Big Stan

Xushi

Review contains spoilers --- You have been warned. --- A comedic and fun movie to watch, I believe it is a good learning experience and the portrayal of the prison experience is fairly accurate to what I imagined it would be, but as many people (like the warden) would forget: the prisoners are human too. I personally don't condone some crimes, and would rather like to consider those who commit them more like monsters, but ultimately even they can probably have a chance to redeem themselves with some care (take Big Raymond for example, the other prisoners only thought of him like a bull in heat, but ultimately even he has a reason and a soft side as seen later). I believe this is movie is a comedic twist to the popular belief people have of prisons. I greatly appreciate the good ending, hence my review: - **Story**: 8/10 - The story isn't really heavy or require a genius to understand, it is a comedy-like skit after all, it doesn't reach a 10/10 because of some missing answers to the movie though, like what happened to the warden? Why did Stan's lawyer Lew go to prison? And why only after 3 years? Why did The Master wink at the end? This loses some points. - **Characters**: 7.5/10 - The characters and acting are great, but it unfortunately loses some points on development, for example we don't get many interactions with the Nazi, what made he switch side? And what about the Mexicans? I feel like some of the characters personalities aren't as developed like Stan, the old man, the warden and the black people. - **Visuals**: 7.5/10 - Gotta give a 7.5/10 because there are scenes where a wider angle would be appreciated instead of a focused one, it would be nice to know what the other gangs and characters are doing, I understand that the purpose it to focus upon a specific character, but understanding the environment built around a character is a good way to understand their choices. - **Audio**: 7/10 - Unfortunately this one gotta be a 7/10 because of the overlapping of voices that are present within the movie, it would be appreciated if they are softer and more crisp that you are able to understand what they are saying individually, I also heard some profanities mentioned and it helps strengthen the environment and the ambient around. Also would've appreciated to know what the old man was saying to the other prisoners to understand how he gathered all that information. - **Enjoyment**: 8/10 - Personally I enjoyed the movie as a learning experience and a comedic relief from stressful situations, but it loses on some points because I felt rather disgusted by some of the scenes offered by the movie. **Overall: 7.6/10** A pretty decent movie to enjoy at home if you don't mind some profanities being spoken or some screams.