Is Very Bad Things Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Very Bad Things is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 100 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Very Bad Things Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1998, Very Bad Things emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy, Crime, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Kyle Fisher has one last night to celebrate life as a single man before marrying Laura, so he sets out to Vegas with four of his best buddies. Unlike standard genre fare, Very Bad Things attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Very Bad Things features a noteworthy lineup led by Christian Slater . Supported by the likes of Cameron Diaz and Jon Favreau , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Very Bad Things (1998) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Very Bad Things Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Very Bad Things is a Comedy, Crime, Thriller film that brings laughter through clever writing and comedic timing, offering both entertainment and social commentary. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. Kyle Fisher has one last night to celebrate life as a single man before marrying Laura, so he sets out to Vegas with four of his best buddies. But a drug and alcohol filled night on the town with a stripper who goes all the way, turns into a cold night in the desert with shovels when the stripper goes all the way into a body bag after dying in their bathroom. And that's just the first of the bodies to pile up before Kyle can walk down the aisle... The film finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks and running gags that reward attentive viewers.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening establishes the comedic tone and introduces the central conflict through humor and character quirks.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together running gags and character arcs, delivering both laughs and emotional satisfaction.
Very Bad Things Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Very Bad Things concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Very Bad Things reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Very Bad Things Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Very Bad Things incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a comedy, crime, thriller film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Very Bad Things adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Very Bad Things?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Very Bad Things Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $30.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $9.9M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Very Bad Things Budget
The estimated production budget for Very Bad Things is $30.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Very Bad Things
- Christian Slater – Robert Boyd
- Cameron Diaz – Laura Garrety
- Jon Favreau – Kyle Fisher
- Leland Orser – Charles Moore
- Jeremy Piven – Michael Berkow
Top Highlights
Christian SlaterRobert Boyd
Cameron DiazLaura Garrety
Jon FavreauKyle Fisher
Leland OrserCharles Moore
Jeremy PivenMichael Berkow
Daniel SternAdam Berkow
Jeanne TripplehornLois Berkow
Rob BrownsteinMan
Blake GibbonsSuit
Tyler Cole MalingerTimmy Berkow
Where to Watch Very Bad Things Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Very Bad Things is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.3/10, and global collection metrics, Very Bad Things stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1998 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Very Bad Things movie hit or flop?
Very Bad Things has received mixed reviews with a 6.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Very Bad Things worth watching?
Very Bad Things is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Crime, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Very Bad Things online?
Very Bad Things may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How Very Bad Things Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Very Bad Things
This is a movie I saw many years ago, probably when it was first released on DVD, and if memory serves, I didn't like it all that much. Watching it again all these years later, and perhaps getting older helped me appreciate the dark (pitch black really) comedic elements. Found myself laughing so much. Christian Slater has never been better playing such a psychopath. Really good first film from Peter Berg. **3.75/5**
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
