Big Nothing

Every plan is perfect until it’s met by Flaw and Improvisation at the door. There are plenty of films about losers who try to get rich by breaking the law, sometimes even for a good cause, and this one stands out only in how quickly it piles on plot twists that prevent the viewer from thinking too deeply about the childishness of it all. Given the overall nature of the film, you can gradually guess whether the ending will lead to the hybrid saying, "He who laughs last, laughs green." (2024-09-19)

A perfect example that even a blend of comedy and thriller can make a great and entertaining film. The filmmakers went all out and had all the characters swimming in so much sh*t (meant literally) that maybe more could have been wrung out of it in the end, but it's still more than enough. Well, consider this, a simple plan to rob a horny reverend goes spectacularly wrong, the priest turns out to be a purveyor of the most hardcore porn, his wife is a murdering psychopath and so is her secret lover – now we are in for a really crazy and murderous story, and that’s the case. Big Nothing may never make it to the big leagues, its story is perhaps a little too contrived and rather shabby at times, and ultimately it doesn't bring much new to the table, but it's nonetheless a royally funny, reasonably morbid, and beautifully fluid film with an excellent cast. If I wanted to look for flaws, I'm sure I'd find plenty, but this comedy just doesn't deserve it. (2012-08-16)

A pitch-black murderous comedy, and the first film in which David Schwimmer plays a positive character without getting on my nerves. My favorite Simon Pegg set the course of the film with two sentences: "I have a plan" and "It's a non-violent enterprise, no harm done whatsoever." What follows is a series of unfortunate and tragic events, which are perfectly underscored by Charlie’s hopelessly innocent look. Thanks to a single wrong decision, he finds himself caught up in the train of events. I like black humor and even the ending was to my liking. I would rate this film four stars, but I give it five for the bonuses: Alice Eve, lollipop murder, Engel and Mimi Rogers with Pink Floyd. (2016-12-20)

A funny fable made by a Frenchman in a slightly British style with an atypical cast. Half crime-drama, half comedy, with a hearty dose of black humour. Everybody betrays everybody, but in a very unstylish and looser way. It's probably clear to everyone that this act launched Alice Eve's career, but it may not be so incredibly clear that she's already here. A little more than her colleagues, after all. (2017-02-01)

A solid black-humor thriller. One of the most intricate and attractive scripts in this genre ever. Not only is the central trio entertaining in their own right, the excellent one-liners and unpredictable twists and turns appearing every five minutes are a delight, you are literally shocked and fascinated by the screenwriting pearls the director pulls out and I swallowed the film with a gulp. I have a soft spot for films like this. 90%. (2015-03-08)