Category Archives: Violent

2007, Car Chase, Crime, Disturbing Image, Drugs, Gangs, Mediocre, Mixed Martial Arts, Motorcycles, Prison, Revenge, Suspense, Violent

Bobby Z (2007)

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From NetFlix:

DEA agent Tad Gruzsa (Laurence Fishburne) offers jailed ex-Marine Tim Kearney (Paul Walker) a way out of his prison sentence: impersonate legendary surfer-dealer Bobby Z in a hostage switch with a Mexican drug lord. Kearney takes the bait, but the plan quickly goes awry. Soon, Kearney finds himself on the run — with Bobby’s 6-year-old son in tow. This fast-paced action thriller also stars Olivia Wilde and mixed martial arts champ Chuck Liddell.

One bag of popcorn is pretty much like every other bag of popcorn. Similarly, “Bobby Z” is chuck full of Mexican drug traffickers (Joaquim de Almeida, age 54 from Portugal, seems to be type-cast as the quintessential Mexican bad guy), nasty motorcycle gangs, crooked federal agents (Laurence Fishburne of current CSI television fame), mixed martial arts, beautiful women, and last but not least a young, handsome, male hero. Now, isn’t that a lot better than a bag of popcorn?

Paul Walker, our hero, IS the film. Former heroes of movies in the past were strong he-men completely sure of themselves. Lately the hero is a bit less confident. Walker (now a 38 year old Californian) doesn’t take himself too seriously, is willing to show a softer side, and has a sense of humor that makes the film a fun bag of popcorn. Does he really do all those action scenes, including fighting and mixed martial arts, on his own? In the films of today the fighting action is better and more realistic, which is to say that it fools me.

According to a Wikipedia entry: In an interview to the Portuguese channel SIC, Paul Walker called it a “bad movie”. Why not take a different point of view: You know in advance it is a B-film, so just sit back and watch the forgettable fun.

2010, British, Car Chase, Crime, Dark, Drugs, Gay theme, Grim, Love Story, Police Story, Revenge, Serial Killer, Suspense, Violent

Blitz (2010)

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From NetFlix:

With an insidious serial killer known as “the Blitz” on the loose in London, Detective Brant (Jason Statham) takes to the case while working out his own aggression issues with a police-appointed psychiatrist. But when he and his partner (Paddy Considine) eventually corner a suspect, they don’t have enough evidence to apprehend him. Elliott Lester directs this frenetic crime thriller based on a novel by Ken Bruen.

“Blitz” offers the usual Jason Statham, take it or leave it. Of course he takes the law into his own violent hands despite being a British policeman, that goes without saying. Perhaps there is some novelty in the fact that:

  • His police division is noted for rough irregularities. That division gets a new boss (Porter Nash is the character’s name) who is both highly qualified and gay. Whereas the other policemen dislike and deride Nash, Detective Brant (Statham) respects and works well with him. In fact …
  • Brant confides in Nash that he, Brant, suffers from blackouts which Nash correctly attributes to burnout.

Cat and mouse with the serial killer is intelligently written. Eventually the killer gets his due. So does the amoral journalist who seeks glory in cooperating with the killer.

But in the end, it is the usual Statham.

2006, Bullying, Car Chase, Child Molestation, Crime, Dark, Disturbing Image, Frenetic, Gangs, Grim, Kidnapping, Mayhem, Revenge, Sadism, Sex Scenes, Suspense, Violent

Running Scared (2006)

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From NetFlix:

Low-level mobster Joey Gazelle (Paul Walker) is tasked with disposing of a gun used to kill cops during a drug bust. But when it’s stolen by his son’s friend and used in another high-profile crime, Joey must find the gun quickly — or pay the ultimate price. Along the way, he’ll lock horns with the Russian mob and other dregs of society, which includes a corrupt police detective (Chazz Palminteri) who’s hot on his trail.

Excuse me, I am out of breath just watching this frenetic and ULTRA VIOLENT film that just never lets up for a moment. Just when you think some situation is going to work out well, whammo! an unexpected event occurs.

Hats off to Paul Walker (“Fast Five”, “Takers”, “The Lazarus Project” – yes there is a violent streak here) and Vera Farmiga (“Source Code”, “Higher Ground”, “Henry’s Crime” – a cut above). But special credit goes to 13 year old Cameron Bright as the much abused but brave child Oleg.

Expect to see some really ugly and evil characters. Bring a strong stomach with you.

2010, Car Chase, Clever Plot, Mayhem, Revenge, Suspense, Violent

Salt (2010)

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From NetFlix:

After she’s accused of being a Russian sleeper spy, rogue CIA agent Evelyn Salt (Angelina Jolie) goes on the run, using every tactic, accent and disguise she knows to elude her pursuers, clear her name and protect her husband. Her supervisor, Winter (Liev Schreiber), buys her story, while counterintelligence officer Peabody (Chiwetel Ejiofor) decidedly does not and will do anything to stop her in this fast-paced, intrigue-filled spy adventure.

When I started to watch Angelina Jolie (age 35 during filming, daughter of Jon Voight) prove she is still a kick-boxer, I groaned and thought I was not going to make it through all the mayhem. But for this film the story line is full of amazing twists and turns that I just could not predict. Try and write down in advance where you think the plot will lead and see how well you guessed. Then send me your results, especially if you even came close.

Violence is just lots (and lots!) of punching and shooting. Our Angelina pulls off physical stunts that are probably not humanly possible. But does it matter ? And is that cleft in her lower lip real? Even in her many disguises, there’s that telltale cleft !

Jolie and Schreiber are well known. Chiwetel Ejiofor (age 33 during filming, born of Nigerian parents in London) played Jonah Gabriel in the TV series “The Shadow Line”.

You will not be bored!

2011, Clever Plot, Disturbing Image, Drugs, Love Story, Suspense, Torture, Violent

Limitless (2011)

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From NetFlix:

With his writing career dragging and his girlfriend casting him off, Eddie Morra’s life turns around when he takes a drug that provides astonishing mental focus — but its deadly side effects threaten his future.

Seemingly slow at first, this imaginative and clever plot takes off and the suspense never ends. While the acting is nothing special, Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro are acceptable. But it is really the roller-coaster sequence of action scenes that make the film fun to watch. Without spoiling anything, you can expect separate situations for Cooper and for his girlfriend Abbie Cornish in which they are cornered by one or more of the “bad guys” and they swallow a pill containing NZT and “Shazam!” they escape with a wonderfully contrived solution.

Of course there is a lot of violence and some possibly disturbing scenes.

Although the ending seemed too good to be true, I really recommend this film as a fun few hours of escape.

2011, Ancient Rome, Corny, Military, Suspense, Violent

The Eagle (2011)

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From NetFlix:

Haunted by the disappearance of his father, who vanished with the Roman Ninth Legion on an expedition into the north of Britain, centurion Marcus Aquila (Channing Tatum) sets out to unravel the mystery and recover the legion’s eagle standard. But in the wilds of Caledonia, the soldier and his British slave (Jamie Bell) encounter fierce native tribes and other dangers. Kevin Macdonald directs this adaptation of Rosemary Sutcliff’s novel.

Corny at times, this B+ film is also nonetheless exciting at times. Concentrate on the story and its intent rather than expect great acting. Is it a clichéd plot when our hero Marcus is an idealistic young man fully invested in the notion of Roman honor while some of his noble superiors are cynics ? Afghanistan recruits versus Blackwater mercenaries ?

Compared physically with Channing Tatum, Jamie Bell seems almost diminutive. After awhile the weight of their characters even out.

And just who is this Jamie Bell ? Surprise! He was “Billy Elliott”. He was also the minister St. John Rivers in Jane Eyre (2011).

Lutorius is played by Denis O’Hare who is one of those actors you see everywhere but whose name is not even on the tip of your tongue. Lately his most notorious role is the vampire king Russell Edgington in that all-important HBO series “True Blood” (What! You are not a True Blood fan ?). Additionally he pops up in “Law and Order” and “The Good Wife”.

Why watch “The Eagle”? Will our hero retrieve the Golden Eagle and restore the honor of his revered father ? Will those nasty blue-painted British savages catch Marcus and Esca his slave? Will Marcus and Esca be best buddies forever and open a fish and chips shop?
It’s just violent fun, that’s all. (Sorry, no sex).

2009, Crime, Drama, Gangs, Mayhem, Redemption, Revenge, Sadism, Suspense, Torture, Violent

Charlie Valentine (2009)

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From NetFlix:

When problems come to prey on an otherwise “perfect” crime, hard-boiled gangster Charlie Valentine (Raymond J. Barry) seeks assistance from an unlikely source: his estranged son, Danny (Michael Weatherly), who’s been living his own life in Los Angeles. With father and son working together, a series of crimes starts falling into place. But that doesn’t reduce the danger in teaching Danny the family business.

Michael Weatherly plays Anthony DiNozzo in the TV series “NCIS” which is one of the few TV series related to crime that is not violent (“Bones” is another example). Playing a character in a successful TV series is a wonderful meal ticket. But the question arises: could that actor survive outside the supporting cocoon of the show? As an experiment I watched Weatherly play Danny Valentine, the son of Charlie Valentine played by Raymond J. Barry. My verdict is that Weatherly can act, although in my opinion that acting is weak in the very last scene.

But Raymond Barry captures the show! He was born in my birth year, 1939. So here is a man in his 70’s doing a marvelous acting job. His lifelong list of credits is huge. Recently he plays Arlo Givens in the TV series “Justified”.

In a nutshell: Charlie has been a self-centered, violent sociopath his whole life. He abandoned his wife and son. On the run Charlie seeks help from his son Danny who has ambivalent feelings toward his father. On the one hand he is justifiably resentful, especially since his mother died not too long after his father left them. On the other hand he admires his father and longs to be the same kind of career criminal. So it isn’t that Charlie forcefully perverts his son, rather his son actually asks to learn the resourceful ways of his father.

Meanwhile aging Charlie is starting to feel remorse for his murderous lifestyle. As a climax to the story Charlie is put to some kind of test. Watch the film to witness the test and its resolution.

2009, Black and White Film, Car Chase, Dark, Horror, Suspense, Violent

Dark Country (2009)

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From NetFlix:

“Hung” star Thomas Jane directs and stars in this thriller that follows the hellish adventures of a newlywed couple who rescue a wounded stranger on the side of the road on their way back from their Las Vegas nuptials. When the almost-dead man goes berserk on them, the couple’s nightmare is just beginning. Ron Perlman (Hell Boy) and Lauren German also star in this chiller penned by Guerillas in the Mist writer Tab Murphy.

More “Twilight Zone” than horror, this plot by Tab Murphy is more subtle than works by Stephen King. Note that Thomas Jane was 40 when he both directed and acted in this film. His films often have saxophone blues as music. As far as I can recall, this is a black and white film.

You will either be bored by or fascinated by this film. From almost the very beginning I had correctly guessed what was going to happen. (Do I watch too much trash for my own good ?) Nevertheless I felt compelled to endure to the end.

Good news is that the dialog, acting, atmosphere are well-done. Both the realistic interaction between Jane and German and the suspenseful plot details held my attention. There will be no gore in this creeper except a man’s bloodied and disfigured face.

Is it bad news that you should not expect a happy ending ?

WARNING: This film is certainly not for everyone, especially for someone who tends to be impatient.

2004, Acceptable Trash, Car Chase, Dark, Gay theme, Graphic Novel, Mayhem, Revenge, Sadism, Super Hero, Torture, Violent

The Punisher (2004)

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From NetFlix:

Undercover FBI agent Frank Castle (Thomas Jane) is crushed when his wife and children are killed after accidentally witnessing a mafia hit. So with nothing left to lose or to live for, Castle becomes “The Punisher” — a one-man judge, jury and executioner. John Travolta, Laura Harring, Samantha Yathis and Rebecca Romijn-Stamos co-star in this moody action film based on the adventures of the popular Marvel Comics character.

Murderous Marvel Mayhem for Misguided MovieFans.

Yes, it is just kid stuff watching 35 year old Thomas Jane play a brooding, alcoholic Marvel comic “superhero”. So why would you ever watch this film ?

  • You love violence and mayhem.
  • You love revenge supposedly justified as “justice”.
  • You love seeing our hero get beat up repeatedly and yet bouncing back each time.
  • You love wondering just how our hero will escape from his latest predicament (and he always does in some clever fashion).
  • You think John Travolta makes a super villain.
  • Your hobby is exploding automobiles.
  • You have nothing better to do.
2011, Crime, Detective, Drama, Lawyers, Prison, Serial Killer, Sex Scenes, Suspense, Violent, Wonderful acting

The Lincoln Lawyer (2011)

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From NetFlix:

Tasked with defending rich lothario Louis Roulet, who’s been charged with assault, lawyer Mick Haller finds himself and his family in danger when he deduces the truth behind this and former cases he’s worked on.

Let me just remind you of where we have seen some of the many, many actors in this film. After that, for the first time ever, I am going to quote entirely an unattributed review of this splendid film which I found in NetFlix.

  • Who could ever forget Marisa Tomei in “My Cousin Vinny” ?
  • Ryan Phillipe was one of the soldiers in Stop-Loss (2008). He makes a wonderful rich-boy serial killer.
  • Josh Lucas plays a pediatrician in Life As We Know It (2010). Here he is a frustrated prosecutor up against his opponent McConaughey.
  • Michaela Conlin has a very minor role. She has played for years in the TV series Bones (2005).

There is no way to know who provided the following helpful review for NetFlix, but thanks, whoever you are:

THE LINCOLN LAWYER is a smarter-than-average courtroom drama. It’s based on a book by Michael Connelly and definitely shows some signs of a full novel being chopped down to movie length. However, director Brad Furman keeps the movie tightly-paced and maintains a good balance between the lighter moments and the dramatic ones. If I were a betting man, I’d put money on Furman as a director on the rise. He did a movie a few years back called THE TAKE, which is also set in LA. It’s a gritty, well-made flick, which I also suggest. As for the LINCOLN LAWYER, McConaughey is (for once) perfectly cast. He’s a smooth talker, as are most of his characters, but he also shows a weariness that’s new for him. Furman shoots in extreme close-ups at times, which gets you in the face of the McConaughey’s alcoholic turmoil. He also does an interesting rotating shot that starts behind an actor and spins fully around them during a take. It was a bit disorienting but was used to good effect. For an average studio movie, this sure has its share of great actors in smaller roles. William H. Macy stands out as the investigator who works with McConaughey’s lawyer. Bryan Cranston from “Breaking Bad” has a small role as cop who’s not keen on ole Matthew, and he’s so good I wished for more of him. I love Marisa Tomei, but her character feels like it was more developed in the book though. Overall, the movie is well-shot, gritty but polished, funny and tense, and a fresh spin on an old story. I’ve seen movies about lawyers with a conscience before, but never has the predicament seemed so real and complex. I honestly had no idea how this lawyer would be able to get himself out of the jam he’s in. For once, it’s nice to have a movie one step ahead of the audience.