If you have been a fan of Arliss Howard through all those mediocre roles, through all the small glimpses of brilliance that he NEVER fails to show....well your patience has been rewarded. In 'Big Bad Love', Mr. Howard finally gets his chance to shine. He directs, he writes and most of all, he shows what a excellent actor he can be if given the proper role. This movie is a bit Streetcar Named Desire, a little Rocky with just a touch of Fellinnized Tender Mercies thrown in just to keep you confused. Like Tender Mercies, this movie is a quiet tale of an artist's redemption but instead of having to endure Betty Buckley, we get the added bonus of Debra Winger's triumphant return to the big screen. Go see....pay full price.