The Duel

At first I was hesitant to give this movie the time of day given the poor score. Now, I am glad I did, and what a time well spent! The story is built on a simple idea that unwound masterfully from beginning to end. There is no over-the-top action scene, no flashy CGIs, no pretentious idealistic message, or downright propaganda that plagues Hollywood today. It offer fun entertainment and that is IT! Kudos to the surprisingly talented and underrated actors here. Their characters were all charmingly unique that I was easily invested in what their outcome would be. And, the awsome musical score is the juicy cherry on top. At any rate, don't take my word for it. Watch and decide for yourself.

It's a wonderful movie, but unfortunately I don't understand the ending and what the director, or rather the directors, wanted to say. That a human life is not worth a duel, or is it just a mockery of those times? The script and the characters in the movie are great, not just cardboard characters, but real characters who think about life and just live. I liked the acting of all the actors, especially Dylan Sprouse, I adore him, and I watched this movie for him. The movie also has intrigue, because every 15-20 minutes something new is revealed that helps you to understand each character, and a great mixture of humor and drama. And finally, the movie has a great atmosphere and soundtrack.

This is a comedy basically making fun of toxic masculinity culture and buddies too invested in the idea of being men to remember they are buddies or able to ever just walk away or talk about it.

While there is some interest, I presume the many 9 and 10 reviews were posted by the makers? There really is no action till the end (when the duel finally comes round). The story is built on a premise of being interesting because an old world duel is happening once again in the modern vibe. Trouble is they literally committed to the idea that its this entirely awesome idea, and nobody would ever wonder why? I think the audience might have done better if one or both of the characters WERENT unquestionably locked in this weird illegal unbelievable idea that this is how they should settle this here in modern times? OIf they had shown one of them trying to escape, or both trying to escape, or their friends being the sadistic driving forces or some sort of side twist the audience could see as a reasonable reason maybe? But it just never really felt normal?

Still it had a few moments. But it mostly dragged on with no real believable ideals driving it forward.

You learned to disrespect toxic masculinity, men in general for being this level of stupid, and women who are painted as in no way worth what they drive men to do. None of it was really working well. It was a better idea than the finished product.

The Duel, starring Dylan Sprouse and Patrick Warburton, poses an interesting question, namely, can or should modern problems be solved with historic solutions. Specifically, was the antebellum tradition of dueling a bonafide, or even an honorable way for real men to settle serious personal disputes? While this may seem outrageous on its face to modern audiences, the film goes to great lengths to explain, after a fashion, the philosophical basis for a practice that presumably spanned many centuries. Of course, the idea that SoCal beach bums would readily adopt the Code Duello may strain the credulity of the viewer. Undoubtedly inspired, to some degree or another, by the success and notoriety of Hamilton on Broadway, The Duel posits an improbable question in a very engaging and watchable package. Patrick Warburton as the dueling expert is reason enough to watch this!

There are several reasons that I thoroughly enjoyed The Duel.

The storyline is solid and thought provoking. The cast of characters delivered this humourous dark story cleverly and intensely.

The film is stocked with unanticipated comedic situations and dialogue.

I am drawn to stories where morality and personal principles are battling the need for exact retribution. Its very amusing.

Hats off to the Creators, Cast, Pigasus Pictures and their on set crew, the cinematographers, lighting, costumes, and post production.

After seeing The Duel in the city with my favorite people, I am looking forward to seeing it again & adding The Duel to our physical movie collection.