Big Trouble (2002)
Barry Sonnenfeld's frenetic ensemble comedy adapts Dave Barry's novel into a gloriously chaotic collision of hitmen, suitcases, and one very unusual toad.
Big Trouble - Movie Information
- Original Title: Big Trouble
- Release Year: 2002
- Directed by: Barry Sonnenfeld
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Comedy, Thriller, Mystery, Crime
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 1h 25m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 5, 2002 (United States - PG-13), May 23, 2002 (Germany - 12), May 23, 2002 (Australia - M), August 9, 2002 (Brazil - 14), May 17, 2002 (Italy)
- Alternative Titles: Grande Sarilho (PT)
- Production Companies: Touchstone Pictures, The Jacobson Company, Sonnenfeld/Josephson Worldwide Entertainment
- Production Countries: United States of America
Big Trouble - Plot
The story of how a mysterious suitcase brings together, and changes, the lives of a divorced dad, an unhappy housewife, two hitmen, a pair of street thugs, two love struck teens, two FBI men and a psychedelic toad. Based on Pulitzer Prize-winning humorist Dave Barry's best-selling first novel, "Big Trouble."
Big Trouble - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the chaos unfold:
They have forty-five minutes to save the world. They need forty-six.
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Big Trouble - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Barry Sonnenfeld
Main Cast
- Tim Allen
- Rene Russo
- Ben Foster
- Jason Lee
- Stanley Tucci
- Dennis Farina
- Zooey Deschanel
- Janeane Garofalo
- Sofía Vergara
- Tom Sizemore
Writers
- Robert Ramsey
- Matthew Stone
Producers
- Barry Sonnenfeld
- Barry Josephson
- Tom Jacobson
Big Trouble - FAQs
What is Big Trouble (2002) about?
Big Trouble is a madcap crime comedy based on Dave Barry's bestselling novel. It follows a divorced dad, an unhappy housewife, two hitmen, a pair of street thugs, two lovestruck teens, and two FBI agents whose lives all collide around a mysterious suitcase — plus one unforgettable psychedelic toad.
Is Big Trouble based on a true story or a book?
Big Trouble is adapted from the debut novel of the same name by Pulitzer Prize-winning humorist Dave Barry. Published in 1999, the book is a satirical crime romp set in Miami, and the film stays true to its chaotic, comedic spirit while bringing Barry's colorful cast of characters to life.
Where can you stream or watch Big Trouble?
You can rent or buy Big Trouble on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It's also available to watch for free on Hoopla, making it easy to catch this comedy without spending a dime.
Why did Big Trouble flop so badly at the box office?
Big Trouble had the misfortune of opening on April 5, 2002 — originally scheduled for September 2001, its release was delayed after the 9/11 attacks due to a plot involving a suitcase bomb on an airplane. The delay disrupted marketing momentum, and the film earned just $8.5 million against a $40 million budget.
Who are the main actors in Big Trouble?
The film boasts a wonderfully stacked ensemble: Tim Allen plays divorced dad Eliot Arnold, Rene Russo is the unhappy housewife Anna Herk, and Stanley Tucci plays her obnoxious husband Arthur. The cast also includes Jason Lee, Dennis Farina, Zooey Deschanel, Janeane Garofalo, Sofía Vergara, and Tom Sizemore.
Why was Big Trouble's release delayed from September 2001?
The film was originally set to open in September 2001, but Touchstone Pictures pulled it from the schedule following the September 11 attacks. A key plot element involves smuggling a suitcase bomb onto a commercial airplane, which studio executives felt was too sensitive to release in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy.
Is Big Trouble worth watching today?
If you enjoy fast-paced ensemble comedies in the vein of Get Shorty or Ruthless People, Big Trouble is a breezy, underrated watch. Its 85-minute runtime flies by, the cast is genuinely funny, and Barry Sonnenfeld's snappy direction keeps the chaos entertaining. It's a cult gem that deserved a better theatrical fate.
Who directed Big Trouble and what else have they made?
Barry Sonnenfeld directed Big Trouble, bringing his trademark offbeat comedic style to the project. He's best known for the Men in Black trilogy and Get Shorty — both similarly irreverent, ensemble-driven comedies. His knack for juggling large casts and absurdist plots makes him a natural fit for Dave Barry's chaotic story.
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