Rating: 
Summary: "Hit" and Run
Review: When four hitman decide that they are going to kidnap the boss's daugter and ask for ransom, problems arise, when Melvin (Mark Wahlberg) is set up to take the fall. At the same time, he is set to meet his girlfriend Pam's (Christina Applegate) parents, all three of whom, know nothing about his true line of work This under appreciated action/comedy from Che-Kirk Wong, has more going for it, than most folks think it does. The trick to watching this, is to just watch the movie, for its fun factor. If you expect it to be a dramatic look at hitmen and the mob--forget it. The action sequences are well done and fun to watch. The movie is a breezey 91 minutes and that's also a plus. Wahlberg, Lou Diamond Phillips, Bokeem Woodbine, and Antonio Sabato Jr. have good on screen chemistry. The rest of the players fit pretty well too It's nice to see some of them break out into more of a comedic role then is the norm for some of the cast. The DVD extras include an enjoyable commentary track with the director, writer, and producer of the movie. The handful of deleted scenes are very good too. It also has the theatrical trailer (just as you might expect). The film is presented in both widescreen and fullscreen formats, so that viewers can choose their poison in that regard If you like action comedies then I would certainly recommend THE BIG HIT to you. Give it a shot.
Rating: 
Summary: Silly, but undeniably fun.
Review: I remember first seeing the previews for The Big Hit and thinking to myself, "this is going to be one terrible film." Then I actually rented it, and found myself enjoying the movie immensely. Oh, it's one silly action film, but it's fun usually for all the right reasons, so that's why I'm recommending it. And this says a lot, believe me, because I find 3/4's of the movie's cast utterly revolting (Antonio Sabato, Jr., Christina Applegate, Bokeem Woodbine, Lela Rochon, and Elliot Gould all in the same movie, and I still somehow enjoyed it). Mark Wahlberg stars as Melvin Smiley, a hitman with a heart of gold, sort of. Outside of his dubious career, he's a relatively nice guy with an airhead fiancee (Applegate). Anyway, his hitman buddies, specifically Cisco (Lou Diamond Phillips), devise a plan to kidnap Keiko Nishi (China Chow), the daughter of a super-rich Japanese businessman, not knowing the man has just went bankrupt (shown in a hilarious scene). Anyway, they have to store Keiko at Melvin's house, and he's forgotten that his fiancee and her parents are visiting for the weekend. To make matters worse, Keiko is the goddaughter of the hitmen's boss, Paris (Avery Brooks), who's looking to crack down on the guys who kidnapped her. The Big Hit desires to work as an action and comedy, and succeeds quite well at both. The shootouts are pure Hong Kong-style (no surprise, it's directed by Kirk Wong), outrageous but cool to watch. The fight scenes are kinetic and well-choreographed, with the performers displaying some nice, agile moves without really going into all-out martial arts (by this, I'm referring to the final fight in the video store). None of the action is superspectacular or completely memorable, but it's all exciting and lots of fun, which is what it should be. Director Kirk Wong also shows a capbable hand at humor. For once, the majority of the film's jokes actually work. Even a long-running gag involving Melvin and his overdue rental of King Kong Lives pays off in the end. A lot of people are going to find this humor stupid, but for me, it was stupid and funny. Some of these jokes probably wouldn't naturally be funny, but the cast (particularly Lou Diamond Phillips) pulls them off with a great sense of comic timing. Hell, I even laughed during that obvious "tracebuster" joke. As I said before, most of the cast members are those I generally try to avoid when I watch movies and they're terrible here, but they're offset by the film's leads, thankfully. Mark Wahlberg is not a great actor by any stretch of the imagination, but he's likeable and perfect for this part. The lovely China Chow is a spirited foil for Wahlberg, she's smart, funny, and sassy, and also the film's most genuinely likeable character. Naturally, the film progresses by developing some romantic chemistry between her and Wahlberg, and to my surprise, those scenes actually work. Stealing virtually the whole film is Lou Diamond Phillips (who I've always liked), who's hilarious as the two-timing hitman Cisco. Off the top of my head, I believe this is his only comic performance to date, and he's so good at it, I wish he'd delve into the genre more often. The always solid Avery Brooks has a few throwaway scenes, but it's always nice to see him in a role outside of Deep Space Nine. All in all, The Big Hit was a good time, never truly excellent as an action/comedy (it needs more even plotting and less superfluous characters) but just enjoyable enough, and that was good enough for me.
Rating:
Summary: What can I say? I dig the film.
Review: I've trashed more than my fair share of big, brainless action flicks for being stupid, unbelievable, and nasty. But for some reason, either by merit of the film itself or some fluke in my taste, I like THE BIG HIT. If the former is true, here is why. There are those of us who peruse the direct-to-video bins of action and horror movies in a desparate search of fun. THE BIG HIT, although released theatrically, is everything that you desire while looking at direct-to-video crap, but never get, and its infinitly better. Make no mistakes: this movie is vulgar, crass, and shameless. It even crossed my line with the vomiting scene, but I managed. The film finds hit man Melvin Smiley set up to take the fall for a major screw-up by his hipster co-workers whilst dealing with being a pushover to his fiancee and girlfriend. Maybe the fact that this film has such a plot, a plot that is relevant to the action and interesting is what makes it exciting. The characters are stimulating and provided vibrant dialogue. Through the pretty routine directing, it's Ben Ramseys script that makes the thing so fun. The action sequences are pretty by the numbers, as I've mentioned, but there are moments or rhythm and sublime carnage beneath the rest of it. The film has a hard-hitting and pulsating score by Graeme Revell, which is also notable in its genre for its themes and concentration on doing more than making noise. Be warned: those who do not tolerate profanity, violence, and general disregard for morals (these are hit men, after all) should not view. If you do not fall into that category, and like a bit of ultra-violence brimming with wit and style, there is a very good chance you will like this movie, and almost NO chance that you will regret seeing it. Or like I said, it might have just been a fluke in my tastes...
Rating: 
Summary: Total Crap
Review: This movie is total garbage. My friend brought it by and we watched it and it was so bad I had to come on here and write a review. The acting is crap, the storyline sucks, it is an attempt to make a "cool, hip" hollywood movie that failed miserably. The writing and dialouge are terrible, this movie doesn't even deserve 1 star. Total B movie crap.
Rating:
Summary: An Fun Over the Top Actioner.
Review: A Sweet Hearted Hit-Man (Mark Wahlberg), who just wants to be a Ordinary Person but When His Double Crossing (Played by Lou Diamond Phillips Way Over the Top Here) kidnapped a Attractive Rich Asian Young Woman (China Chow) with the Help of Two Another Assassins (Bokeem Woodbine, Antonio Sabato Jr.) but as it`s turns out to be Thier Boss Goddaughther (Avery Brooks). Directed by Che-Kirk Wong is acutally Surprisngly Well Made and it`s also Executive Produced by John Woo. Written by Ben Ramsey brings a Stylish High-Energy Action Film with Offbeat Comedy. This was an Modest Success in Theater but Gained a Cult Following in Video. This is a Outrageous Film to be Sure but for Die-Hard Fans of Action Films, will have one Hell of a Time with This Movie. Grade:B+.
Rating:
Summary: The Big Hit...Hits Its Mark!
Review: The Big Hit sets out to be an "In Your Face" action-comedy, ultra violent gangster movie and it delivers. Can't be compared to Pulp Fiction or Goodfellas, but on its own, it is an entertaining film because all the characters and some of the situation devices are treated as a cartoon rather than a serious gangster flick. Mark Wahlberg, a mild mannered hitman, situated in middle suburbia, is forced to do a side job (a kidnapping)to make some quick cash to support a girlfriend and a fiance. The kidnapping job goes all wrong, and that's when the absurdity of the movie goes into full gear and some hilarious slapstick action occurs. Lou Diamond Phillips shows off some comedic chops as the double crossing hit squad member and is one of the funniest characters in the movie. Also, some funny moments with Lainie Kazan, Elliott Gould and Avery Brooks. Mark Wahlberg's mild mannered hit man is a surprise and has some nice moments with the kidnap victim (China Chow). Overall, a very entertaining film which should have been longer than 90 minutes. Also, the DVD has pretty good extras like Director/Producer commentary and deleted scenes.
Rating:
Summary: Total Crap
Review: This movie is total garbage. My friend brought it by and we watched it and it was so bad I had to come on here and write a review. The acting is crap, the storyline sucks, it is an attempt to make a "cool, hip" hollywood movie that failed miserably. The writing and dialouge are terrible, this movie doesn't even deserve 1 star. Total B movie crap.
Rating:
Summary: Silly, but undeniably fun.
Review: I remember first seeing the previews for The Big Hit and thinking to myself, "this is going to be one terrible film." Then I actually rented it, and found myself enjoying the movie immensely. Oh, it's one silly action film, but it's fun usually for all the right reasons, so that's why I'm recommending it. And this says a lot, believe me, because I find 3/4's of the movie's cast utterly revolting (Antonio Sabato, Jr., Christina Applegate, Bokeem Woodbine, Lela Rochon, and Elliot Gould all in the same movie, and I still somehow enjoyed it). Mark Wahlberg stars as Melvin Smiley, a hitman with a heart of gold, sort of. Outside of his dubious career, he's a relatively nice guy with an airhead fiancee (Applegate). Anyway, his hitman buddies, specifically Cisco (Lou Diamond Phillips), devise a plan to kidnap Keiko Nishi (China Chow), the daughter of a super-rich Japanese businessman, not knowing the man has just went bankrupt (shown in a hilarious scene). Anyway, they have to store Keiko at Melvin's house, and he's forgotten that his fiancee and her parents are visiting for the weekend. To make matters worse, Keiko is the goddaughter of the hitmen's boss, Paris (Avery Brooks), who's looking to crack down on the guys who kidnapped her. The Big Hit desires to work as an action and comedy, and succeeds quite well at both. The shootouts are pure Hong Kong-style (no surprise, it's directed by Kirk Wong), outrageous but cool to watch. The fight scenes are kinetic and well-choreographed, with the performers displaying some nice, agile moves without really going into all-out martial arts (by this, I'm referring to the final fight in the video store). None of the action is superspectacular or completely memorable, but it's all exciting and lots of fun, which is what it should be. Director Kirk Wong also shows a capbable hand at humor. For once, the majority of the film's jokes actually work. Even a long-running gag involving Melvin and his overdue rental of King Kong Lives pays off in the end. A lot of people are going to find this humor stupid, but for me, it was stupid and funny. Some of these jokes probably wouldn't naturally be funny, but the cast (particularly Lou Diamond Phillips) pulls them off with a great sense of comic timing. Hell, I even laughed during that obvious "tracebuster" joke. As I said before, most of the cast members are those I generally try to avoid when I watch movies and they're terrible here, but they're offset by the film's leads, thankfully. Mark Wahlberg is not a great actor by any stretch of the imagination, but he's likeable and perfect for this part. The lovely China Chow is a spirited foil for Wahlberg, she's smart, funny, and sassy, and also the film's most genuinely likeable character. Naturally, the film progresses by developing some romantic chemistry between her and Wahlberg, and to my surprise, those scenes actually work. Stealing virtually the whole film is Lou Diamond Phillips (who I've always liked), who's hilarious as the two-timing hitman Cisco. Off the top of my head, I believe this is his only comic performance to date, and he's so good at it, I wish he'd delve into the genre more often. The always solid Avery Brooks has a few throwaway scenes, but it's always nice to see him in a role outside of Deep Space Nine. All in all, The Big Hit was a good time, never truly excellent as an action/comedy (it needs more even plotting and less superfluous characters) but just enjoyable enough, and that was good enough for me.
Rating:
Summary: in da house
Review: this movie kicked. it was pure fun baby. it's about 4 hit men who kidnap a daughter of a wealthy movie actor and then later find out that they kidnapped their boss's goddaughter. the 4 are really excellent, Mark Wahlberg(whos really sensitive at times in this movie and really fun) Bookem Woodbine( who really loves the porn) Antonion Sabato Jr( who doesnt have much screen time but his screen time pays off well) and Low Diamond Phillips( who's the stand out in this movie, very funny, very energetic and has some of the best moments in this place).Robin Dunne has a amusing part as the kid Gump. Christian Applegate is very, very delicious and tasty, I wanna eat her with a spoon if I had one. this one's over the hizay
Rating: 
Summary: The Big Hit is a Big Miss!
Review: Director Kirk Wong and a handful of well-known producers had the seemingly brilliant idea to parody the recently-imported style of Hong Kong action cinema. Unfortunately, thanks to some very lackluster writing, it all falls flat. Mark Wahlberg is a kind-hearted hitman who agrees to take on a kidnapping scheme, forced upon him by his "buddy" (Lou Diamond Philips in one of the film's only memorable roles). And he could use the money as his Jewish princess girlfriend, played obnoxiously by Christina Applegate, and his woman on the side (Lela Rechon) are really sucking him dry. After his crew takes a young co-ed hostage, they are shocked to discover that she is actualy the Goddaughter of their short-tempered employer. This film is so full of stupid cliches that I found myself repulsed by it before it even got rolling. We've got the afore-mentioned Jewish brat whose moronic parents don't help matters. We've got the never-enjoyable white guy who wants to be a rapper (ala Seth Green in "Can't Hardly Wait"). And then we have a favorite of mine, Bokeem Woodbine as a black guy who has stopped having sex because he has discovered the wonders of self-pleasure. Lou Diamond Philips as the backstabbing goon is the only real prize to be found here. "The Big Hit" does a decent job of being an action movie with its outrageous car chases and non-stop gun fights but the comedy elements play so poorly, you'd swear you were watching a movie written by the writers of "Keenan & Kel". The movie seems to have gone the comedy route simply to display some ridicilously-chereographed stunts that would never work in a film that played itself seriously. In all honesty, they still don't work. Where else would you see a guy waiting in front of a video store get rear-ended off a massive cliff? And the gags seem to get beaten to death. We get non-stopping helpings of a video store clerk trying to get Wahlberg to return a movie and scenes that point out to us that Woodbine's character likes to masturbate. How funny! "The Big Hit" could have worked. The premise seemed promising, the cast is excellent, but the writing was terrible. Where the action half of the movie was very creatively put together, the comedy is just autrocious. There are holes in the plot big enough to hold the Titanic. Uh, what could have been.
|
