drjgardner
*** This review may contain spoilers ***For people who don't get it, here are some possible interpretations –The cowboy is rounding up lost souls. That's what John Person (Jon Favreau) is at the start of the film and that's what Ruthie (Rachel Leigh Cook) is at the end. In fact, Ruthie is even more lost than John which is why she goes and he doesn't.The suitcase has size 11 shoes, obviously not meant for Ruthie but for John. At the film's end when John is bowling we see his size 11 bowling shoes, confirming that the suitcase was meant for him.The suitcase is what all lost souls carry. It's what the dozen lost souls at the end carry.Neely (Bud Cort) works for the aliens and he does the research on who is lost and who isn't. That's why he has a dossier on John.Dan (Brent Briscoe) warns John that the aliens take people's sperm through their neck. Near the end of the film John has a bandage on his neck, and in his final appearance we see that the FBI agent (Kelsey Grammar) also has the bandage.The point of the film is that life is short and worth living and you shouldn't waste it. Ruthie tells this to John and John tells it to Ruthie.Through the experience John finds meaning in life through his relationship to Grace (Joey Lauren Adams), and once he does this, his life takes a turn. He's now got a job as a second lead and he can throw strikes.You may or may not like the film, but it's not that hard to understand the symbolism.
klh_skyenet
I appreciated almost everything about this film; the cinematography, the direction the soundtrack etc. If I had to name one specific aspect of the project that seemed to stand out, it would be Jon Gries' portrayal of Elron; his (Gries') performance was phenomenal!The negative points of this movie could be more quickly stated than the positives because, in my opinion, there are very few negatives associated with this film. I enjoy movies where there is a little room for interpretation as a result of the use of symbolism. The symbolism is not so complex that it makes the movie confusing, it just gives the viewers something to discuss after viewing this title. "The Big Empty" is a keeper! I have watched it several times and find something new with each viewing!So, if you get a chance, buy, rent or borrow this film then sit back, watch, discuss and enjoy!! 8/10
Bruce Coulson
The movie is quirky; if you prefer straight-forward action adventure plots, comedies, or social commentary, you'll soon be lost. The Big Empty leaves a lot to the viewer; in the end, it's up to the audience to determine exactly what happened, and why. John Favreau is sent on a journey that, like many things in life, takes him places he never expected. The cast makes all of the eccentric characters believable, and somehow you forget that it's 'just a movie'. Lots of interesting plot twists that all make sense in the end. Is it science fiction, fantasy, film noir conspiracy? Well, The Big Empty is all of those; and more. Or maybe none of those; like I said, the audience gets to decide. The DVD includes deleted scenes, director's commentary, and several other extras. The soundtrack by Brian Tyler is almost good enough to justify the entire movie. The Big Empty may not be a film that makes a lot of money, but it's clear it was a lot of fun to make.
Raidrone
I enjoyed The Big Empty; it has an excellent cast and has a story that develops over the course of the movie. Jon Favreau, Rachel Leigh Cook, Sean Bean, John Gries, Kelsey Grammar, Gary Farmer, and one mystery actor (whose name you'll recognize in the credits but you have to go back to find them). You'll have to watch this movie twice to finally pick up on the clues of what's really happening before your eyes: lots of clues. The director's comments are especially important on how the film was made and how this excellent cast was put together. Rachel Leigh Cook steals every scene she's in: could be the most beautiful actress in Hollywood!!!!!
AD
