Ruthless: Lo spietato

This was a standard action flick where one guy takes on a bunch of thugs to save a young girl. It's like Taken but not as good. I was entertained. The detective guy was so cheesy that I liked him. The only person that could have acted better was the young girl.

I will now repeat what I just said to reach the character count.

This was a standard action flick where one guy takes on a bunch of thugs to save a young girl. It's like Taken but not as good. I was entertained. The detective guy was so cheesy that I liked him. The only person that could have acted better was the young girl... . . . . . .

Director:** Art Camacho **Cast:** Dermot Mulroney, Melissa Diaz, Jeff Fahey, Mauricio Mendoza **Genre:** Action/Thriller

**Synopsis:** "Ruthless" tells the story of Harry, a high school wrestling coach played by Dermot Mulroney, who is grieving the brutal murder of his teenage daughter. When one of his students, Catia, is kidnapped by a human trafficking ring, Harry takes justice into his own hands, determined to rescue her and dismantle the trafficking operation. The plot of "Ruthless" is built on a foundation of personal loss and vengeance, reminiscent of films like "Taken." Despite its promising premise, the film suffers from weak and clichéd writing. The dialogue often feels forced and unnatural, detracting from the overall impact of the story. The narrative struggles to find its footing, leading to a somewhat predictable and derivative storyline.

Art Camacho, known for his work in low-budget action films, directs "Ruthless" with a focus on gritty realism. However, the film's production quality leaves much to be desired. The budget constraints are evident in the lack of polished action sequences and overall production design. The movie's tone and pacing are inconsistent, with significant lulls between the action scenes that fail to build adequate suspense

**Performances:** Dermot Mulroney delivers a committed performance as Harry, bringing a palpable sense of grief and determination to his character. However, his efforts are not enough to elevate the film above its shortcomings. Melissa Diaz, as Catia, also provides a noteworthy performance, though her character is not fully developed, often falling into stereotypical victim tropes. Jeff Fahey's portrayal of the villainous Dale Remington is serviceable but lacks depth.

**Action and Cinematography:** The action sequences, while present, are sparse and lack the intensity typically expected in a revenge thriller. When action does occur, it is often clunky and poorly choreographed, diminishing the film's potential impact. The cinematography fails to create the necessary atmosphere, often appearing flat and uninspired.

**Themes and Messages:** "Ruthless" attempts to tackle serious issues such as human trafficking and the quest for justice. While the film's intentions are commendable, its execution leaves much to be desired. The thematic exploration feels superficial, and the film does not engage deeply enough with its subject matter to leave a lasting impression.

**Overall:** "Ruthless" is a film with a compelling premise that ultimately falls short due to weak writing, inconsistent direction, and subpar production values. While Dermot Mulroney's performance is a highlight, it is not enough to overcome the film's numerous flaws. Fans of the action-thriller genre might find some moments of interest, but overall, "Ruthless" struggles to stand out in a crowded field.

Ruthless is directed by Art Camacho and stars Dermot Mulroney and Jeff Fahey.

What should've been a competent Taken/ Death Sentence ripoff instead becomes one of the most poorly made and laughably incompetent movies I've seen this year. Dermot Mulroney stars as Harry a high school wrestling coach whose teenager daughter was murdered. He takes matters into his own hands when one of his female students is kidnapped and sold into a child trafficking ring in Las Vegas by her mother's abusive boyfriend.

Aside from numerous plot holes this movie has (like Mulroney's character not getting CPS involved from the start.) and the horrible dialogue and artificial supporting cast of actors (excluding Jeff Fahey) where it feels like this is their first ever acting gig. Director Art Camacho has been working in the industry for years as a stunt coordinator so for him to deliver a movie on this level is just sad. He ain't no David Leitch or Chad Stahelski unfortunately. Also I have to mention for a movie called Ruthless Mulroney's character isn't ruthless at all here and doesn't kill anyone he just breaks a lot of arms and fingers. Granted I should've known what I was getting into because most films that are distributed by Saban Films are on this level or worse but I was at least expecting something more competent than this.

If there's any reason to watch this movie it's for Dermot Mulroney who has always been one of those actors who consistently delivers good performances in everything they do but never really had a breakout role. He elevates the bad material he's given here the best he can but there's only so much he can do. He deserved a better action vehicle for himself. I can only hope he had a better time making this movie than I and probably anyone else will have watching it.

...Sometimes you lose. Movies like this are not Oscar winners. Or really winners at all. However, they serve an important purpose of a palate cleanser. As of late, many movies are met with harsh criticism as "the worst ever" or "so awful I couldn't finish." Those reviewers have not had the pleasure of seeing this film.

Ruthless was just that. Ruthless on my sense of coherency, Ruthless on my eyes. The films saving grace was in that it can stand as an example and a learning moment.

Dermot Mulroney carries this film on his back. In a flurry of poorly delivered, poorly expressed and flatly read lines, he adds some depth where depth is needed. Beyond his laconic grieving father figure, the movie cannot decide if it is a thriller, a drama, an action comedy, or a revenge flick. This lack of direction forces the audience to look at every glaring plot hole and inconsistency with even more confusion. I can forgive the lack of logic in a for fun movie, but not in a serious movie.

If you are looking for something to fill time, you can see 60% of this movie and still understand it. If you are looking to be inspired, turn back. If you are a filmmaker or student, watch this and take extensive notes. Then do the opposite.

Dermot Mulroney is excellent in the lead role. Enjoyable throwback (with modern theme) to some of the classic action/revenge type movies enjoyed in the 90's.

At times the dialogue feels a little clunky but that comes with the territory, still ok. A little dry humor mixed in between the serious moments worked.

I didn't expect to enjoy this but i absolutely did and the ending was satisfying (very different to what i usually watch with grim, unresolved or unspecified endings). Would i recommend to others? Probably depending on people's taste.

Recently watched Dermot in another role as a support (bad guy) did not do him justice as this film has.