Violent Ends

Between this and The Order (2024), I think it's safe to say I'm becoming the target audience for these gritty 90s crime dramas in Small Town, USA. So far, they're not anything special, but they don't need to be. I'll take 50 of these solid and consistent films over most things floating around out there.

We follow Billy Magnussen who plays Lucas Frost, an heir to a third of a family drug empire, as he deals with the aftermath of a terrible personal tragedy at the hands of his own estranged kin. Starting out as an honest man on his way out of the criminal world his family is steeped in, Lucas' need for revenge pushes him to a point of no return-hence, "Violent Ends."

I really like the idea of revenge on paper. Seeing justice carried out on bad people should be a slam dunk entertainment wise, but in practice, a delicate balance needs to be struck between satisfying retribution and keeping a grasp on the protagonist's good nature. This is why many revenge plots will go the route of "forgiveness," which this film addresses, but even that conclusion can feel underwhelming at times. In this case, this subjective topic came across as a little too indulgent on the side of blood or an "eye for an eye." Do I think it would have been a better movie if Lucas had shown more restraint? Not particularly. All I know is that my empathy for Lucas was significantly lessened once he crosses a certain line. The reaction from the brother and mother point to this being the intended impact, but even so, the emotional resonance at the end can only reach so far after this point.

I was pleasantly surprised to see Kate Burton, who I enjoyed in NBC's Grimm (2011-2017), play the mother of Lucas and a cop, Darlene Woodley. Unfortunately, I felt they didn't use her to the full potential. Early on, her careful investigation into the inciting incident seemed like it was going to surpass Lucas' messier rush for justice and offer something to say about playing things straight despite seemingly easier options, but her subplot was delegated to uncovering a "twist" about the case that I personally saw coming. Her contribution of this information wasn't even really necessary either as it was actively being revealed just as she arrives with it.

I couldn't help but think about Sons of Anarchy (2008-2014), which, despite the benefit of multiple seasons of television to build upon, handles the exact "brand" of vengeance this film was targeting much better on many occasions. As for a movie comp, one of my favorites of last year, The Dead Don't Hurt (2024) reaches a similar conclusion but handles the aftermath of the revenge tastefully enough to make the whole ordeal feel earned, which this movie lacks a bit (although, the flashback was a really nice touch to close it out).

My favorite scene was probably when Lucas and his brother Tuck seek out Uncle Walt Frost, played really well by Ray McKinnon, in order to negotiate for a more "rational" justice. This plan ends terribly, of course, but it was surely entertaining to watch.

Other random thoughts: I enjoyed the "rattlesnake" analogy to describe Lucas and his situation. I found it odd how Lucas demanded so much out of Tuck despite caring about him and knowing what his involvement could mean for his family (until the very end when it was too late). I felt that Lucas' "at least I'm doing something" justification for his actions was weak, especially considering the seemingly decent job his mother was doing given how recent the incident was.

Between this and The Order, I would choose the latter for the star power. It turns out that really does matter.

WATCHED ON: AMC Theaters

HIGHER OR LOWER: higher.

The scenes, the filming, and the story are all excellent. The acting is also flawless. Billy Magnussen's acting is excellent. The film's music perfectly complements the scenes. The composer didn't overdo it. You feel the tension at every moment. There's no exaggeration in the film. Everything feels real. I gave the film an 8. I recommend watching it.

Well acted, good story, but something in the editing department let it down. I didn't feel any tension during the action scenes, and overall, I thought you could remove 20 minutes without losing anything.

Well acted, good story, but something in the editing department let it down. I didn't feel any tension during the action scenes, and overall, I thought you could remove 20 minutes without losing anything.

If you like 90's Oozarks movies with realistic acting of the savage, cutthroat peoples of these places, then you will like this movie. Where families rule, and not the Law. Similar to Winter's Bone.

While Billy Magnussen gives a solid performance (much more serious than hes used to), its James Badge Dale that stands out. His Oscar worthy performance of charisma and intimidation will make you forget he was "dressed to invade Poland" in The Departed. He sure has come a long way since then. And while his performance will no doubt be overlooked, Im really glad I got to see it. Havent seen a performance like that from a newer movie in quite some time. I truely felt fear while his character was on the screen, and thats so rare for me while watching a movie.

The directing was great too Its shot really well, which is what made me want to watch it in the first place. It's a tad predictable, but I didn't mind. I loved the subtle foreshadowing throughout the movie as well.

While Violent Ends does feel like its missing that special something to make it truly stand out, its a very solid movie, and I highly recommend it if you like these types of movies. For General Audiences and todays ADHD kids.... not so much.

I'm very glad I watched it. Years ago, I wouldve rated this a solid 7.5/10, but in terms of todays awful movies, Ima bump it up to a 9/10.

Great acting, horrible filmmaking. I mean what a convoluted mess with so many plot and technical issues. My big complaint is who's related to who in what way and how and what business side are they on?

Writer and director John-Michael Powell had good intentions, and was only sucessfull in directing his cast properly, as all actors performances were excellent. But telling the story via screenplay and directing was a huge failure. It was overly frustrating trying to keep up with who's who and what role do they play. Such a missed opportunity had a little more effort gone into the filmmaking.

It's a generous 5/10 all going to the cast.