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!

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.

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

So Bad, Bad Men is a really funny movie. Being that this was made sometime before this current climate of the various #metoo movements, BRAVO to this filmmaker and cast for being ahead of the times and being able to properly showcase the difference between men who invoke "toxic masculinity" and men who don't quite have that same bravado. I thoroughly enjoyed the subtle handed comedy infused throughout this gem. There are some genuinely hilarious performances that I hope bring some attention to this film and these guys, because I'd love to see more of them (characters: Josh, Royce & Steven). Without giving too much away, if you liked Horrible Bosses or even 9 to 5, you will love this!! I did! Highly recommend if you're ready for a good time!!