Big Money Hustlas (2002)reviewed by Benn "Where's the Humanity?" Farrell
"Big Money Hustlas" is about a town riddled with crime, organized by Big Baby Sweets, played by Violent J (ICP); however, his days of crime are threatened as the local police force gains a new member, Sugar Bear, played by Shaggy 2 Dope (ICP). Sugar Bear is this 1970's throw back cop who speaks in rhymes and drives this decked out Cadillac. The picture is a spoof of many 70's exploit supercop films, like "Shaft," but with the same sense of humor expressed in any of ICP's song lyrics. The picture has a few very funny moments, but for the most part, and especially for non-ICP fans, the humor of the material is crude and painful. Director John Cafiero (Ramones Raw) did a horrible job pacing this picture. There are SO many gags overworked and SO many shots run too long before editing away. PLUS, there was nearly NO coverage to the film's visual style, and the coverage there was had continuity errors all over it. I think if this production somehow got Jerry Zucker (The Naked Gun) or Jim Abrahams (Hot Shots!) to direct it, it may have been 100 times funnier, but I don't imagine ICP having the budget to afford them. I'm sure Cafiero is just one of their juggalo friends; they found him walking down the street with a 2-liter stuck in his butt cheeks. The only thing really fun about this movie is the cameos. The picture has Harlan Williams (Rocketman) in a supporting role, as well as the Jerky Boys - John and Khamal. Legendary pro-wrestler Mick Foley also makes a cameo in one scene to beat the crap out of 2 Dope. Rudy Ray Moore reprises his infamous role as Dolemite, but at one point in the movie, he leaves, telling Shags, "You don't pay me enough to be in the rest of the movie, mother-f**ker!" Funny. For those who are fans of the novelty rap group Twisted, both Monoxide Child and Jamie Madrox have roles in the movie as Baby Sweets' henchmen. Overall, I like this movie. It cracks me up to no end, but I cannot defend it. It's poorly made and poorly acted. I'm a fan of ICP's musical humor, but as a filmmaker, this picture makes me squirm at some scenes. Check it out at your own risk, IF you can find a copy still. Benn - Where's the Humanity?
You definitely have to like the Insane Clown Posse to even remotely enjoy this picture. I know what you're thinking, "This isn't a challenge review from Brian?" No. In fact, some of us actually own this movie on VHS...cough, cough, Scott, cough.