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.
82 Reviews
Whoever gave this a 10 out of 10 was as drunk as the script writer
alexweijers23 August 2020
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!
Vinnie Jones ! Why did you make this
perdyhorse17 October 2020
Low expectations and still disappointed
choueiri10125 June 2021
Please avoid this movie.
What on earth was with the director in having bright lights in the backdrop. Those scenes which were many were not good, it was annoying to the viewer and at times just make the scene dull.
The script was terrible and terribly predictable.
The only good thing was that 'most' of the actors acted out their poor roles well.
Please heed my words when I say avoid, I only say this to look out for your mental health.
What on earth was with the director in having bright lights in the backdrop. Those scenes which were many were not good, it was annoying to the viewer and at times just make the scene dull.
The script was terrible and terribly predictable.
The only good thing was that 'most' of the actors acted out their poor roles well.
Please heed my words when I say avoid, I only say this to look out for your mental health.
Old Vinnie
danielcereto6 August 2020
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.
Much better than I expected
prplbrpllyf27 July 2020
I was initially interested in this because of an article about it being filmed in the area of Morehead, KY. Malcolm McDowell's son was so bored spending time in Morehead that he requested to go home rather than spend another night walking around in the local Walmart. I don't blame him.
I started out watching out of morbid B movie curiosity, but eventually warmed up to the story. I've known guys like "Junior" IRL and in many movies. Immediately upon meeting Junior, I knew this movie version would probably be getting his comeuppance in the end. However, I didn't know how everyone else's story would play out. There were a lot of small stories being woven into the picture and those are what kept me around. I don't feel it was time wasted.
I think this is my first review. I only wrote it because I thought some of the others were much too harsh.
I started out watching out of morbid B movie curiosity, but eventually warmed up to the story. I've known guys like "Junior" IRL and in many movies. Immediately upon meeting Junior, I knew this movie version would probably be getting his comeuppance in the end. However, I didn't know how everyone else's story would play out. There were a lot of small stories being woven into the picture and those are what kept me around. I don't feel it was time wasted.
I think this is my first review. I only wrote it because I thought some of the others were much too harsh.
first gtave it 2, then reduced to 1 star
menschkinners3 October 2021
Hey, i'm sorry. I can't really think of anything in this flick to give it 2 stars. The description says something about an oil deal and mafia. The oil thing is completely irrelevant for the whole plot, so is the "mafia".
The story is not about oil and stuff, it's just about someone killing the wife of someone with no reason, and then some bartender rents someone her car for no reason, and the parents shot each other after 30 years of friendship for no reason and so on and on.
There is no character development, no angered Vinie Jones or anything. Just old guys running or driving through west virginia. Totaly boring.
The story is not about oil and stuff, it's just about someone killing the wife of someone with no reason, and then some bartender rents someone her car for no reason, and the parents shot each other after 30 years of friendship for no reason and so on and on.
There is no character development, no angered Vinie Jones or anything. Just old guys running or driving through west virginia. Totaly boring.
Another Vinnie Jones Classic
OzMovieWatcher29 July 2020
Any movie with Vinnie Jones it it, you know it's good. I love his natural gangster style appearance and demeanor in his movies. Given his reputation of "the toughest football player ever"... he is perfect in playing the villain.
Good to see legendary actor Malcolm McDowell still going strong. (Calligula, Clockwork Orange)
This movie is a bit of a change to other Vinnie Jones movies... here he plays an aging gangster with a compassionate heart. A very good performance.
This is not the best of this genre movie I have watched, but I do rank it up pretty high. I enjoyed it.
This movie is a bit of a change to other Vinnie Jones movies... here he plays an aging gangster with a compassionate heart. A very good performance.
This is not the best of this genre movie I have watched, but I do rank it up pretty high. I enjoyed it.
A lot of macho behavior, and a revenge story, could be worse.
deloudelouvain29 November 2020
The Big Ugly is a typical story you can expect with Vinnie Jones. Vinnie Jones was as a footballer (soccer player for the Americans) already one of the meanest player there could be and in his movie career he's just playing that same character over and over. I guess he has the face for it, but it would be nice to see him playing something different in the future. Vinnie Jones, Malcolm McDowell and Ron Perlman did a fairly good job playing their characters, the story on the other hand is one of those stories we've seen before, macho against macho seeking revenge. It's all déjà-vu but it's entertaining if you like that kind of stuff. Good enough to watch once.
do not watch
kevin_barry-2822028 November 2020
Good reviews
dgoa-9195427 October 2020
If you are having trouble sleeping, put this film on. If you don't have trouble sleeping this will send you to sleep anyway.
Ok to have on in background while on phone, in fact watch the trailer and that's the best bits.
Want to watch a classic gangster film, look elsewhere
dcdel-241509 October 2020
Where to start with this nonsense!
With real heavy weights like McDowell and Perlman, I thought we would have some substance, but it looks like a cheap payday was on offer.
Jones can't act, so when he appears as the main character, you know the film will struggle!.
I am two thirds finished, it's so poor I'm thinking of switching off!
I can't think of one positive from this film, cheap,nasty film, with no plaudits!.
Worst film I ve seen in the last decade
anne_hodgkins29 November 2020
Terrible. It's just awful. Embarrassing.
Dreadful pacing, terrible dialogue. Holier than Swiss cheese. The story line is so dull. It's not even so bad it's good.
One assumes Perlman, Jones and mcdowell are all short on funds
Dreadful pacing, terrible dialogue. Holier than Swiss cheese. The story line is so dull. It's not even so bad it's good.
One assumes Perlman, Jones and mcdowell are all short on funds
A bunch of cliches with a soul
hydralien-4023016 August 2021
In a way it's a lot of cliches put together, from pretty much all perspective - mobster honor, vengeance, American village folks and many other things. That said, it's kinds respects those cliches in their better light, and adds some soul to the story - probably vis the acting, because it's surprisingly good for all characters (save perhaps for the main evil one, that one could have been more convincing).
Overall it's a solid vengeance story, but it's more thoughtful than a multitude of "so now I'll just kill the lot of you" films on the subject, it's more subtle and thoughtful than that. It's no masterpiece, but it's worth watching.
Overall it's a solid vengeance story, but it's more thoughtful than a multitude of "so now I'll just kill the lot of you" films on the subject, it's more subtle and thoughtful than that. It's no masterpiece, but it's worth watching.
Very Disappointing !
khanguru24 July 2020
I must admit when i saw the casting i was expecting at least some great moments of acting between the Trio Mac Dowell, Pearlman and Jones and i'm sorry to say i didn't have that.... This movie is bad from the core : the script is poorly written, there's is no good dialogue so no good acting moment possible between protagonists. Lots of useless scenes. The editing is lazy. The music choice is lame most of the time (all the time!). I watched it to the end hoping for something good happen to save it a little bit but it didn't come.... Very disappointing and very Boring... i put 3 stars for the 3 stars in it....
Loses its way
wiredarp31 July 2020
I actually quite liked it in many ways. The acting is pretty good. Ron Perlman is always awesome, and Malcolm McDowell is also great in the part of the old governor past his prime.
Where it really works well is in their characters interaction towards the end. There's a real sense of people with their own honor and ties of friendship who are at odds suddenly. Honor, blind commitment, and ideals of justice are all tested.
The problem with the movie as a whole is the plot falls apart after the first half, especially in the last 20 minutes. There are quite a few earlier scenes where I had to suspend disbelief as to how people would act in those situations, but the ending is pretty much unbelievable and tested that suspension too far.
Good acting and cinematography, but not enough plot ideas unfortunately to prevent the holes showing.
Where it really works well is in their characters interaction towards the end. There's a real sense of people with their own honor and ties of friendship who are at odds suddenly. Honor, blind commitment, and ideals of justice are all tested.
The problem with the movie as a whole is the plot falls apart after the first half, especially in the last 20 minutes. There are quite a few earlier scenes where I had to suspend disbelief as to how people would act in those situations, but the ending is pretty much unbelievable and tested that suspension too far.
Good acting and cinematography, but not enough plot ideas unfortunately to prevent the holes showing.
Fantastic Actors with Questionable Production Choices
eaveschristopher3 August 2020
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.
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.
Possibly because my expectations were so low...
olmac18 September 2020
Possibly because my expectations were so low I liked it more than it deserved, but I don't think so. I like the actors, the story sounded good and the price was right, so I bought for my collection. Happily, I liked it a lot. Why? Well, to begin with, it portrayed several somewhat complex relationships; Neelyn and Fiona, Neelyn and Harris, Harris and Preston, Preston and Milt, Junior and pretty much everyone. Point is, there were many varied and unique character connections. The characters themselves were well fleshed out, most with a back story.
The amount and degree of action was appropriate and entertaining. Killing may have been a bit overdone (a bunch of people killed a bunch of people).
I feel that the production elements like photography, settings, fight choreography, directing, etc. were all above average.
Unlike some other reviewers, I thought the acting was top notch.
Bottom line, give it a chance... you may like it.
The amount and degree of action was appropriate and entertaining. Killing may have been a bit overdone (a bunch of people killed a bunch of people).
I feel that the production elements like photography, settings, fight choreography, directing, etc. were all above average.
Unlike some other reviewers, I thought the acting was top notch.
Bottom line, give it a chance... you may like it.
Better the poster indicates
valleyjohn14 November 2020
Everyone knows Vinnie Jones's acting ability is limited . After all he is a footballer by trade but what Vinnie does do on screen , he does well and this performance in The Big Ugly is no exception.
Neeyln is a loyal enforcer for crime boss Harris back in London, taking care of problems and people that disrupt his illicit business. When Harris strikes a deal with an old friend - American oilman Preston they find themselves in the wild hills of West Virginia. Neelyn's girlfriend disappears, last seen with Preston's wayward son Junior. Lines are drawn between family and friends, but nothing will stop Neelyn from getting retribution.
Cockney gangsters v Redneck Americans . What's not to like ? Sure , this is never going to win any awards but I liked it . The poster will put a lot of people off because it makes it look terrible but it's certainly not the case .
There are some good actors on display . Malcolm McDowell , Ron Perlman and Nicholson Braun to name a few and what this lacks in substance it certainly makes up for in heart .
Neeyln is a loyal enforcer for crime boss Harris back in London, taking care of problems and people that disrupt his illicit business. When Harris strikes a deal with an old friend - American oilman Preston they find themselves in the wild hills of West Virginia. Neelyn's girlfriend disappears, last seen with Preston's wayward son Junior. Lines are drawn between family and friends, but nothing will stop Neelyn from getting retribution.
Cockney gangsters v Redneck Americans . What's not to like ? Sure , this is never going to win any awards but I liked it . The poster will put a lot of people off because it makes it look terrible but it's certainly not the case .
There are some good actors on display . Malcolm McDowell , Ron Perlman and Nicholson Braun to name a few and what this lacks in substance it certainly makes up for in heart .
ABSOLUTE GARBAGE
lukem-5276017 November 2020
I only got this because i like Ron Perlman but he was wasted in this boring trash!!!
Vinnie Jones can't act is horrendous here & everything about the film was crappy & all characters are scum. Absolutely No redeeming Qualities at all
A waste...
gordypix10 October 2020
What an utter waste of acting talent. Shoddy storyline, weak script adaptation and terrible production. Good soundtrack but wasted on the film. The Lock, Stock style film has been been done 20 years ago so it's time to stop using its style in the new real eases 'cos it does not have the same impact now.
Vinnie's latest straight to streaming stinkbomb
mysteryman716210 June 2021
Ron Perlman is big, Vinnie Jones is ugly, Malcom McDowell isn't big but he's no oil painting. Once again Vinnie's 'boat' is front and centre on another celluloid atrocity, except there's no way this was shot on 35mm and it's highly unlikely to ever hit a big screen. Vinnie didn't come to West Virginia for god, oh no. He came there because there are still a few Americans who think his gangster schtick is legit and are willing to pay him to mumble a few lines while looking 'ard. 'Back in London Harris is the top man' actually back in London Harris means arse or ass. Which is sadly ironic as Malcom is making a right 'arris of himself appearing alongside the ex-Wimbledon defender. 'Don't do it, think of the money' says Harris/McDowell. You shouldn't have done, think about your reputation say I. Obviously Vinnies does it and he doesn't think about the money (though there's no other reason for this to exist). This is written and directed by Scott Wiper, it could easily have been made by a windscreen wiper and packet of moist baby wipes. You're free to make your choice and pay for this on whatever screening service will host it, but if you keep paying them they'll only make more. So I return to the quote from 'Arris/Malcom/Little Alex 'Don't do it, think of the money' buy yourself something else instead.
Watchable.
mcleanmuir9 October 2020
Wow. Love it or hate it. It's a buffet of a film
thejdrage3 June 2022
Apparently this is a love it or hate it movie.
It has a bit of everything for everybody, so chose what you like and forget the rest.
I liked it! I liked the cast, the story, the acting and the underlying messages.
It had one of the best shootouts I've ever seen and that's saying a lot since I've seen a lot of those.
This isn't a one note film. So if you can't handle a minor symphony with some world class actors - chose something else. I. M. H. O.
It has a bit of everything for everybody, so chose what you like and forget the rest.
I liked it! I liked the cast, the story, the acting and the underlying messages.
It had one of the best shootouts I've ever seen and that's saying a lot since I've seen a lot of those.
This isn't a one note film. So if you can't handle a minor symphony with some world class actors - chose something else. I. M. H. O.
UNDERRATED & DISMISSED...SURPRISINGLY DENSE ACTION-DRAMA...GOOD CAST & STORY
LeonLouisRicci19 August 2021
This Intriguing Character and Tribal Study is Mounted with Rich Performances and Style.
It has been Pummeled by Critics and Viewers Alike.
Produced by Ron Perlmen and Malcom McDowell, the Movie has been Shown Little Love with Scathing Backlash from Unappreciative Movie-Goers.
Given the Current Climate of Cinematic Offerings in the B-Movie World, it is Difficult to Accept the Unabashed Hatred for this Impressive and Intricate Picture.
The Movie is Filled with Well-Drawn Characters and Interwoven Interactions.
It has Heart and Cold Personalities Hardened by a Rustic Environment of Little Wealth among the Proletariat.
But Great Pride and a Tribal Cooperative that is Deep and Solid.
There are Cultural Collisions among the Players Involved with an Oil-Scheme between a Crime Organization from England to Launder Money with a State-Side Developer.
There is an Emphasis on Loyalty and Backed by Romantic Entanglements.
The Bond of Family by Protective Parenting even those Villains who are Stone-Cold Killers and Reprehensible Thugs.
An Entertaining Film a Complexity of Plot and Stead-Fast Personalities.
McDowell and Perlman Lead the Proceedings with Vinnie Jones and Brendan Skelnar and Nicholas Braun Making a Mark.
Worth a Watch.
So You can Make Up Your Own Mind by Ignoring its Reputation and Dismissal.
It has been Pummeled by Critics and Viewers Alike.
Produced by Ron Perlmen and Malcom McDowell, the Movie has been Shown Little Love with Scathing Backlash from Unappreciative Movie-Goers.
Given the Current Climate of Cinematic Offerings in the B-Movie World, it is Difficult to Accept the Unabashed Hatred for this Impressive and Intricate Picture.
The Movie is Filled with Well-Drawn Characters and Interwoven Interactions.
It has Heart and Cold Personalities Hardened by a Rustic Environment of Little Wealth among the Proletariat.
But Great Pride and a Tribal Cooperative that is Deep and Solid.
There are Cultural Collisions among the Players Involved with an Oil-Scheme between a Crime Organization from England to Launder Money with a State-Side Developer.
There is an Emphasis on Loyalty and Backed by Romantic Entanglements.
The Bond of Family by Protective Parenting even those Villains who are Stone-Cold Killers and Reprehensible Thugs.
An Entertaining Film a Complexity of Plot and Stead-Fast Personalities.
McDowell and Perlman Lead the Proceedings with Vinnie Jones and Brendan Skelnar and Nicholas Braun Making a Mark.
Worth a Watch.
So You can Make Up Your Own Mind by Ignoring its Reputation and Dismissal.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
