Based on Dave Barry's novel, "Big Trouble," star Tim Allen (television's "Home Improvement") as a former Pulitzer Prize winning reporter on the Miami Herald (where Barry has been a reporter for years) who has seen his luck run dry. Now working for an advertising firm, Elliot Arnold (Allen) is having father-son problems with his offspring, Matt, (Ben Foster of "Get Over It"), is single, and having problems producing a successful advertising campaign.
Just like an old Marx Brothers film, the plot is there only to set in motion the quick-witted dialogue and interaction between the characters. I have enjoyed both of Dave Barry's humor novels(this and "Tricky Business"). They made me laugh out loud as did this movie. I think it captures the spirit of the book perfectly. For those that have laughed at Dennis Farina from his roles in "Get Shorty and even "Snatch," he has never been funnier as a hit man who encounters unexpected roadblocks (literally) on his trip to do a quick sniper job. Tom Sizemore is also excellent as the dumbest crook you'll ever see. Sonnenfeld's touch and a good soundtrack contribute to this madcap misadventure where a hallucinogenic toad, a sub-compact car, and a 'garbage disposal' bomb make for an outrageous race to save a corporate embezzler's step-daughter. I find the film funny without being too silly (a common complaint for other Hollywood parodies) and although not a classic but an entertaining show.
Overall rating: 7 out of 10.
Just like an old Marx Brothers film, the plot is there only to set in motion the quick-witted dialogue and interaction between the characters. I have enjoyed both of Dave Barry's humor novels(this and "Tricky Business"). They made me laugh out loud as did this movie. I think it captures the spirit of the book perfectly. For those that have laughed at Dennis Farina from his roles in "Get Shorty and even "Snatch," he has never been funnier as a hit man who encounters unexpected roadblocks (literally) on his trip to do a quick sniper job. Tom Sizemore is also excellent as the dumbest crook you'll ever see. Sonnenfeld's touch and a good soundtrack contribute to this madcap misadventure where a hallucinogenic toad, a sub-compact car, and a 'garbage disposal' bomb make for an outrageous race to save a corporate embezzler's step-daughter. I find the film funny without being too silly (a common complaint for other Hollywood parodies) and although not a classic but an entertaining show.
Overall rating: 7 out of 10.