Reel critics
Van Novack
If “Big Trouble” had been released last fall as originally scheduled,
it most likely would have slipped into theaters largely unnoticed before
being shipped off to the video stores in a few weeks.
However, “Big Trouble” received some free publicity as it features the
unlikely topics of black market nuclear weapons and airplane hijackings
in a screwball comedy. It was wisely pulled from the autumn release
schedule and instead opened in theaters April 5.
That hijackings or illegal arms could have been considered funny in
any context is a vivid reminder of just how much innocence has been lost
since the Sept. 11 attacks. Even under the best of circumstances, such
horrific acts are still questionable subjects for a comedy. Given the
current political climate, these plot elements are more disturbing than
comical.
“Big Trouble” is not totally without merit. The cast is an impressive
gathering of talent including Tim Allen, Rene Russo, Dennis Farina,
Janeane Garofalo, Stanley Tucci and Omar Epps. Most of them put in
creditable performances, although not much effort is required for what
are largely paper-thin stereotypical roles.
The plot is so unnecessarily complex it is nearly impossible to
synthesize. In addition to the aforementioned hijacking and arms trade,
plot elements include a frog that sprays hallucinogenic fluid,
crotch-sniffing dogs, mob assassins, drunken security guards, runaway
goats and a strange obsession with Martha Stewart and Geo automobiles.
There are some laugh-out-loud moments, but ultimately they are too far
and few between. “Big Trouble” always seems to be trying a bit too hard
and makes up for lack of true comic moments by keeping up a frantic pace.
* VAN NOVACK, 48, is the director of institutional research at Cal
State Long Beach.
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