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"The Big Hit" is another film following in the new "hitman comedy" genre of "Grosse Pointe Blank". Although "Hit" is not nearly as smart or funny as "Grosse Pointe", the two films differ highly. It was in the dialogue that "Grosse Pointe" shined. It's the action where "The Big Hit" really works well. The story focuses on a group of hitmen who botch a kidnapping(they kidnap their own boss's goddaughter, woops.) The leader of this group is Mel Smiley(played by "Boogie Nights" Mark Wahlberg, in his first action role), a guy who wants everyone to like him no matter what. And, because of that, everyone walks all over him. His friends, his girlfriend(s), everyone. But when the kidnapping job goes wrong, everyone's not walking all over him anymore, they're after him.
"The Big Hit" works because, even though most of it is silly, the actors give their best towards the picture. The action scenes are well planned out and shot(especially the first "hit") and some of the dialogue and scenes brought out a few chuckles.
In terms of Transfer quality, "The Big Hit" is outstanding. Colors are vibrant and pop off the screen; detail is great and there were no artifacts that I saw. The most interesting thing to me is this: why do forests always look so good on DVD? It happened in "Fallen" and it happens at the end of this film. For some reason, DVD is able to bring out a forest's details better than anything. Or maybe I'm just weird. Either way, a great transfer in a long line of great Col/Tri transfers.
Sound is also really, really strong. Since I have the Panasonic A110 and usually watch my films alone, I use Koss high-quality digital headphones. (Plus, I'm a college kid. I can't really afford a home theater surround system.) The headphones have never gotten that much of a workout and I doubt they will again soon. "The Big Hit" is an agressive sound mix with gunfire coming from every side with a few good explosions and music filled with bass added in along the way. It's always good when someone asks why the headphones are about to vibrate right off the side of your head .
Extras:
"The Big Hit" has a few great extras:
* Commentary from the director and producer
* Additional commentary track from the screenwriter
* Three deleted scenes
* Theatrical trailer
* Animated menus and scene access
Running Time:91m
Rated:R
Region:1
Languages and Subtitles: English And French
Film Grade:C
Transfer Grade: A-
Audio Grade: A
Extras Grade:A
Menu Grade:B+
Overall Package:B(the film is only so-so)
