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The Big Hit

  • 1998
  • R
  • 1h 31m
IMDb RATING
6.1/10
32K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
3,808
1,386
The Big Hit (1998)
Trailer for The Big Hit
Play trailer2:37
2 Videos
99+ Photos
Dark ComedyActionComedyCrimeThriller

Socially anxious hitman Melvin Smiley, an expert in his lucrative field, goes on a job and falls in love with his kidnapping victim, turning his world upside down.Socially anxious hitman Melvin Smiley, an expert in his lucrative field, goes on a job and falls in love with his kidnapping victim, turning his world upside down.Socially anxious hitman Melvin Smiley, an expert in his lucrative field, goes on a job and falls in love with his kidnapping victim, turning his world upside down.

  • Director
    • Kirk Wong
  • Writer
    • Ben Ramsey
  • Stars
    • Mark Wahlberg
    • Lou Diamond Phillips
    • Christina Applegate
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.1/10
    32K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    3,808
    1,386
    • Director
      • Kirk Wong
    • Writer
      • Ben Ramsey
    • Stars
      • Mark Wahlberg
      • Lou Diamond Phillips
      • Christina Applegate
    • 197User reviews
    • 65Critic reviews
    • 31Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Videos2

    The Big Hit
    Trailer 2:37
    The Big Hit
    The Big Hit
    Trailer 0:31
    The Big Hit
    The Big Hit
    Trailer 0:31
    The Big Hit

    Photos113

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    Top cast35

    Edit
    Mark Wahlberg
    Mark Wahlberg
    • Melvin Smiley
    Lou Diamond Phillips
    Lou Diamond Phillips
    • Cisco
    Christina Applegate
    Christina Applegate
    • Pam Shulman
    Avery Brooks
    Avery Brooks
    • Paris
    Bokeem Woodbine
    Bokeem Woodbine
    • Crunch
    Antonio Sabato Jr.
    Antonio Sabato Jr.
    • Vince
    China Chow
    China Chow
    • Keiko Nishi
    Lainie Kazan
    Lainie Kazan
    • Jeanne Shulman
    Elliott Gould
    Elliott Gould
    • Morton Shulman
    Sab Shimono
    Sab Shimono
    • Jiro Nishi
    Robin Dunne
    Robin Dunne
    • Gump
    Lela Rochon
    Lela Rochon
    • Chantel
    Danny Smith
    Danny Smith
    • Video Store Kid
    Joshua Peace
    Joshua Peace
    • Lance
    David Usher
    • Sergio
    Hardee T. Lineham
    Hardee T. Lineham
    • Accountant
    Gerry Mendicino
    Gerry Mendicino
    • Slave Trader
    Robert Eaton
    • Pimp
    • (as Robert Vernon Eaton)
    • Director
      • Kirk Wong
    • Writer
      • Ben Ramsey
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews197

    6.132.3K
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    10

    Featured reviews

    8vincea1906

    If you think the movie was supposed to be serious, you missed the point...

    I had absolutely no idea that this movie was supposed to be a silly, spoofy action film when I saw it at the theater. The first 10 minutes makes this perfectly clear. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie for just being "guilty pleasure" escapist entertainment. Yes the movie is silly and corny - but that was the intent of the film.

    Its more than understandable that this movie isn't for everybody, either you love it or hate it. However, if you watched the movie and took it seriously (ie the breakdancing during the first 'hit'), then you definitely missed the point. 8 out of 10.
    martymaster

    A great action comedy.

    You must not think of this movie as a pure action movie,because it is not ment to be. This is one of the best action/comedys that are ever made. It mixes the humor with the action so well and the story is just plain nuts.The movie takes new directions all the time and it never stops to surprise you. The main characters gets involved in the most redicolues dilemmas you have ever seen and I guarantee that you will laugh many times.This movie also has some very violent scenes and some bad language.So it is not for kids. In the main roles you will find Mark Wahlberg,Christina Applegate and Lou Diamond Phillips which is my best friend Ole Martin's favourite actor.

    So if you are looking for a laugh and some great action then this is the movie for you.
    9tone_e2000

    Let us not forget the trace buster buster buster

    Indeed Mark Wahlberg is a bit cack in most of his films, but The Big Hit is a masterpiece of comedy. The action is fun, but is not meant to be taken seriously. I think that some people might have watched this film expecting a standard action film, in which case I can understand their disappointment. It's just good fun and Lou Diamond Phillips is brilliant. His over-the-top performance is perfect and is something I'll never forget.

    The Big Hit is one of those films where you either get it or you don't. If you don't then I can understand how it might seem a bit two-dimensional. However, anyone who hasn't seen it should take a chance.
    A. Appleton

    Silly and fun!

    This film was thoroughly enjoyable! Yes, it was unbelievable and the characterization was not so great, but who cares? The movie's humor comes from the very fact that it is completely absurd and way over the top. It was fun to watch, good for a laugh, had a lot of action, and the nice guy wins out in the end. What more do you want? Besides, Mark Wahlburg and China Chow are about the two best-looking people on the planet, so even if you don't like to movie you can still enjoy it.
    6=G=

    Hitman with a heart

    Wahlberg plays a contract killer who wants no more than to be liked in "The Big Hit"; a solid three star flick which features good action, stunts, pyro, CGI, camera work, etc. Protag Wahlberg juggles two difficult girl friends, a double cross, and a cute kidnapee (Chow) with the demands of his profession in this not-to-be-taken-seriously film with a spritz of romance. A fun and kinetic watch for those into the crime/action/comedy/romance genre mix. (B-)

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Mark Wahlberg and China Chow ended up in a 4-year relationship after filming this movie.
    • Goofs
      Prior to Mark Wahlberg's character fleeing his house after the shootout, China Chow's character is placed in the trunk of the car. She is gagged and her hands are shown cuffed behind her back. During the car chase, she escapes the trunk by entering the passenger compartment via the back seat and crawls forward. While crawling, her hands are clearly visible in front of her and lacking handcuffs, although she retains the gag.
    • Quotes

      Melvin Smiley: Technically, you can call me a hitman.

      Keiko Nishi: Really? A hitman? Does that pay well?

      Melvin Smiley: Oh of course. I make a killing.

    • Alternate versions
      On the DVD there are 3 deleted scenes: One of which is an extended sequence where the "crew" talks about Melvin's love life, and how Crunch is going to rent porno that night. The second deleted scene is where Melvin calls Crunch and it shows Vince dressing up in drag, and the third one is where the killer Melvin crew stops at Crunch's and Vince comes in wearing a dress.
    • Connections
      Featured in Siskel & Ebert: Les Miserables/The Big Hit/Wilde/Don't Look Back/Little Dieter Needs to Fly/Junk Mail (1998)
    • Soundtracks
      The Fun Lovin' Criminal
      Written by Huey Morgan (as Hugh Morgan), Brian Leiser & Steve Borgovini

      Performed by Fun Lovin' Criminals

      Courtesy of Capitol Records

      Under license from EMI-Capitol Music Special Markets

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    FAQ18

    • How long is The Big Hit?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • April 24, 1998 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official sites
      • Coming Soon Page w/trailer
      • Sony Pictures Official Site
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • El Gran Golpe
    • Filming locations
      • Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
    • Production companies
      • TriStar Pictures
      • Amen Ra Films
      • Zide-Perry Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $13,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $27,007,143
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $10,809,424
      • Apr 26, 1998
    • Gross worldwide
      • $27,007,143
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 31 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • SDDS
      • Dolby SR
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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