Melvin Smiley (former rapper "Marky" Mark Wahlberg) is the typical Mister Nice Guy. He cannot say "no" to any proposition being made. Melvin is also engaged to a wonderful fiancée, Pam Shulman (Christina Applegate). Did I mention that he also has a gorgeous mistress too? Well, Melvin's "mistress," Chantel (Lela Rochon) is quite upset right now, and for good reason.
What does Melvin do for a living? Well, let's just say he's very adept at disposing the "trash" of society. The pay is groovy too! Anyway, alongside with Cisco (Lou Diamond Phillips), Vince (Antonio Sabato Jr.) and Crunch (Bokeem Woodbine), Smiley and company are responsible for dispatching a certain amount of bad guys for a hefty sum...and bonuses are included too!
Realizing that they have been manipulated and cheated by their bosses and the agency, the four contract killers have decided to kidnap the daughter of a prominent Japanese entrepreneur. Keiko Nishi (model China Chow) becomes the victim of the four depraved hunters. They hold her for a voluminous ransom of a few million dollars. The father of his kidnapped daughter, Mr. Nishi (Sab Shimono) knows that he cannot withdraw a great sum of money from his account so he hires an elusive figure (Avery Brooks) to track down the contract killers...and to finish the job...
As a Jewish professional killer, the whimsical Melvin Smiley begins to lose plenty of motivation and respect in his job. He also develops an infatuation for the sumptuous Keiko Nishi. Unfortunately, a change of heart won't do for the rest of the crew, so once the kidnapping scheme has become inevitably botched, Smiley has turned into the primary target for elimination...and he must pay restitution...with his life...
One of Smiley's colleagues has happened to have gone nuts. Smiley must now face his greatest challenge...finding out who the invidious enemy is from within...
THE BIG HIT is an engaging display of firepower and utter hysteria. The motion picture is enlivened by a fine cast of caricatures and this film contains a vibrant sense of humor. The creative dialogue amid all of the profanity keeps the hilarity level at a sustained, adequate rate. Plenty of violence and energy help keep this film moving at an adequately vigorous pace.
Inventive action sequences includes Mark Wahlberg break-dancing while taking down an army of gunmen with his ambidextrous skills! The all-out gun battle at the beginning is a cinematic example of meticulous photography. Another highlight includes a psychotic driver chasing Wahlberg by means of a damaged, banged-up vehicle through the secluded woods. The climax unfolds with an impressive martial arts battle taking place inside an elaborate video store (!)
THE BIG HIT is a flick which is also a good natured parody that is reasonably palatable. THE BIG HIT also shows how one man must learn to juggle so much in his life, including his job working for the agency, his obligations with dealing with his boss, his commitment to his "true love," and all of his financial encumbrance as well.
While the film may be weird and simply strange at times, THE BIG HIT is no doubt entertaining with hip characters who add more dimension with their sardonic performances. There is plenty of over-the-hill laughs and you may cringe at Lou Diamond Phillips trying to act *ghetto* but THE BIG HIT remains fun on a personal level. In terms of trying to be a "classy," film, THE BIG HIT does not quite succeed. As a piece of escapism for those who do not like stressed out reality, THE BIG HIT accomplishes that mission alone. Action purists will appreciate this movie the most. Although THE BIG HIT may not be a major hit, this film will sure delight action fans. THE BIG HIT is a nicely drawn out parody.
RATING: **1/2 out ****.
What does Melvin do for a living? Well, let's just say he's very adept at disposing the "trash" of society. The pay is groovy too! Anyway, alongside with Cisco (Lou Diamond Phillips), Vince (Antonio Sabato Jr.) and Crunch (Bokeem Woodbine), Smiley and company are responsible for dispatching a certain amount of bad guys for a hefty sum...and bonuses are included too!
Realizing that they have been manipulated and cheated by their bosses and the agency, the four contract killers have decided to kidnap the daughter of a prominent Japanese entrepreneur. Keiko Nishi (model China Chow) becomes the victim of the four depraved hunters. They hold her for a voluminous ransom of a few million dollars. The father of his kidnapped daughter, Mr. Nishi (Sab Shimono) knows that he cannot withdraw a great sum of money from his account so he hires an elusive figure (Avery Brooks) to track down the contract killers...and to finish the job...
As a Jewish professional killer, the whimsical Melvin Smiley begins to lose plenty of motivation and respect in his job. He also develops an infatuation for the sumptuous Keiko Nishi. Unfortunately, a change of heart won't do for the rest of the crew, so once the kidnapping scheme has become inevitably botched, Smiley has turned into the primary target for elimination...and he must pay restitution...with his life...
One of Smiley's colleagues has happened to have gone nuts. Smiley must now face his greatest challenge...finding out who the invidious enemy is from within...
THE BIG HIT is an engaging display of firepower and utter hysteria. The motion picture is enlivened by a fine cast of caricatures and this film contains a vibrant sense of humor. The creative dialogue amid all of the profanity keeps the hilarity level at a sustained, adequate rate. Plenty of violence and energy help keep this film moving at an adequately vigorous pace.
Inventive action sequences includes Mark Wahlberg break-dancing while taking down an army of gunmen with his ambidextrous skills! The all-out gun battle at the beginning is a cinematic example of meticulous photography. Another highlight includes a psychotic driver chasing Wahlberg by means of a damaged, banged-up vehicle through the secluded woods. The climax unfolds with an impressive martial arts battle taking place inside an elaborate video store (!)
THE BIG HIT is a flick which is also a good natured parody that is reasonably palatable. THE BIG HIT also shows how one man must learn to juggle so much in his life, including his job working for the agency, his obligations with dealing with his boss, his commitment to his "true love," and all of his financial encumbrance as well.
While the film may be weird and simply strange at times, THE BIG HIT is no doubt entertaining with hip characters who add more dimension with their sardonic performances. There is plenty of over-the-hill laughs and you may cringe at Lou Diamond Phillips trying to act *ghetto* but THE BIG HIT remains fun on a personal level. In terms of trying to be a "classy," film, THE BIG HIT does not quite succeed. As a piece of escapism for those who do not like stressed out reality, THE BIG HIT accomplishes that mission alone. Action purists will appreciate this movie the most. Although THE BIG HIT may not be a major hit, this film will sure delight action fans. THE BIG HIT is a nicely drawn out parody.
RATING: **1/2 out ****.