The Big Ugly

Hard-Guy Vinney, soccer-player-turned-actor just about acquits himself here. The W. Virginia location looked good, as did the contributions of his screen-partners Ron Perlman, as aged London gang-leader, "Harris" , and Malcolm McDowell, red-neck oilman's-leader, "Preston". The clash of culture between limey metropolitan gangster and backwoods oil-man, with an unexpected ecological & ideological tinge was always going to be a pretty difficult one - as it proved. The real disappointment here was the Plot, which started OK enough, but really was grasping for straws a long time before the last reel of film.

The film had a good plot but was unfortunately butchered by the lack of character profiles and terrible script writing, the action scenes sucked, it was like the producer was a fan of sons of anarchy and snatch and thought " ooo that would be a good film!

First, the cast is good for a cheap action B movie. Vinnie, Ron and Malcolm do an acceptable job here. Second, the script itself it's simple but well executed. Last, Vinnie here looks more human than ever. Remembered me sometimes a cheap Clint Eastwood in Gran Torino. So, overall an acceptable B-action movie from the old Vinnie.

No character backgrounds confusing. Just really boring. Great cast of good actors but lacking any real purpose in the story. Just awful

The Big Ugly Micro Review -

First and most importantly Ron Perlman is absolutely fantastic. Vinnie Jones, Malcolm McDowell, and Bruce McGill are also all wonderful. Unfortunately, the film's positives end with its cast. The Big Ugly features a great setting with intriguing character relationships but fails to deliver on its promise of West Virginia Gangster Shakespeare.

The Big Ugly has numerous questionable production choices. Interior bar scenes are filmed against bright large front windows blowing out the shot. The editing is extremely overworked bouncing around the room without motivation other than to give the appearance that talking about events is fast paced. The action that is portrayed in this genre gangster film is generic and forgettable lacking any personality.

Perlman, Jones and McDowell elevate the quality of a film that would have been a complete disaster without their natural talent, charisma, and excitement. That's the disappointment aspect of The Big Ugly. The story idea is actually interesting with an upper class West Virgina Gangster family dispute. Unfortunately, the talent of the Big Ugly's actors are miles above the quality of the film.