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!
16 Reviews
funny buddy comedy
afarina2030 June 2018
Great pogniont entertainment!
Anmer9310 August 2019
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!
the director has a real knack for subtle comedic moments
pz-7216523 January 2019
Classic high school nerd fights back against the bully story. Only difference is the nerd is all grown up and so is the bully. Very funny, great characters lots of bits that make you laugh out loud. The cast is solid, the director has a real knack for subtle comedic moments. Sound track works very well with the tone and humor of the film. Two enthusiastic thumbs up. This is a film for anyone looking to laugh.
One absurdity after another!
rdfranciscritic18 January 2023
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.
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.
Witty, Fun, Unpretentious
mikitarianlisa2 February 2019
Was not prepared to love this unpretentious, endearing (in a totally macho, cool-dude way) film. The chemistry of the characters/actors, with the fun/fresh plot kept me hooked (and laughing) to the final frame. Indie writing/filmmaking at its best right here.
A very contemporary indie gem
jblockbuster29 January 2019
Bad, Bad Men is very contemporary in its subject of exposing toxic masculinity. The film takes a comedic look at what happens if the goofy guy next door decides to fight the alpha male, an old high school bully. (Now still bully but all grown-up.) It's hilarious. I was laughing out loud.
The acting, directing and script writing is solid. All in all a real indie gem!
The acting, directing and script writing is solid. All in all a real indie gem!
Creative, interesting and funny
ruddycarpio17 February 2019
Did Bad, Bad Men predict the #metoo movement? It did certainly open up the conversation around the Toxic Masculinity and treats it as a problem. This film offers a humorous look at this often overlook subject. Director Allen Gardner is able to properly showcase this issue and executes it in a beautiful creative way. This film is full of great funny moments thanks to the great chemistry between all characters, allowing us to relate to the story and to delight us with great entertainment and laughs. This is a must see indie gem.
A hilarious comedy. Must see
johnapplebee-9594723 January 2019
A very funny comedy that was well put together. I was watching it by myself and my wife came in and started watching some of it and she couldn't stop watching it. Character development was good, story very solid and the quality was A1.
Takes The Toxic Male to Class
TheAll-SeeingI29 January 2019
Allen C. Gardner manages to pull off double-duty as the co-director and male lead in the somehow prescient Bad, Bad Men, a film that leverages and then debunks the long-standing idiocy of the Toxic American Male with a retro-freshness predating the formal identifications of the #MeToo and anti-bullying movements.
Jerry is our prototypical over-masculine ass-hat, and Josh is our unsuspecting Everyman unsure of what to do when the emotional brutality of a heckler unsuspectingly shames his world. Josh doesn't have the physicality or the thuggish inbred mindset to beat Jerry black and blue, or to engage him in lowbrow psychological warfare; instead, he seeks out his cohorts in a safety-in-numbers, Buddy Movie play. What subsequently ensues is knowing laughter, and in no shortage of volume.
In real American life when human sensitivity and the plight of the individual's well-being is given center-stage, it can then be difficult and even taboo to treat these wounds with comedy while they're still fresh. But Gardner succeeds in exactly that, allowing us to laugh at shame without undercutting the severity of its impacts. Bad, Bad Men applies light-heartedness to a deep wound, and the resulting laughter is authentic and indeed helps us to heal.
Jerry is our prototypical over-masculine ass-hat, and Josh is our unsuspecting Everyman unsure of what to do when the emotional brutality of a heckler unsuspectingly shames his world. Josh doesn't have the physicality or the thuggish inbred mindset to beat Jerry black and blue, or to engage him in lowbrow psychological warfare; instead, he seeks out his cohorts in a safety-in-numbers, Buddy Movie play. What subsequently ensues is knowing laughter, and in no shortage of volume.
In real American life when human sensitivity and the plight of the individual's well-being is given center-stage, it can then be difficult and even taboo to treat these wounds with comedy while they're still fresh. But Gardner succeeds in exactly that, allowing us to laugh at shame without undercutting the severity of its impacts. Bad, Bad Men applies light-heartedness to a deep wound, and the resulting laughter is authentic and indeed helps us to heal.
Hijinks
mrtheflip24 January 2019
Josh is a likable but goofy nice guy real estate agent. Used to turning the other cheek and avoiding conflict. While ordering a coffee Josh is un decisive and attempting to flirt with the barista, when a grown up "high school" bully heckles him in front of a huge crowd of customers. After hyping himself up, Josh fails to properly respond to the bully. So he does what anyone at the end of their rope would do, he gets a couple friends and tracks the bully down. What follows is a series of bad choices, misconceptions, and comedic hijinks.
The movie pokes fun at the characters and situation while showcasing toxic masculinity- which makes it very timely. This is an entertaining comedy, that does not take itself seriously. Watch it if you are looking for a fun and sometimes goofy indie. The production value is good and the cast remind me of people I know (for better and worse).
The movie pokes fun at the characters and situation while showcasing toxic masculinity- which makes it very timely. This is an entertaining comedy, that does not take itself seriously. Watch it if you are looking for a fun and sometimes goofy indie. The production value is good and the cast remind me of people I know (for better and worse).
Fun and Funny Comedy
JGReviews23 January 2019
Bad, Bad Men is a funny, over-the-top comedy about three men who are tired of getting pushed around, who try and often fail to be "Bad, Bad Men." The movie is an enjoyable ride along with 3 regular, or even dorky, guys who are about as capable as I am of being believably tough. I laughed a lot, particularly in the scenes with Rex (Gabe Arredondo) and The Bookie (Richard Speight Jr.) who give hilarious performances. If you liked Horrible Bosses, I feel like you'd love this film. I highly recommend it.
A total riot, such a good time!
bohemianpirate-871-38348724 January 2019
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!!
Cheeky on Top, and Brilliant Below the Surface
ben-363333 February 2019
I really liked Bad, Bad Men. The writing was as unique as it was genuinely funny. And between laughs there was a (somewhat) subtle poignancy about "bro culture." Tonally, Bad, Bad Men doesn't take itself too seriously, which is almost indicative of the dangers of "toxic male culture." These guys are flippant--about women, children, their jobs, the future, and each other. Its almost as if the film was satirically produced by a shallow man who wants to tell the story about how shallow men behave in the world. What makes it work is how self-aware it is.
It also works as a lighthearted male-centric comedy that felt close to films like "Extract" or "Hall Pass." There were so many great moments (and lines) that had me in stitches. One scene that I thought nailed it involved a father entering his home to take money out of his children's "dream fund" to use as a last resort for a ransom exchange. He encounters every member of his family tenderly reminding him about how sweet, innocent, and full of hope they are. The writing and performance of that moment was perfect.
If you're in the mood to laugh at "boys being boys" in a way that highlights just how awful boys (and people in general) can be, don't miss this one.
It also works as a lighthearted male-centric comedy that felt close to films like "Extract" or "Hall Pass." There were so many great moments (and lines) that had me in stitches. One scene that I thought nailed it involved a father entering his home to take money out of his children's "dream fund" to use as a last resort for a ransom exchange. He encounters every member of his family tenderly reminding him about how sweet, innocent, and full of hope they are. The writing and performance of that moment was perfect.
If you're in the mood to laugh at "boys being boys" in a way that highlights just how awful boys (and people in general) can be, don't miss this one.
Fun little indie comedy
Phil_Chester23 January 2019
What a great find! A really fun and entertaining comedy in the vein of 'Horrible Bosses' or 'Very Bad Things'. I was giggling throughout, enjoying the sharp writing. The performances are all spot-on across the board, which is so rare in an indie of this scale. Recommended.
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