Advanced Search Beta »
Basic Search Fields
The Big Empty
The Big Empty Image
See the trailer
Metascore
  1. First Review
  2. Second Review
  3. Third Review
  4. Fourth Review

No score yet - based on 3 Critics Awaiting 1 more review What's this?

User Score
7.3 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 10 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
Rate this:

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Kevin Thomas
    70
    Has a seductive easiness (which may not be for everyone, but it works), a laid-back yet ever-so-slightly portentous score and a wonderful sense of place.
  2. L.A. Weekly
    Reviewed by: Chuck Wilson
    50
    More amiable than laugh-out-loud funny, the film pokes along, buoyed by the motel's bright Hawaiian color scheme, and a moonlit desert finale that's awfully pretty.
  3. Variety
    Reviewed by: Robert Koehler
    40
    Hobbled by uninspired stabs at cleverness and surreal narrative curlicues, The Big Empty goes nowhere, replete with a question mark of an ending that isn't worth answering.

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 8
  3. Negative: 2 out of 8
  1. StellaT.
    10
    We have all the tools that indicate whether or not any "Person"(John)is ready for the big book of Alcoholics Anonymous, and the ever fearful looking "cowboy" who delivers the message to those who are willing to go to any length to get it. Bob the Indian, one of AA's co founders, The "RUTH" lessness of alcohol and two stepping from an unknown origin. And when awakening to nothing once again, having only "GRACE" (of one's higher power) to ever be saved and the 12 steps to be placed in order once again. Randy is self will run riot, and is the unfortunates-symbolism of constant regression and relapse. Dan and L. Ron (Hubbard)are just oddities mixed in. If you never looked, and simply passed by the trucker town, you would never see what could actually save you and help your "road" of destiny not be travelled so rough, as Bob put it. Many other symbols, but this essentially grasps-in a dark humor, and wonderful way, if you are brave enough to change your life by standing in the middle of no where, powerless, and being patient.… Expand
    • 1 of 1 users said yes
  2. OneWhoKnows
    10
    As some previously written reviews put forth... Those that would deny the greatness of this movie need to be handed simplistic plots and fed overbearingly bland characters and finalizing with endings the MIGHT be able to understand. Oh by the way this movie is supposed to make you THINK, so if this is something you are unable to do- go watch Napoleon Dynamite (that would be your level).… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. PatC.
    4
    Semi-compelling as it inevitably sweepson to its pointless conclusion.
    • 0 of 2 users said yes

See all 8 User Reviews

Trailers