Read DVD Reviews and Viewer Comments Here
1997 and '98 might someday be recognized as the
years Hong Kong came to Hollywood. Stars Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, Chow Yun
Fat, Jet Li, and Michelle Kwan all appeared in major Hollywood projects
and directors John Woo, Ronny Yu, and Tsui Hark directed Face/Off, Bride
of Chucky, and Knock Off, respectively. Another entry into this new era
of entertainment is The Big Hit, directed by Che-Kirk Wong (who also directed
Jackie Chan in Crime Story), executive produced by John Woo, and produced
by Wesley Snipes. Mark Walhberg leads this all-American cast in a played-for-laughs
macho blowout. Rounding out the testosterone brigade are Lou Diamond Phillips
(sprouting a gold capped tooth and a dirty mouth), Bokeem Woodbine (who,
according to this DVD's director audio track, wore extra socks where it
counts), Antonio Sabàto Jr., and Avery Brooks. Wahlberg plays Melvin
Smiley, a nice-guy hit man with an ulcer and a severe insecurity problem.
He's short on cash due to the spending habits of his unsuspecting fiancée
Pam (Christina Applegate) and his girlfriend-on-the-sly Chantel (Lela Rochon).
He and his crew decide to do a little freelancing and cook up their own
heist to make a little mo' money--specifically by kidnapping Keiko (China
Chow), the daughter of a Japanese businessman whom they target for ransom.
Little do they know her dad is broke and she's the goddaughter of their
boss. The Big Hit has action scenes aplenty (one of the stunt coordinators
worked on Woo's The Killer and Bullet in the Head) and the same cornball
sense of humor as other films in the Hong Kong action genre. Slick pacing
and over-the-top humor made this movie a miss with the critics but a fun
ride for fans of Hong Kong-styled action.
Dallas / Oxford
____
____
Our recommendations for the best CD's from the
best artists.
Whether you're thinking of exploring an unfamiliar style or already building
a focused collection, our Essentials pages can streamline your musical search.
From alternative music to zydeco, bebop to hip-hop, the Essentials will
lead you to the hundreds of artists and thousands of recordings that matter.