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Big Stan (Film)
Rating: M
Running Time: 105
Country: USA
Cast: David Carradine, Jennifer Morrison, Rob Schneider
Distributor: Hoyts
Film Worth: $6.50
Release Date: November 27, 2008
“…pleasing attempts at comedy…”
Admittedly, the Rob Schneider vehicle Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo raised a few laughs and delivered pretty much what it said on the back of the DVD: puerile chuckles and crass sight gags. With Big Stan, however, Schneider's gone all auteur on us, directing and starring in his very own ode to prison rape.
The story, such as it is, begins with wealthy con artist Stan (Schneider) being sentenced to jail for fraud. Before beginning his incarceration, Stan enlists the help of homeless kung fu expert "The Master" (David Carradine) to teach him how to defend himself. Once trained up, Stan goes inside to serve his time and puts his fighting skills to work in order to avoid being shanked in the prison showers. Pretty soon, the arse-kicking Stan comes to the attention of the corrupt warden (Scott Wilson), who sees the chance to make a quick buck in the prison boxing tournaments.
Aside from amateurish direction in the shaky opening act, there are pleasing attempts at comedy here. The tone floats between humour and drama at certain points, with largely unsuccessful results - particularly in terms of the realistic violence, which is at odds with the cartoonish tone of the humour. Schneider's general aim seems to be to create a film akin to the Richard Pryor/Gene Wilder vehicle Stir Crazy or the original The Longest Yard. While he doesn't exactly pull it off, there are at least amusing cameos by veteran stars M. Emmet Walsh and Henry Gibson, and despite its shortcomings, fans of Schneider will no doubt find much to appreciate.
If you're not a fan, then this won't do much to convert you, unless you, like Schneider, have a dubious obsession with anal rape jokes.