The Big Hit

The Big Hit is an exhilarating action-comedy film directed by Kirk Wong and produced by John Woo. Initially released in 1998, this captivating movie sets an energetic rhythm packed with thrilling chase sequences, witty exchanges, and unforgettable characters. A classic example of late 90s cinema, it brings together renowned actors such as Mark Wahlberg, Lou Diamond Phillips, and Christina Applegate, ensuring a captivating watch filled with outstanding performances.

The plot orbits around Melvin Smiley, performed by Mark Wahlberg, who is a hitman for a Mafia syndicate but is far from your stereotypical cold-blooded killer. Melvin is a jittery, endearing character who, in a fascinating contradiction, struggles over typical daily-life crises while maintaining his professional life as an expert assassin. Despite his professional brilliance, his personal life is a trainwreck. He's under constant stress due to his demanding fiance, Pam, masterfully brought to life by Christina Applegate and her materialistic parents who think he's a failing movie executive, and his financially draining girlfriend, Chantel.

The plot thickens when Melvin and his crew comprising Crunch, played by Bokeem Woodbine, Gump, portrayed by Robin Dunne, and Cisco, enacted by Lou Diamond Phillips, kidnap Keiko Nishi, a wealthy Japanese businessman's daughter. They anticipate a smooth job, believing that the businessman would pay the ransom swiftly. However, the plot takes an unexpected turn when the businessman declares bankruptcy, leaving the team of misfit criminals with an unwanted hostage.

This predicament propels the rest of the movie's narrative, with a rollercoaster of events ensuring there is never a dull moment and imbuing the film with a sense of urgency and dynamism. Melvin, while trying to maintain his ‘normal’ life in front of his unsuspecting girlfriend and her family, also has to handle the kidnapping debacle. The storyline is beautifully peppered with tense action sequences juxtaposed with comedic moments, creating a perfect fusion of an action-comedy.

While most of the narrative unfolds from Melvin's perspective, the supporting characters significantly contribute to the film's overall effect. The relationship between the members of the hitman crew, especially Melvin and Cisco's connection, makes for an intriguing subplot that adds depth and dimension to the film.

Lou Diamond Phillips as Cisco is a standout in his portrayal of the competitive and conniving gang member, while Christina Applegate excels in her performance as the comedically clueless fiancé Pam, making the characters memorable with strong performances. The ensemble cast, which features Avery Brooks as the team's hard-as-nails boss Paris, Lainie Kazan as Pam's demanding and money-minded mother, and Elliott Gould as the bumbling father, further add to this film's captivating appeal.

The Big Hit leverages a fantastic balance between action and humor. Director Kirk Wong, with his background in Hong Kong action films, brings an exhilarating pacing to the action scenes. The movie is full of well-choreographed gunplay and stunts that would resonate with action genre enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the screenplay by Ben Ramsey infuses the right amount of humor to break the tension at just the right points, making for a seamless transition between intense action and lighthearted comedy.

For those who appreciate movies that combine adrenaline-pumping action sequences with well-timed comedic relief, The Big Hit is a treat to watch. It captures the essence of late 90s' cinema through its dialogue and mise-en-scène while offering a unique blend of action and comedy that keeps the audience entertained throughout. In terms of performance, Wahlberg shines in his role, demonstrating his willingness to step outside of his action hero persona and into a more nuanced character. This juxtaposition of intense action and light-hearted humor is what makes The Big Hit a memorable movie from the late 90s. The film is a testament to the talent and versatility of its ensemble cast and demonstrates the finesse of director Kirk Wong in juggling and integrating these contrasting elements into an engaging narrative.