REVIEW: Kris Hallesy and Matthew Aird — Big Blue — A Fishy Tale (FILM)
Big Blue (also known as Big Blue — A Fishy Tale) isn’t just a movie; it’s an adventure that sweeps you off your feet, makes you laugh until your stomach hurts, and leaves you wondering how something so absurd can feel so heartwarming. Written and directed by Kris Hallesy and Matthew Aird, who also stars in the film, this story of friendship, nostalgia, and one seriously elusive fish is the perfect combination of humor and heart.
The plot centers around two lifelong friends, Billy and Jesse — aka the ultimate bromance goals. Billy, played by Verne Graham, is a guy with a singular obsession: catching Big Blue, a fish that has been haunting his childhood memories like some kind of scaly nightmare. And Jesse, portrayed by Aird with the perfect mix of laid-back cool and comedic charm, is right there by his side, ready to embark on the ridiculous quest to finally bring Billy’s fish nemesis to justice. From the moment the movie begins, you can feel the chemistry between these two. It’s not just acting; these guys genuinely vibe like best friends who’ve been through everything together, including things that probably shouldn’t be spoken of in public.
And let’s be real — this movie is all about the vibes. The story doesn’t take itself too seriously (which is good, because it’s about a dude trying to outsmart a fish), and that’s exactly what makes it so enjoyable. You know how sometimes life feels like one big, confusing, hilarious mess? That’s exactly what happens here, and you can’t help but laugh along as Billy and Jesse stumble through their fishing trip, encountering one bizarre situation after another. There are moments that feel like you’re reading a fairytale, but, you know, the kind of fairytale where the heroes drink cold beers by a campfire and exchange banter about who can catch the bigger fish. This is a story that’s more about the journey than the destination.
Speaking of the journey, we have to talk about the soundtrack. It’s as if the music in this film was plucked straight from a playlist made by the cool friend who always knows what bands are about to blow up. From Vicious Kitty (yes, you read that right) to The Jam Band, the soundtrack pulses with rebellious energy, giving the film a raw, electric edge. When you hear songs like “Treat Me Right” by Vicious Kitty and “Cow Trippin’” by Matthew Aird and The Jam Band, you just know that these guys had so much fun creating this soundtrack. The music is loud, unapologetic, and totally fits the freewheeling spirit of Billy and Jesse’s wild adventure.
But here’s the thing: Big Blue isn’t some perfectly polished Hollywood blockbuster. It’s rough around the edges, like the film equivalent of a pair of worn-out jeans that you refuse to throw away because they’re so dang comfortable. The cinematography might not blow your mind, and there are moments where you’re like, “Wait, what’s happening?” But that rawness is what makes it feel so authentic. It’s not about perfection. It’s about passion, and the love that Hallesy and Aird poured into making this film shines through in every scene. This isn’t a movie you watch to pick apart the details — it’s one you watch because it makes you laugh, it makes you feel, and it reminds you that the best stories are often the ones that don’t make complete sense.
In the end, Big Blue isn’t just about a fish (though, seriously, that fish is iconic). It’s about chasing your dreams, no matter how absurd they are. It’s about facing the things that scared you as a kid, even if that thing is a massive fish with more attitude than a middle-schooler. And most of all, it’s about the people who stick by your side, through all the highs, lows, and utterly ridiculous detours of life. By the time the credits roll, you’ll be laughing, possibly tearing up, and you might just find yourself wanting to call your best friend to plan an adventure of your own — even if it’s something as simple as going on a fishing trip.
Because, really, isn’t that what life’s all about? The people who are there for every twist, turn, and misstep. And in Big Blue, Billy and Jesse’s friendship is what makes the whole crazy, chaotic journey worth it.
Colin Jordan
