Customer Reviews

Big Nothing (Region 2 PAL British import)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

This is one of the more enjoyable "bumbling amateur criminals" movies that I've seen.

It's a UK/Canadian production but it's set in the U.S. and it stars David Schwimmer in my favorite movie role of his to date. His lugubrious manner is perfectly complimented by bouncy, James-Cagney-like Simon Pegg, a British comedian donning a perfect American accent. Their screen chemistry is wonderful.

Joining them is another Brit with another perfect American accent plus tremendous sex appeal, Alice Eve, playing a third kooky wheel in this unlikely team of extortionists. I gotta say: the acting by everyone (Brit, American, and Canadian) is top-notch.

The script by Frenchman Jean-Baptiste Andrea and American Billy Asher tries to avoid cliches -- or at least improve on them -- and Andrea's direction gives the film a slightly surreal touch altho the film retains a down-to-earth quality.

That surreal touch plus its dark quality may limit this film's appeal, but those who like terrific acting and fast-paced fun may revel in that appeal.

(To people who have already seen the film: there's a difference of opinion here and at the Amazon UK site about Simon Pegg's accent. I think that those who are familiar with Simon Pegg will be influenced by that familiarity and find his accent strange -- while those of us who aren't familiar with him will find his accent perfect, albeit energetic, Midwestern. Can you click on the "comments" link below my review and reveal (1) if you were familiar with Pegg before this movie and (2) how succcessful you thought his accent was? Thanks.)

I loved this film. The first "gothic comedy", I would say! It's very funny, yet surprisingly dark. So you'll go from laughing your head off to jumping in your seat thinking "WTF"? A very original movie based on a classic premise. Pegg rocks, as usual, I'm a huge Spaced fan and wasn't disappointed! Definitely a geeky yet intelligent movie, worth watching a few times. Laughs and shocks guaranteed in equal measure. Awesome soundtrack too, are they going to release it?

Just a joy for me to watch! I haven't ever been let down yet by Simon Pegg (the guy from Shawn of the Dead) and his wit plays off of Schwimmer's drollitivity(?) perfectly. The chick is dynamite and she mentally kicks the crap out of the two men who are smart enough to acknowledge it with just the right amount of self deprecation. The plot constantly twists and turns and the comedy is all black. That's key for me. Give me laughs couched in morally questionable (or directly sinful) situations and I'm happy as a clam.

This movie is by far on of my favorite movies! I recomend this movie to anyone! buy this movie!!!

I've seen this movie 2 times and now own it.

If you like the idea of Simon Pegg and David Schwimmer acting out a dark comedy, you'll probably enjoy this movie.

Part of why I bought the movie was the presence of 2 Local H tracks on the soundtrack. Local H is one of the best 2-man bands to come out of the past 2 decades.

Big Nothing is actually a pleasant surprise to me personally.

I thought it was going to be a really average movie considering who was starring in it. Turns out, not only is the movie interesting, I might even go out on a limb and say it's a classic in some kind of weird way!

The MANY plot twists, the comedy and drama segments combined *perfectly* to keep your attention, and just *every single line* that's delivered by the characters... wow what a film! I'm seriously quite shocked just how good it was. I never would have expected a quality film of this level.

Anyway, the story is about two guys and a woman who come up with this complex plan to take someones money over a pay phone... but many MANY things go wrong along the way, including some murders and trying to cover their tracks and explain themselves to the police, and it's just incredible how exciting the storyline is. I'm by no means a fan of that guy from the hit TV show Friends, but something about his performance here... he totally nails it.

This is the kind of movie I'd like to watch again to catch all the little jokes I may have missed, along with trying to figure out exactly what was going on the entire time (because let's be honest, with so many things happening at once, it's real easy for your mind to get a little bit confused at times!)

And WOW is Alice Eve a hot actress! Watching her in this movie in that "bad girl" role, she was incredibly attractive to me, and fit the part perfectly. Great movie.

Recommended by one of my Ammie buddies (Thanks FM!), this film is one bloody crazy ride! This film starts out funny and never lets up. It reminded me of 'Blood Simple', but it stands on its own as a solid dramedy. Simon Pegg has delivered more good comedies in the last few years than many A list comedians. This one should not be missed! The DVD has an excellent transfer and there are some interesting extras.

Simon Pegg is wacky-funny as usual. Natascha McElhone is very good as Schwimmer's wife. Schwimmer plays himself in his only known screen persona. Stealing all of her scenes as Schwimmer and McElhone's daughter is Olivia Peterson in her screen debut. She is bright, beautiful and perfect. Her performance alone is reason enough to get this DVD.

David Schwimmer plays Charlie, an ex-teacher turned reluctant call centre employee who gets fired on his first day after muttering obscenities to a caller that he thought was on hold. Distressed and unable to provide for his family, he agrees to accompany Gus (whom he befriends on his one day of call centre work), played by Simon Pegg, on a scheme that is sure to yield big bucks: blackmail a reverend who has frequently turned up in a listing of visitors to child-porn websites. Along with Gus' ex, the plan moves into motion. But all goes awry when the trio inadvertently murder the reverend in his own house.

What follows is one of the most bizarre movies that I've seen in quite some time. It's at times side-splittingly funny, and others gruesomely gory. Somewhat in the vein of an American-styling of Pegg's other project, Shaun of the Dead, this thriller-comedy lives up to its billing. I laughed hysterically, and nearly soiled myself from surprise. The story is anything but conventional, with so many twists and turns that I hadn't a clue how it would all play out in the end. Main characters are killed, while others kill themselves. Whether the gang succeeds in the end remains to be seen, and I'll leave it for you to decide if they did or not.

The film is carried by the charm of its two stars. Schwimmer and Pegg make a good duo, with Schwimmer being the straight-laced emotional centre, as Pegg provides the high-strung hijinks and hilarity. Alliteration aside, their dichotomy allows for the right amount of interesting interaction to carry the movie along towards the insanity that goes down at the reverend's house and beyond. Once the plan goes wrong, the viewer can just sit back and revel in the chaos.

I'll admit that this one won't appeal to most, but for the people who get it will be pleasantly surprised. Fans of Schwimmer, Pegg, and comedic-thrillers can't go wrong with The Big Nothing.

THIS IS ANOTHER SIMON PEGG VEHICLE, BUT THIS HAS AS MUCH TO DO WITH DAVID SCHWIMMER THAN ANYONE ELSE.THIS WAS AN EXCELLENT MOVIE, TWISTS, LAUGHS AND GORE...PERFECT.
DAVID SCHWIMMER WAS AS BRILLIANT AS MR. PEGG.
SEE THIS MOVIE!!!!!!!!!!!