Bad, Bad Men

So many comedies nowadays are simply vacuous, its refreshing to see one that, whilst doing all the things you want from a laugh out loud goofy comedy, also has something to say about the ridiculousness of masculinity in the modern world. Great pogniont entertainment!

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!

Bad, Bad Men is very contemporary in its subject of exposing toxic masculinity. The film takes a comedic look at what happens if the goofy guy next door decides to fight the alpha male, an old high school bully. (Now still bully but all grown-up.) It's hilarious. I was laughing out loud.

The acting, directing and script writing is solid. All in all a real indie gem!

I really liked Bad, Bad Men. The writing was as unique as it was genuinely funny. And between laughs there was a (somewhat) subtle poignancy about "bro culture." Tonally, Bad, Bad Men doesn't take itself too seriously, which is almost indicative of the dangers of "toxic male culture." These guys are flippant--about women, children, their jobs, the future, and each other. Its almost as if the film was satirically produced by a shallow man who wants to tell the story about how shallow men behave in the world. What makes it work is how self-aware it is.

It also works as a lighthearted male-centric comedy that felt close to films like "Extract" or "Hall Pass." There were so many great moments (and lines) that had me in stitches. One scene that I thought nailed it involved a father entering his home to take money out of his children's "dream fund" to use as a last resort for a ransom exchange. He encounters every member of his family tenderly reminding him about how sweet, innocent, and full of hope they are. The writing and performance of that moment was perfect.

If you're in the mood to laugh at "boys being boys" in a way that highlights just how awful boys (and people in general) can be, don't miss this one.

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).