Bad, Bad Men

This is, by far, my favorite film from the Brad Ellis-Allen C. Gardner canons, more so than Cold Feet, which I really enjoyed. The model, here, for me -- since it's standard critic operating procedure to compare one film or filmmaker to another to get others to stream -- is the works of Sean Anders.

Anders is the king of the absurdities. From She's Out of My League to We're the Millers to the Daddy's Home franchise, Anders hasn't disappointed me, yet, not since I first discovered his works -- via the public library, of all places -- with his 2005 debut, Never Been Thawed: a upside down, crazy-ass film about collectors of urine (really), frozen TV dinners, and Christian musicians.

That same WTF-will-happen-next mentality rules with Bad, Bad, Men in a cast lead by Allen C. Gardner, as well as one of my new, favorite indie actors, Drew Smith (he kills here, as he did in Gardner's Being Awesome). Together, they go after a smarmy bully to put him in his place. Simple, right? Nope, before you know it, everything goes horribly (with comedy) off the rails, leading to the theft of their buddy's kids' college fund, a kidnapping, and a showdown with a lone shark (a shortly seen but very effective -- and familiar -- Richard Speight, Jr. From the WB's Supernatural).

If you appreciate indie films, or want to reminisce those indie '90s when you drove 15 miles to an out-of-the-way theater for your indie flick fix, then you'll enjoy Bad, Bad Men.

Josh is a likable but goofy nice guy real estate agent. Used to turning the other cheek and avoiding conflict. While ordering a coffee Josh is un decisive and attempting to flirt with the barista, when a grown up "high school" bully heckles him in front of a huge crowd of customers. After hyping himself up, Josh fails to properly respond to the bully. So he does what anyone at the end of their rope would do, he gets a couple friends and tracks the bully down. What follows is a series of bad choices, misconceptions, and comedic hijinks.

The movie pokes fun at the characters and situation while showcasing toxic masculinity- which makes it very timely. This is an entertaining comedy, that does not take itself seriously. Watch it if you are looking for a fun and sometimes goofy indie. The production value is good and the cast remind me of people I know (for better and worse).

Allen Gardner proved me wrong on a long winning streak I've enjoyed.... that being, no indie film I've ever seen was worth a darn when the filmmaker also stars in the film. Well he did and then some then! This was such a fun film. Comedy is a tough genre for indie films because a studio comedy film will always have name actors. This film has solid acting to go with a solid script! Gardner does a great job as Director in telling the story and keeping things moving at a good pace. So, for me.... clearly this one gets a thumbs up!

Did Bad, Bad Men predict the #metoo movement? It did certainly open up the conversation around the Toxic Masculinity and treats it as a problem. This film offers a humorous look at this often overlook subject. Director Allen Gardner is able to properly showcase this issue and executes it in a beautiful creative way. This film is full of great funny moments thanks to the great chemistry between all characters, allowing us to relate to the story and to delight us with great entertainment and laughs. This is a must see indie gem.

This is an offbeat indie comedy with colorful characters and nice production value. Worth watching!