The Big Ugly (2020) Review

Directed By: Scott Wiper

Starring: Vinnie Jones, Ron Perlman, Malcolm McDowell, Nicholas Braun & Leven Rambin

Synopsis: Neeyln (Vinnie Jones) has always been the loyal enforcer for crime boss Harris (Malcolm McDowell) back in London, taking care of problems and people that disrupt his illicit business. When Harris strikes a deal with an old friend – American oilman Preston (Ron Perlman) – they find themselves in the wild hills of West Virginia. Contracts are signed and the whiskey flows in celebration, but overnight Neelyn’s girlfriend disappears, last seen with Preston’s wayward son Junior. Lines are drawn between family and friends, but nothing will stop Neelyn from getting answers — and retribution.

Review: It has been mighty fine seeing Vinnie Jones back on the screen. I remember seeing him for the first time in Lock Stock & Two Smoking Barrels and his screen presence was incredibly memorable. It was followed by Snatch and Bullet-tooth Tony was a character as memorable as Big Chris from Lock Stock. Another Vinnie movie i loved was Submerged starring Steven Seagal as well, Vinnie played one badass soldier. Honorary shout out to the Condemned and Gone In Seconds and Escape Plan aswell. See what i am trying to say! Vinnie has been a powerhouse in movies and provided me with hours of entertainment. Recently Vinnie returned in I Am Vengeance: Retaliation which was an amazing movie but he played the villain, this time he is front and center in the leading role.

Vinnie returns in the starring role alongside Ron Perlman and Malcolm McDowell in The Big Ugly. Vinnie plays no nonsense tough guy Neelyn! I have to say this had Vinnie back to his best. Neelyn is a loyal enforcer, a role Vinnie plays so well. Once shit hits the fan Neelyn goes against his code to find out what happened to his girlfriend.

Malcolm McDowell plays crime boss Harris, who has a father-son bond with Neelyn and when Neelyn stirs up all sorts of crazy shit, Harris never turns his back on him. You can clearly see that him and Neelyn have been through the ringer a time or two! I would love to see a prequel set in London featuring the two characters. Harris also has a strong friendship with Preston (Ron Perlman) but when Prestons son Junior is front and center for the disappearance of Neelyns girlfriend, the lines get blurred and it comes to an essential stand-off where the two back those closest to them.

Brandon Sklenar plays Junior and he is one villain who you just want to get his comeuppance. He is very arrogant, violent and thinks he can have any woman he pleases. He is also manages to match Neelyn in a hand to hand fight. Junior is a memorable villain.

In all i loved this movie. It is not an action slug fest by any means. When the chance for violence arises it is quite brutal with some hard hitting fight scenes. The character of Neelyn played by Jones is one of his best. Striking through a range of emotions and showing us a human side to what could have been a straight up thug. Jones really delivers a career best. Every character is well written and acted out and you find yourself invested in them through the movie.

Scott Wiper is a director to look out for previously helming The Marine 3 and The Condemned which also starred Vinnie Jones. Scott knows how to write and direct a great action movie and also write one with interesting characters i cant wait to see what is next from Scott.

The Big Ugly is a movie not to be missed!