Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Bad Ass’

Written by Scott Edwards

​There is nothing special about a person that is dubbed a hero. At least, that is what everyone that has been given that title says. Not being afraid to do something in a situation is what makes them stand out from the crowd and that is a quality that more of us could take note of. It does not matter what the situation is, but when people are being put in danger and one person is able to protect them, that is what makes them a hero in other people's eyes, but heroism can be something a small as picking up something that somebody dropped to helping a person across the street. There is no feat that is too small that will go unnoticed and even if it does not go viral on the internet, you can still show that you care about the people around you.

When Frank Vega returned home from fighting in Vietnam, he finds that his life plans have disappeared right in front of him. When looking up his high school sweetheart, he finds that she has moved on. When trying to find a job, he sees that nobody is willing to hire him for his lack of experience in the field. Feeling low on life, Frank is able to open a hot dog cart to make ends meet since his veteran’s paycheck does not cover the cost of living. But not being able to get with the times, Frank is stuck in the 70’s and is having problems moving into the current day.

While sitting on the bus, Frank sees two skinheads that are looking to start a problem with an old black man who is minding his own business. It is the wrong day to do this around Frank and he intervenes before the bus patron gets hurt. When the two white extremists try to challenge Frank, he beats them both down without a problem, but what Frank does not understand is that the people have been looking for a hero like that, someone who is not afraid to fight for what is right. Becoming an internet sensation, the public has called ‘Bad Ass’, Frank is now a star. As he cannot walk down the streets without being cheered on and going out on ride alongs with the cops, Frank is living his life the way he thinks it should be, but when his mother passes away, his life slowly starts to change.

While having his friend Klondike living with him in his mother’s house, Frank is introduced into the 21st century when his friend asks him to hide a flash drive for him. Not having a clue what the heck it is, Frank quickly has to move into the modern day to find out what happened when Klondike is gunned down in the street. Keeping track of what the cops are doing to find his friends killer, Frank comes to the decision that he will have to run his own investigation since they are moving too slowly for his liking. Using his military training while moving throughout the city looking for leads, Frank is also leaving a path of bodies in his wake and the cops are starting to take notice. Being asked to back off by a friendly officer, Frank will not stop until he finds out who is behind his friend's death, no matter how high up the trail might lead him.

Just a good old fashion tale of revenge with a character that can carry through with his promises. Frank is a very like-able character and everyone that he is not beating up seems to like to call him a friend. One of the best parts of Frank’s character is that he does not only want to make the guilty pay, he wants to make sure that the innocent are not being preyed upon as he demonstrates when it comes to his new neighbor Amber’s man troubles. It is overall a fun movie with many different aspects that all tie into the storyline very well and with an older guy fighting through the city, you are pulling for him to win, no matter the price. Happy Viewing.

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