The Big Hit

Directed by Kirk Wong, The Big Hit follows contract-killer Melvin Smiley as he finds himself in a whole mess of trouble after he agrees to help an associate kidnap the daughter (China Chow’s Keiko) of a wealthy producer (Sab Shimono’s Jiro) – with complications ensuing as Melvin’s nefarious cohort (Lou Diamond Phillips’s Cisco) frames him for the dastardly deed. There’s a lot going on within The Big Hit and filmmaker Wong, making his North American debut here, generally does a nice job of juggling the various digressions and subplots, although, admittedly, the picture does get off to a rather bumpy start with its frenetic and somewhat off-putting opening stretch (with the ineffectiveness of this portion compounded by an emphasis on larger-than-life, CGI-heavy bursts of far-from-exciting action). It’s clear, then, that the movie improves substantially as it progresses into its comparatively low-key midsection, with the affable vibe perpetuated and heightened by the efforts of an enjoyably eclectic cast that includes Elliott Gould, Christina Applegate, Bokeem Woodbine, and Avery Brooks. (Wahlberg’s work as the befuddled, dimwitted protagonist remains a highlight, to be sure.) The final result is a watchable (if entirely forgettable) endeavor that couldn’t possibly feel like more of a product of its time, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, ultimately, given the mostly entertaining atmosphere.

*** out of ****