Special Review
This review was requested by Discord user Quantum Frankie Theory. If you'd like to join the server, click the button below. Visit DiscordIn 1989, Detroit-based rappers Violent J (Joseph Bruce) and Shaggy 2 Dope (Joseph Utsler) formed the rap duo, JJ Boys. While initially not interested in a serious music career, they decided to take it further by signing with Psychopathic Records. They released their first EP in 1991 under the name Inner City Posse, though they couldn’t get much airtime. Around 1991, the group decided to change their name to Insane Clown Posse, don clown face paint, and make history. Despite their naysayers, the duo has earned two platinum and five gold albums, and even have their own cult fanbase. With their success, they decided to try filmmaking, starting with 2000’s Big Money Hustlas, a send-up of 70s Blaxploitation films. Years later, they decided to make another film, this time a send-up of Westerns and similar comedies, particularly Blazing Saddles. So, in 2010, ICP released their follow-up film, Big Money Rustlas.
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Rating
Synopsis
In the small town of Mudbug, the ruthless gambling tycoon Big Baby Chips (Violent J) has taken over. He and his henchmen Raw Stank (Jamie Madrox) and Dusty Poot (Monoxide) walk over everyone and crush anyone opposing them. One day, the outlaw Sugar Wolf (Shaggy 2 Dope) rides in and is distraught over what’s become of his hometown. His mother (Cindie Haynie) explains that while Wolf was away, his father (Ron Jeremy) and his brothers were gunned down. Determined to change things, Wolf decides to become the new sheriff, hiring town local Bucky (Jason Mewes) as his deputy. The gang gets word of this and decides to send out some of their top assassins to kill Wolf. Though he’s able to make quick work of them, Wolf loses his shooting hand, and Bucky gets killed. Will Wolf be able to save the town, or will Chips take him down?
Review
Going into this movie, I had little to no expectations, especially since I hadn’t heard any of their music before. With that in mind, I will say that Big Money Rustlas was decent at best, but unremarkable at worst. Acting-wise, everyone does a fine enough job, though some performances are so over-the-top, they border on slightly annoying. Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope do their jobs well, but Jamie Madrox and Monoxide, in particular, were irritating. As for the comedy, sadly many of the jokes fall flat, either being too predictable or vulgar for vulgarity’s sake. Admittedly, there were a few jokes that made me chuckle, so I have to give it credit for that. Also, while the movie is clearly low-budget, there’s some decent cinematography, and the Western town doesn’t look half bad. You can tell that there was plenty of effort put into this film.
In addition to Jason Mewes and Ron Jeremy, there are appearances from Dustin “Screech” Diamond, Bridget Powers, and Tom Sizemore. While Diamond and Powers are having some fun, it feels like Sizemore is slumming it, which is slightly depressing. Going back to the comedy, some of the more offensive humor hasn’t aged well, particularly some gay and racial humor. While I enjoy plenty of off-color jokes and politically-incorrect humor, these jokes are weak and among the film’s worst jokes. Obviously, this movie isn’t trying to say something deep or have a lasting impact, but it’s just some disposable entertainment. While this hasn’t converted me to being a Juggalo (fan of ICP), I’m sure fans of ICP will enjoy this. Though I don’t regret watching this and somewhat enjoyed it, I can only recommend this if you have some drinks. Overall, Big Money Rustlas has its moments but isn’t for everyone.
Buy Big Money Rustlas from Amazon: https://amzn.to/30R410z
