible status.

The cinematography in this film is excellent, featuring a combination of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Matrix-esque stunts. The most visually pleasing parts of the film are the scenes where it seems as if time literally slows down as either Yulaw or Gabe use superhuman tactics in order to defend themselves.

The Web site is equally pleasing by featuring animated menus and full bios of each character in the film. As one surfs through the site (http://www.sony.com/theone) you find yourself enthralled by the features and little bits and pieces of useless information that will likely end up on the DVD when it is released.

In any event, the plot isn't exactly a clever one that would fit in with the likes of The Usual Suspects or K-Pax. The One, with cheesy, defiant lines such as "I am Yulaw, I am nobody's bitch, You are all mine!" and a plethora of special effects that require the audience to suspend judgment or else leave the theatre discombobulated, is a film that does meets its sole purpose: to entertain.

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