Bullet Points: The Big Fall
There has been a lot written about PM Entertainment on this website and for good reason as the production company made many enjoyable action films. Bulletproofaction.com has not had a lot written about C. Thomas Howell but just like PM Entertainment gave chances to non-traditional action stars, I am here to provide you with a hidden gem in the PM Entertainment library starring Mr. Howell. In 1997, PM Entertainment not only decided to have C. Thomas Howell star in their latest movie, they also gave him the opportunity to direct The Big Fall. Luckily for you, I happen to have some Bullet Points for a very engaging action thriller, so join me on a trip to The Big Fall.
- Pride Comes Before A… C. Thomas Howell stars as Blaise Rybeck (no relation to Casey Ryback) a hardscrabble private dick (Blaise’s term, not mine) in Los Angeles whose milieu is the golden age of Hollywood although The Big Fall is set in the present day. Blaise dresses in a trench coat and fedora with an office and speech that is right out of a classic noir film (including the noir staple of first-person narration.) We first meet Blaise as he is on a case that ends up with gunshots, explosions and (you are going to love this part) a big fall off a building. Blaise is saved from ending up like a bug on a windshield after he grabs onto the American flag on the side of the building. After Blaise quips, “God Bless America” I knew I was in for a good time. When I saw Blaise kicking the ass of 5 to 6 goons, running around, in and over buildings and generally showing incredible athletic skills in the first 10 minutes I knew I was watching a film directed by the star actor… and it is awesome.
- United We Stand, Divided We… Blaise gets a job from the lovely Emma Roussell (Sophie Ward, I always remember her from Young Sherlock Holmes) in order to find her missing brother. Or is she? Spoiler alert, there is a little more to her story then she initially lets Blaise know. Blaise happens to get a new apprentice in the form of Gary Snider (Sam Seder) a former attorney and wannabe cop who failed the police academy physical. His former job with the district attorney gives him all kind of connections that can help Blaise and he is a real stand-up guy (a reference that makes sense after you watch The Big Fall.) Blaise has to deal with the FBI who is also interested in finding Emma’s brother and the slightly nuts Agent Dickson (Justin Lazard, I always remember him from Universal Soldier: The Return) is on the case. With Emma’s case, a new protege, and the FBI, Blaise’s world is getting flipped-turned upside down.
- The Bigger They Are, The Harder They… Blaise finds out that Emma’s brother was involved with the Falling Eagles, a group of extreme sports enthusiasts/criminals that like bungee jumping and skydiving. The Big Fall has some of the best bungee jumping footage you will ever see in a movie. However, the skydiving is never shown and only talked about including a daring mid-air hijacking that sounded like it would have been aces to see. Johnny ‘Axe’ Roosevelt (Jeff Kober, I always remember him from Demolition High) is the head of the group and doesn’t have any connection with any of the other characters. Or does he? Spoiler alert, he does. Axe has three guys that are helping him in his criminal activity and act as his goons, or stooges if you will. In fact stooges is the perfect description because their names are Larry, Curly, and Moe. Titus Welliver plays Moe and is the real standout stooge and gets bonus points for getting beat up by a one armed man. Speaking of standouts, the car chase between Blaise and Axe is Scene of the Week worthy. Said car chase combined with the multiple foot chases, bungee jumping, gunfights that Blaise finds himself in prove that being a private dick is hard.
The Big Fall is just the kind of action movie you might skip because of a generic title that doesn’t draw in the audience. Don’t let the title deter you from watching this underrated action film that shows the diversity of the PM Entertainment library. C. Thomas Howell is over the top as Blaise Rybeck and I mean that in the most positive was possible. I loved his performance and saw no major flaws in the direction. Jeff Kober is equally eccentric as the main antagonist Axe allowing the two foils to perfectly play off each other. Go give The Big Fall a watch if you are looking for a good time, but first you just might want to investigate these Bonus Bullet Points!
- CT Scan – Chris the Brain was the first person to make me hip to the goodness that is The Big Fall. It should come as no surprise to you that CTB is a huge CTH fan. Check out his reviews of To Protect and Serve and Hot Boyz.
- Best Quote – After Axe prematurely thinks he takes care of Blaise during some fisticuffs he feels the need to take a shot at Blaise and Emma, “I hope he fucks better than he fights.” Don’t we all, Axe.
- Double Duty – The Big Fall writer, and PM Entertainment favorite, William Applegate Jr. also as a small role as FBI Agent Wilcox. His lone acting credit.
- Best Kill – Axe eliminates a problem with a gruesome death by table saw.
- What Kind of Pie Was That? – Comedian Kathy Griffin has a small role as Blaise’s secretary. She offers Gary Snider a yummy piece of pie when he first comes by and I really wanted to know how Jerry Lawler would react to the suggestion.
