Big Stan, Arrebentando na Prisão

Considering he's done The Animal and Deuce Bigalow 1 and 2, I wasn't expecting much from Schneider's Big Stan, especially since this is his directorial debut. I did not know much going into the theatre, except what I saw in the trailer.

Much to my surprise this turned out to be an OK waste of time, but nothing more. It's just another prison comedy, with a small twist. The incarcerated main character has 6 months to prepare for "doin' time".

It's nice to see Carradine pop up here and there parodying his other kung fu related works, and this time sending an anti-smoking message while consuming a life time supply of cigarettes. All through the movie I kept trying to remember where do I know the actress that plays Rob's wife from. Then it hit me. None other than Jennifer Morrison of House M.D.. She looked hot in this movie, but I feel she should make better choices in the future.

All in all a decent comedy, a better than expected, but shaky, direction from Schneider. This should be perfect for a weekend afternoon once it comes out on DVD.

Kung fu comedy with Schneider and Carradine - a cool mix of prison films and all in all just goofy in places this is a fun film to kick back to.

Full of the sort of humor that Sneider fans will know and love from his other movies, Gigolo and the Animal, this is fast, furious, and fun.

What is surprising is how good a kung fu pastiche this is - the finding of the Master, the training, the fight sequences are really pretty good kung fu slapstick, we may not be talking Drunken Master here but it certainly isn't pathetic.

All in all an underrated and entertaining film - with lots of dumb prison jokes, some smart ideas, and Schneider doing his usual comedy with flair.

I find the general lack of interest towards this comedy rather disturbing. This message coming all the way from Europe, Bulgaria. The movie is playing in theaters as of this week, and to be honest it is just as hilarious and similarly spirited to other Schneider flicks. I went to see this expecting a few good laughs and that's what you get. The funny moments generally arise from comical situations and actions which lead to a rather expected outcome each time. It is not a sophisticated film, it has no real depth, it is just a feel good, unrealistic comedy, which makes you all warm inside. I apologize for the chaotic and short review, it's just that I find it hard to organize my thoughts in order give this film an adequate presentation. 7 out of 10, doesn't stray too far from all the other Schneider movies, if you've loved his previous work, you'll also enjoy seeing this.

The fraudulent real state agent Stan (Rob Schneider) is married with his beloved Mindy (Jennifer Morrison) and has a seven million dollar fortune. When he is arrested for fraud, he is sentenced to three years in prison and his assets are frozen by the justice. However, his crooked lawyer Lew Popper (M. Emmet Walsh) negotiates a six month freedom, and the weak Stan, who is afraid of being raped in prison, hires the specialist in martial arts The Master (David Carradine) to teach him self-defense. Six months later, Big Stan is sent to the Oaksburgh State Penitentiary totally confident in his expertise in martial arts. He challenges the violent leaders of the gangs and defeats them, being respected by the inmates and bringing peace in the patio. However, the dirty Warden Gasque (Scott Wilson) has the intention of transforming the penitentiary in a luxury resort, and uses Big Stan knowledge to improve his project, promising to release him sooner using the corrupt penal system.

I have been a big fan of Rob Schneider since "Men Behaving Badly" and I am never disappointed with his funny movies. "Big Stan" is no exception, and this tribute to "Prison Break" and "Kung Fu" is another hilarious entertainment of this great comedian. I laughed a lot with his jokes and situations and I really recommend this comedy for those days that the viewer is down or worried with something to relax and relief the tension, or seeking an amusing and light entertainment. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Big Stan – Arrebentando na Prisão" ("Big Stan – Blowing Away in the Prison")

If you don't like any of his previous movies, big chance is that you won't like this one. If you do enjoyed his movies than this one will be even more enjoyable. It seems that Rob Schneider has matured. He tackles serious subjects (prison system) in a fun way. Some of the jokes have been done to death and can be tiresome. But because of Schneider's performance they still are acceptable. Of course you don't have to expect this movie to have any social or political impact. I just want to mention that it is big step up for Schneider in comparison to "The Animal" or "Deuce Bigalow". David Carradine clearly has gotten very old but still can deliver. Especially in this movie. Since he is parodying himself. He is making fun of the character he played in "Kung Fu" but at the same time embracing and honouring the role that brought him fame. Worth watching!