Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

Big Bad Mama II Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf July 12, 2021

There was a sense of finality to 1974’s “Big Bad Mama.” And then the feature made some sizable money for producer Roger Corman, inspiring him to attempt a sequel 13 years later, with “Big Bad Mama II” bringing back star Angie Dickinson for another round of Depression-era mayhem. The divide in time between the movies is substantial, which is why Corman orders up more of a remake for “Big Bad Mama II,” which tweaks the original plot to handle different dramatic interests for the do-over, though co-writer/director Jim Wynorski is smart to keep his cameras trained on Dickinson for most of the endeavor, who provides another spirited performance as Wilma returns to power, and definitely not as a ghost.

Wilma’s misery is bluntly introduced for “Big Bad Mama II,” with the writing quickly dispatching her husband, offering a clear motivation for the character to seek revenge on the evil banker who ordered him killed. The rest of the picture is much like “Big Bad Mama,” following Wilma and her daughters, Billie Jean (Danielle Brisebois) and Polly (Julie McCullough), as they make their way around Texas, collecting cash from assorted robberies. Wynorski is aware he doesn’t have much time for dramatics, filling the feature with gunplay and car chases, and when the hard stuff doesn’t hit, he moves over to sexploitation interests, going out of his way to catch the younger characters in vulnerable situations.

Big Bad Mama II Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation delivers an enjoyable viewing experience for "Big Bad Mama II." Colors are bright and compelling, with primaries commanding, especially with deep red costumes and interior decoration. Blonde hair is striking, and skintones are natural. Greenery is consistent. Detail preserves facial particulars, dealing with a good mix of older and younger actors. Locations are dimensional, visiting rural locations and small communities. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is heavy but film-like. Source is in good condition, with some mild speckling.

Big Bad Mama II Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix provides a clear listen event, finding dialogue exchange crisp and emotive, only periodically competing with boisterous public gatherings. Scoring cues are sharp with strong instrumentation, balanced well with performances. Sound effects are alert, with snappy gunfire and heavier explosions.

Big Bad Mama II Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features co-writer/director Jim Wynorski.

• Interview (2:33, SD) features producer Roger Corman, who sits down with film critic Leonard Maltin to briefly discuss "Big Bad Mama II." In fact, the pair have extraordinarily little to share about the sequel, with the footage mostly recycled from the interview session on the "Big Bad Mama" release. Some new information about shooting action sequences is offered, and Corman examines his producer experience, reaching a place in his career where he doesn't have to be on-set anymore.

• Interview (9:46, SD) with actor Bruce Glover details his early entrance into acting, accepting work in a gorilla suit for a stripper act, using this experience to make his way to Hollywood. He also mentions advice about eyebrow control that helped him develop his craft. The interviewee talks about his time with director Jim Wynorski, who was a fan of the actor from his "Walking Tall" turn, eager to add him to the "Big Bad Mama II" cast. Co-stars are remembered as well.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:31, HD) is included.

Big Bad Mama II Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Helping the thespian cause is Robert Culp, who plays a newspaper reporter caught up in Wilma's story, and soon, her sheets. He's a nice addition to the cast, and villainy is broadly defined by Bruce Glover. However, "Big Bad Mama II" is most comfortable with Dickinson, who isn't as invested in the material as she previously was, but still provides an appealingly commanding performance, looking more comfortable with one-liners and weapons as Wilma steamrolls through towns on the hunt for justice. "Big Bad Mama II" tries to be more socially conscious, assessing the financial and political predators of the 1930s, adding them to the kill list, but it tends to be more engaging as a blunt instrument of cheap thrills, returning Dickinson to one of her more vivid roles.