Directed by

Philip Zlotorynski
Made by

Anchor Bay Entertainment
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Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for My Big Fat Independent Movie (2005). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
The film opens with a profoundly unsettling scene where a black man is seen exerting force upon a white man who suffers from a debilitating condition that causes his memories to fade after just a few minutes. As the story unfolds, we meet Sam (Neil Barton) and Harvey (Eric Hoffman), two loquacious hitmen who mistakenly identify Johnny Vince (Darren Keefe), a charming swing enthusiast, and Memento Guy (Brian Krow), a musician with a talent for the trombone, as the third member of their crew. They’ve been sent by their ruthless crime lord to carry out a heist in Las Vegas that is nothing short of disastrous.
Their treacherous journey takes an unexpected turn when they capture Julianne (Paget Brewster), a beautiful yet troubled cashier, who will irrevocably change the course of their bleak lives. As the four of them navigate this chaotic landscape, they encounter a colorful cast of characters echoing the essence of classic independent films. Among the vibrant personalities are a shaven genius, a forgetful thug, a jogging redhead, a young woman bound and gagged, and a group of rabbis on a poignant quest.
They also cross paths with various remarkable figures, such as the enthusiastic Project Greenlight’s Pete Jones, a deranged mechanic impeccably dressed and portrayed by Clint Howard, a raucous answering machine played by Jason Mewes, and a naïve mariachi. Adding to the humor, there’s an obnoxious, practical-joking French girl consumed by romantic folly, alongside a memorable cameo from Pauly Shore. This eclectic mix of characters enhances the wild ride of misadventures and unexpected encounters that define their journey, propelling them through a vibrant, chaotic narrative filled with surprises at every turn.
Follow the complete movie timeline of My Big Fat Independent Movie (2005) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
The Disturbing Encounter
The film opens with a startling and unsettling scene featuring a black man overpowering a white man suffering from a memory-impairing condition. This initial moment sets the tone for the unpredictable events to follow, as it showcases a stark contrast in power and vulnerability.
Mismatched Hitmen
We are introduced to Sam and Harvey, two chatty hitmen who misidentify their target. Instead of the intended third member of their crew, they mistakenly assume Johnny Vince and Memento Guy are the people they need for their job, highlighting the theme of confusion that runs throughout the narrative.
The Heist in Las Vegas
Tasked by their ruthless crime lord, the duo embarks on a heist in Las Vegas that quickly spirals out of control. Despite their bravado and attempts to plan, the chaos of the city and their poor preparations lead to disastrous consequences.
The Capture of Julianne
Their journey takes an unexpected turn when they capture Julianne, a troubled cashier who soon becomes central to the story. Her beauty and complexity add layers to the dynamics between the characters, impacting their decisions and relationships moving forward.
Unexpected Characters
As they navigate this chaotic landscape, the group encounters a vibrant cast of characters. Each individual they meet, from a forgetful thug to a jogging redhead, adds a unique twist to their misadventures, enriching the narrative with humorous and poignant moments.
Pete Jones' Enthusiasm
In a twist of fate, they come across Pete Jones, a representative from Project Greenlight. His enthusiastic demeanor and ambition serve as a humorous counterpoint to the hitmen's grim task, blending themes of creativity and absurdity.
The Deranged Mechanic
The crew encounters a deranged mechanic, impeccably portrayed by Clint Howard, who adds an eccentric dimension to the storyline. His bizarre interactions leave both the characters and the audience questioning his sanity, contributing to the film’s offbeat humor.
Humor Through the Raucous Machine
A hilarious sequence unfolds featuring a raucous answering machine brought to life by Jason Mewes. This comedic moment serves as a refreshing break in the film's tension, showcasing the interplay between humor and the dire situations the characters find themselves in.
The Naïve Mariachi
They also meet a naïve mariachi who adds to the film's vibrant fabric of characters. His innocence and enthusiasm contrast sharply with the hitmen's dark intentions, creating comedic tension and surprising interactions.
The Practical-Joking French Girl
An obnoxious French girl, consumed by her own romantic follies, injects a different kind of humor into the narrative. Her practical jokes and over-the-top antics both annoy and amuse the main characters, further complicating their journey.
Gagged and Bound Young Woman
In a particularly absurd moment, the group encounters a young woman who is bound and gagged. This surreal event encapsulates the film's dark humor, blending shock with laughter as it highlights the unpredictability of their chaotic escapades.
Rabbis on a Quest
Among the colorful cast, a group of rabbis embarks on a serious yet poignant quest. Their earnestness in contrast to the chaos surrounding them provides a depth to the narrative, enriching the film's exploration of diverse human experiences.
The Final Turn of Events
As the plot thickens, the interactions and relationships among the main characters begin to unravel. With tensions rising and decisions becoming critical, the journey towards their heist leads them down an unforeseen path of self-discovery and chaos.
Confrontation with the Crime Lord
Eventually, the hitmen and Julianne are forced to confront their crime lord following the chaotic series of events. This climax serves as a pivotal moment, forcing them to reckon with their choices and the consequences of their actions throughout the journey.
Resolution and Reflection
The film concludes with the characters reflecting on their tumultuous journey together. Surrounded by the unforgettable and eccentric figures they met along the way, they come to terms with their lives and the unpredictable nature of fate in this wild narrative.
Explore all characters from My Big Fat Independent Movie (2005). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Sam (Neil Barton)
Sam is one of the loquacious hitmen, whose talkative nature often leads to hilariously awkward situations. He embodies the chaotic energy of the criminal world, showcasing a blend of humor and unpredictability in his actions.
Harvey (Eric Hoffman)
Harvey complements Sam with his other half of their comedic duo, demonstrating a blend of cunning and naivety. His interactions often reveal the absurdity of their situation as they navigate the consequences of their actions.
Julianne (Paget Brewster)
Julianne is a beautiful yet troubled cashier whose presence dramatically shifts the dynamics of the group. Her complexities reveal deeper themes of love and personal struggle throughout the chaotic adventure.
Johnny Vince (Darren Keefe)
Johnny Vince, the charming swing enthusiast, brings a light-heartedness to the group dynamics, contrasting with the darker aspects of their journey. His upbeat personality provides a refreshing counterpoint to the unfolding chaos.
Memento Guy (Brian Krow)
The Memento Guy is a musician skilled in the trombone, struggling with his forgetful nature. His character adds a layer of humor and melancholy, reflecting the film's exploration of memory and identity amid chaos.
Learn where and when My Big Fat Independent Movie (2005) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
The film's events unfold in a contemporary setting, reflecting the modern themes of crime and humor found in independent cinema. This time frame allows for a timely exploration of various social interactions and the absurdities of life, particularly within a city as dynamic as Las Vegas.
Location
Las Vegas
Las Vegas, known for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment, is a bustling city in Nevada famous for its casinos and lavish shows. The city attracts millions of tourists with its extravagant resorts and endless entertainment options, making it a prime setting for high-stakes adventures.
Discover the main themes in My Big Fat Independent Movie (2005). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Chaos
The film captures the chaotic essence of life's unpredictability through a series of misadventures and unforeseen outcomes. Characters find themselves in ridiculous scenarios that highlight the disorder found in both crime and relationships, showcasing how life can take unexpected turns.
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Love and Relationships
As the characters connect and clash, themes of love and romantic folly play a significant role. The romantic entanglements, especially involving Julianne, demonstrate how relationships can alter one's path in life, adding both complexity and humor to the narrative.
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Crime
Crime serves as a central theme, with the two hitmen's heist at the heart of the story. Their interactions with various eccentric characters illustrate the complexities of the criminal world, filled with absurdity, danger, and unexpected alliances.

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Discover the spoiler-free summary of My Big Fat Independent Movie (2005). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.
In a sun‑splashed version of the American Southwest, everyday routine collides with absurdity the moment strangers share a coffee shop line or a cramped back‑room rehearsal. The city teems with neon signs and dusty storefronts, a playground where indie‑film charm meets off‑beat comedy. Every corner feels like a stage set, and the air hums with the promise that something unexpected is always just a few steps away.
Sam and Harvey are the unlikely pair at the heart of this chaos: loquacious hitmen who navigate their line of work with a mix of dry wit and bizarre banter. Their world is suddenly brightened by the arrival of Johnny Vince, a swing‑loving enthusiast with a carefree grin, and Memento Guy, a trombone‑playing musician whose memory flickers like a broken reel. Together they form a makeshift crew that is as unpredictable as it is endearing, each character bringing a distinct rhythm to the group’s unplanned symphony. Then there’s Julianne, a striking cashier whose quiet turmoil hints at deeper stories beneath her poised exterior, and whose presence nudges the whole ensemble toward questions they’ve long avoided.
The film swims in a tone that balances dead‑pan humor with heartfelt wonder, leaning on rapid dialogue and an eclectic supporting cast that feels like a love letter to classic indie cinema. As these strangers swirl through cafés, rehearsal rooms, and neon‑lit streets, they find themselves drawn into a series of whimsical mishaps that challenge their self‑imposed definitions. The story hints at a journey of self‑discovery, where ordinary lives are suddenly laced with possibility, and where each character’s quirks become the very spark that may illuminate a new path forward.
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