Big Bully

Big Bully, released in 1996, is a comedy-drama that delves into the seemingly innocent yet troubling aspect of childhood bullying. An interesting and creative interplay, the movie dissects the long-term effects of bullying and how its specter continues to haunt the victims and perpetrators alike, albeit slightly dramatized and with a comic spin.

Talented comedian Rick Moranis portrays a character named David Leary. David is a sensitive, bookish child, who shifts to a new school in Minnesota, becoming an obvious target for the resident bully, Roscoe Bigger - 'Fang', played by the equally adept Tom Arnold. The bullying gets worse with days for David, pushing him into a corner of isolation and trauma.

Fast forward to a few decades later. David Leary, now a successful author but bearing the scars of his unpleasant childhood, returns to his old school in Minnesota, this time as a creative writing teacher. This return to his past brings back haunting memories; its fair share of nostalgia is tinged with apprehension. This change is supposed to help David confront and overcome his residual fear and anxiety caused by the torment endured in his childhood, but an unexpected turn of events makes it far more complicated.

To David's dismay, his childhood nemesis, Roscoe, is back in town. Despite the years and grown-up responsibilities, Roscoe seems to be trapped in his childhood personality of a bully. It becomes a unique scenario where the past encounters the present, sparking off a chain of comic yet poignant events. However, Roscoe is now the town carpenter who, contrary to David's expectations, is initially oblivious to their shared past.

The casting of Rick Moranis and Tom Arnold brings a comfortable comedic feel to the film, lending both light-heartedness and depth to their characters. Moranis' performance as the stuttery, anxiety-ridden, yet determined David, contrasts effectively with Arnold's robust, bellicose and ultimately pitiful adaptation of Roscoe.

The film also stars Julianne Phillips as Victoria, David's love interest from their shared school days. Victoria is David's high school sweetheart who brings a romantic subplot to the storyline. She and David reconnect after all these years, furthering the feeling of nostalgia. Phillips' performance adds a touch of love and hope to the otherwise tumultuous storyline.

Big Bully employs an intra-textual narrative blending childhood bullying, adult confrontations, and unexpected friendship in an interesting panorama of retrospect. Its take on bullying is unflinching, and even though it brings out the humour in the grim situation, it never trivialises the issue.

Bonus points to director Steve Miner, who is known for his work in family and comedy movies, for transforming a complicated, relatable topic like childhood bullying into a light, enjoyable watch without compromising its graveness. Throughout the film, Miner balances humor with some darker, more serious themes that give Big Bully a unique voice. The film is not just limited to a tale of revenge. It also evaluates the dynamics of bully and victim relationship in a different light.

The movie's strength lies in the performances of its lead actors and well-thought-out comedic moments. The capturing of a retro feeling of the past and its comparison with present scenarios make it an enjoyable nostalgic watch. Big Bully is an underrated 90s movie overlooked by many but appreciated by those who watch it for its unique interweaving of humor and serious social issues.