Vingança

This movie was really amusing to me and, I imagine, people who have a similar background.

I grew up in Suburban Texas, just outside of the major city of Dallas. Most all of our extended family lived another 20 miles out in rural towns. I loved visiting them, learning a different way of life, and the tribal isms that help build stereotypes of Texans and the South in general. Even as an adult, when I return from a trip visiting my extended family, my coworkers say I sound like my Texas accent got a boost.

I love Novak's take on coming into a culture that's similar but foreign. The little things that are universal across all Texas, and the things that are unique to small rural towns.

I don't want to give up anything in the review other than to say give it a chance and if you don't like it, bless your heart.

This is NOT Liam Neeson-style vengeance.

This isn't even an action-revenge movie.

It's a study in characters - of how people act in today's world. How do you spend your "time". It has guns, Whataburger, love, angst, drugs, and a heavy side of introspection. Everything's bigger in Texas, including the stereotypes.

This is not a movie I would've seen if it weren't for the "unlimited movie pass". That said, it's one of the best films I've seen this year, and certainly better than NOPE.

Twists? You bet. Happy ending? Depends on your perspective.

Vengeance? Fun. Definitely fun..

This satire starts out with extreme comedy and then goes to a deep, dark and real place. The writing was really, really good. I do wish it was funnier throughout as most of the laughs are in the first half.

There's more than one moment that isn't predictable, and I just couldn't see it coming. Even if I watched it again. Just when you think it's all fun and games the movie hits you with a reality check reminder that does kinda feel like a punch to the gut.

Novak does a great job with his character and storytelling. I may have to revisit this one, but I totally recommend it. It's an interesting take on American culture that everyone should experience.

I don't even know how to really explain this film without divulging but suffice to say it's not what you may think. It shows how today's social media society is quick to judge and it shows how wrong or shallow that judgement can be. While each character has varying moments on the film, the entire cast is very, very good with their timely execution of their insightful and sometimes comedic lines. A lot of substance in this film so if you're looking for a little distraction like Thor, DC Pets or Minion, this is not the film. If you want some sound acting and solid characters, Vengeance is worth seeing (along with Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris, Where the Crawdads Sings)

I applaud B. J. Novak for creating something that felt authentic to our culture right now. There is a lot to like about this movie. It feels artful and thoughtful. There are some excellent lines in this film that feel raw, poignant, and true.

For some reasons that are hard to articulate, some aspects of this movie did feel a little flat and hallow. Maybe that was the larger point? Perhaps getting a bit meta: "Everything is everything. So nothing means anything." There just times I was expecting to bit hit a little bit harder.

I think if Ashton's character had been utilized more, I would've felt more satisfied. He was the majority of the intrigue for me. He was really good in his moments on screen. Really, really good. And I feel like that could've been played with more, expanded in more ways. He somewhat represented what I thought was "Vengeance"'s takeaway. I would've loved more.