Big Stan

Big Stan is a lively 2007 comedy action film that features the impressive star power of comic genius Rob Schneider, legendary actor David Carradine and renowned actress Sally Kirkland. These actors come together to create a hilariously edgy spectacle laced with martial arts and just a sprinkle of drama for a well-rounded experience.

The film is directed by Rob Schneider himself, and like most of his work, he tactically utilizes his comedic prowess to evoke hearty laughter while engaging the audience in a fascinating story.

Big Stan kicks off with Stanley M. "Stan" Cohen (portrayed by Rob Schneider), a suave, somewhat deceitful real estate conman with a lavish lifestyle that anyone would admire, one that he maintains by scamming naive families into purchasing low-value properties at exorbitant prices. His unorthodox business practices catch up to him, and Stan is prosecuted, convicted, and sentenced to three years in a high-security prison for fraud.

While the initial premise is a familiar tale of a hapless protagonist thrust into an unfamiliar, hostile world out of their control, Big Stan sets itself apart with its unexpected turns and Schneider's larger-than-life portrayal.

Schneider's performance is truly the lifeblood of this film. Stan, in his fear of becoming a victim in prison, employs the unconventional services of an enigmatic and wandering martial arts master known only as "The Master," fleshed out by none other than the late, great David Carradine. Weaving in touches of heart and tension in an otherwise frenzied vortex of laughs, Carradine’s "Master" guides Schneider's "Stan" on a journey of self-discovery and physical refinement.

Sally Kirkland portrays Stan's wife, Mindy, who is left to navigate the high society landscape alone while grappling with her mixed emotions about her husband’s reality. Kirkland masterfully heralds a sense of reality that grounds the film, her raw and sincere portrayal of a woman attempting to maintain her norm amidst the chaos is spectacular to watch.

The entire film is a vibrant cocktail of physical comedy, slapstick humor, and graceful martial arts. It blends these elements seamlessly, one moment having you in fits of laughter and the next leaving you in awe of impressively choreographed fight scenes. The humor is not restricted to visual or situational aspects; the script is filled with witty one-liners and delightful banter that make the characters more engaging and the tale more endearing.

As the story moves forward, Stan uses his new found martial arts skills and conflict resolution strategies to manage life in prison. His hilarious journey and interactions with a colorful ensemble of inmates, corrupt officials, and quirky side characters make for an entertaining romp. Amidst the laughter and merriment, Big Stan also manages to touch on themes of bullying, respect, camaraderie, and the clear distinction between vulnerability and weakness.

From beginning to end, Big Stan maintains the perfect pace - fast enough to keep the audience engaged but slow enough to enjoy the comedic timing and physical comedy gags. Notably, Schneider’s direction gives life and versatility to the story and characters, fluidly transitioning between comedic antics, moments of sentiment, and stylized elements of action.

The supporting cast is a cornucopia of talent, and they each inject their own brand of humor into the overall story. Their masterful delivery, timing, and expressiveness add layers of depth and flavor to an already delectable feast of comedy.

Even though Big Stan carries the unembellished slapstick comedy style of the early 2000s, it's a timeless piece of entertainment due to the consistent quality of humor it delivers, the colorful and compelling characters, and the originality of its storyline.

Overall, Big Stan embodies a successful attempt at relaying a tale of transformation and redemption through the engaging power of humor and well-crafted action sequences. It is a hilarious rollercoaster of a movie that cleverly mashes together elements of comedy, martial arts, and life lessons. Undoubtedly, Big Stan is a mood-lifter, a session of high hilarity that perpetrates laughter, fun and a great demonstration of comic craftsmanship.