anthonyjlangford It makes you wonder how on earth they gathered the cast for this. I suppose the big budget meant they got paid well, so perhaps the question is, how the hell did they get the money? The script is terrible. The ideas are non too subtle rehashes of other films, too obvious to mention, yet the humor simply isn't there. Even Robin Williams can't save it, nor himself, as he really doesn't have enough to work with. Ribisi is quite good and what ever happened to Alison Lohman? She's not great in this but she's quite likable.There are a couple of semi-decent sight gags, such as the eye popping corpse but its all rather juvenile. Holly Hunter turns in the only decent performance but eventually she becomes annoying as well. Harrelson is completely wasted. Literally.There's a reason most people haven't heard of this film. It's an embarrassment for all involved.

Roedy Green The theme of this movie is that people can't help but revert to being caring and polite. It is quite sweet to watch even abductors and abductees treating each other with kindness, simply because they forget themselves and act instinctively. A typical joke of this form was the kidnapper preparing a gourmet meal for his victim, and fussing over whether she enjoyed it.It is not the wild crazy comedy you would expect of Robin Williams. It is more the nightmare of how a small crime is forced to escalate.There is a lot of quite grisly violence. People do it without thinking, then later think better of it.The Holly Hunter character is a complete original. She is a bit nuts, but very pleasant.Even the young ditzy phony telephone psychic loves her clients, and gives them quite reasonable advice.It does not tie up loose ends. You are always guessing why people are doing what they are. There is no Agatha Christie ending to explain it all.

Avid Climber The Big White paints a picture of quiet desperation. The drama is not in large catastrophic events, but in the failure of everyday life. The laughters will come from what people do, to get out of those jams or get ahead of them.Out of need, a man will commit insurance fraud and you will root for him to succeed. Then, in comes the insurance claim agent wanting to bag a big case to get out of cold Alaska. Mix in some incompetent first time killers, a mentally hill wife, an abusing older brother, and you get a complex situation to navigate brought in a surprisingly entertaining story, with a nice sprinkle of love.The setting is unglamorous to say the least which set the mood. However, some of the outdoor shots are visible indoor sets, but they don't detract us much from the intrigue. The acting is very good. You get to hate Woody Harrelson the minute he makes his appearance. Incredulity will be your main emotion toward the two thugs. Mild annoyance will permeate your relation with the wife played Holly Hunter. You'll alternate between nodding and shaking your head when seeing the antics of the insurance agent played by Giovanni Ribisi. And finally, you'll support Robin Williams' character all the way through.Let yourself be entertained by this really down to earth film.

aussieukangel While there are some worthwhile actors in this movie it is not good or bad. Personally, I found it to be rather dull. It wasn't a comedy or thriller, the plot is easy to follow but nothing to keep you watching.Maybe I expected a little more knowing that Robin, Holly and Woody were the featured actors as I like them a lot. I found Holly Hunters part to be rather over the top and at some instances her character annoyed me. The character just didn't ring true to me. Given the choice between this movie or doing something like housework, I would choose housework. If you just want to sit quietly and not have to think, then this is the movie to watch. I gave it 5/10 because I think the actors did the best they could with the script.