IMDb 6.1 1998 HD

The Big Hit

The Big Hit

1998
Action Adventure Comedy Crime Thriller
91 min R USA
6 / 10
6.1 IMDB

Affable hit man Melvin Smiley is constantly being scammed by his cutthroat colleagues in the life-ending business. So, when he and his fellow assassins kidnap the daughter of…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Kirk Wong Chi-Keung
Starring
Mark Wahlberg / Lou Diamond Phillips / Christina Applegate / China Chow / Avery Brooks / Antonio Sabàto / Bokeem Woodbine / Elliott Gould

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

quirky chaotic dark humour engaging uneven violent charming convoluted entertaining offbeat memorable sympathetic

Reviews

C
Chloe Beaumont
May 13, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

Mark Wahlberg shines in 'The Big Hit' as Melvin Smiley, a hitman who embodies the reluctant professional navigating a world of cutthroat colleagues and dangerous jobs. The film's strength lies in its darkly comedic take on the assassin…

S
Samuel Davies
May 13, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

In 'The Big Hit,' Mark Wahlberg stars as Melvin Smiley, a hitman whose life is a constant struggle against his own morally ambiguous profession and the treachery of his associates. The film attempts a delicate balancing act between…

I
Isabelle Moreau
May 13, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

A wonderfully anarchic and surprisingly heartfelt crime comedy, 'The Big Hit' is a film that deserves more recognition. Mark Wahlberg is perfectly cast as Melvin Smiley, a hitman burdened by his own decency and the ruthless incompetence of…

J
Jasper Finch
May 13, 2026
2.5 / 5
2.5

This is a film that clearly aims for a blend of stylish violence and quirky humour, but doesn't quite hit the mark consistently. Mark Wahlberg's portrayal of Melvin Smiley, a hit man out of his depth, is serviceable,…

E
Eleanor Vance
May 13, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

Mark Wahlberg anchors 'The Big Hit' as Melvin Smiley, a hit man whose affability is his greatest asset and his most significant liability. The film, directed with a keen eye for chaotic energy, thrives on its darkly comedic…

FAQs

The kidnapping of the electronics mogul's daughter is the inciting incident that escalates Melvin Smiley's troubles. This act, orchestrated by his colleagues, becomes particularly dangerous because the girl is the goddaughter of the gang's formidable crime boss. This connection ensures severe repercussions, placing Melvin squarely in the crosshairs and forcing him to navigate a high-stakes situation where he is made the scapegoat.