🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Craig Moss
- Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller, Comedy
- Release year: 2012
- Runtime (length): 1h 30min
- IMDb rating: 5.5/10 (20K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 0% (Rotten Tomatoes)
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Vietnam vet gets internet famous for bus brawl, then gets mad his friend died and solves a conspiracy by beating people up and driving a bus real good.
🍿 Bad Ass: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction to Frank Vega
Frank Vega, a Vietnam War veteran, returns home to a society that doesn’t appreciate his service. He struggles to find work and connect with his former sweetheart. Years later, he’s running a hot dog stand, seemingly resigned to a quiet life.

The Bus Incident and Viral Fame
An incident on a city bus changes everything. Frank defends an elderly man from attackers, and a video of the event goes viral. Dubbed ‘Bad Ass’ by the public, he becomes a local hero, finally finding the recognition he craved. This newfound fame, however, is short-lived.

Klondike’s Murder and Frank’s Vengeance
Frank’s best friend, Klondike, is murdered. When the police show little interest in solving the crime, Frank decides to take matters into his own hands. He embarks on a quest for vengeance, using his street smarts and combat skills to uncover the truth behind Klondike’s death.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Frank (Danny Trejo): A Vietnam veteran, known as Bad Ass, takes the law into his own hands after his best friend is murdered and the police do nothing.
- Panther (Charles S. Dutton): The Mayor’s enforcer, Panther, is a dangerous man who is tasked with stopping Frank’s vigilante justice.
- Mayor Williams (Ron Perlman): A corrupt mayor, Williams is threatened when Frank uncovers evidence of his involvement with a local street gang.
- Klondike (Harrison Page): Frank’s best friend, Klondike, is murdered, setting off Frank’s quest for revenge.
- Amber Lamps (Joyful Drake): Frank’s neighbor, Amber, becomes his love interest and is a single mother.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Mayor Williams: “And enough with the long text messages. What’s up with those fucking happy faces. I hate that shit.” – The Mayor expresses his frustration with modern communication while revealing his abrasive personality.
- Frank: “You killed my best friend, how do you want to die?” – Frank confronts a henchman in a moment of retribution, setting the tone for his vigilante actions.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $3,000,000 (estimated)
- Domestic Gross: $93,790
- Worldwide Gross: $115,344
💥 Bad Ass Reviews
Personal Review
Honestly, I went in expecting a ridiculous B-movie, and that’s mostly what I got. Danny Trejo is always watchable, and seeing him take on corrupt politicians was fun, even if the plot was a bit silly. The bus chase was over-the-top, but that’s part of the charm, right? It was a fun way to waste an evening.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Danny Trejo”
- “Viewers who enjoy low-budget action films”
- “Those interested in vigilante stories”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Violence”
- “Strong language”
- “Some drug use”
Professional Reviews
- FilmPulse.net: “Bad Ass is an incredulous piece of nonsensical film-making, unsure if it is a spoof or a revenge exploitation film. It’s a shame, because maybe there really is a story to be told about an altercation on a public bus and the men involved, but this bypasses that.
- IMDb: “BadAss is way more serious of a film then you’re led to believe. This film has more in common with Marlowe’s film noire dramas than with Death Wish – you will be pleasantly surprised at the amount of content this film has. Great supporting characters, many scenes are so real you can smell the sweat.
- IMDb: “This movie is a cheap ripoff of Tarantino and Rodriguez. But they used Danny Trejo in some of their films. So this is just a cheap attempt to capitalize on the name recognition by some other parties. What you end up with is some low budget film that pretty much sucks any way you look at it.
Audience Reactions
Trejo is great, a cool bus theme and entertaining!: Viewers appreciated the fun, over-the-top action and Danny Trejo’s charismatic performance as the ‘Bad Ass’.
Overall Consensus: A fun, if somewhat cheesy, action film that is worth a watch for Danny Trejo fans.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film is loosely based on a real incident involving an elderly man on a bus who defended himself against an attacker, becoming a viral sensation.”
- “The bus chase scene incorporates digitally altered footage from the film ‘Red Heat’ (1988).”
🖥️ How to Watch Bad Ass?
Bad Ass is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. Check Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and other major digital retailers for streaming options. You can also rent or buy the movie on these platforms. Availability may vary depending on your region.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Bad Ass, you might like these similar films:
- Gran Torino (2008): An elderly veteran takes matters into his own hands to protect his neighborhood.
- Death Wish (1974): A man becomes a vigilante after a personal tragedy, seeking revenge on criminals.
- Machete (2010): Danny Trejo in a similar action role, embracing a grindhouse style with over-the-top violence.
- Harry Brown (2009): An elderly man, failed by the system, takes the law into his own hands to clean up his neighborhood.
🛒 Bad Ass Related Products
- Bad Ass (Blu-ray): Own the Bad Ass movie in high-definition Blu-ray quality. This is a perfect addition to any Danny Trejo fan’s collection, and you can watch him be Bad Ass any time!
- Danny Trejo Signed Machete Kills Movie Poster: A rare autographed poster of Machete Kills featuring Danny Trejo. Authenticated and ready to display. A unique piece of memorabilia for collectors.
- Digital Comic Book – ‘Bad Ass: The Prequel’: A digital comic book that explores the backstory of Frank Vega before the events of the film. Uncover his Vietnam experiences and the events that shaped him into the ‘Bad Ass’.
- Funko Pop! Movies: Bad Ass – Frank Vega: A Funko Pop figure of Frank Vega from the movie Bad Ass, complete with his signature look. Add this collectible to your Funko Pop collection. Makes a great gift!
🎧 Soundtrack
Bad Ass features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Bad Ass is inspired by a real-life incident where an elderly man defended himself on a bus. However, the film takes significant liberties with the story and adds fictional elements, particularly regarding the murder plot and political corruption.
Bad Ass was primarily filmed in Los Angeles, California. The film showcases various locations throughout the city, adding to its gritty and realistic atmosphere.
As of now, there are no confirmed plans for a Bad Ass 4. The franchise consists of three films: Bad Ass, Bad Ass 2: Bad Asses, and Bad Ass 3: Bad Asses on the Bayou.
🔥 Bonus Content
KICK-ASS is Kick Ass (Video Essay)
Ever wonder what made Kick-Ass such a hit? This video essay breaks down why the movie works so well, and honestly, it’s a pretty insightful look at a modern action classic!
Thugs Constantly Harassed Wife Of This Plumber, Unaware He’s A Badass Hitman Called The Gravedigger
Check out this movie recap about a seemingly ordinary plumber with a secret identity! It’s a wild ride, and you’ll be hooked to see how he takes down the bad guys.
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