taifunu

I guess most reviews are negative because the movie was advertised as a 'Keanu Reeves thriller' so they expected an action thriller. But John Wick this is not, and I'm really glad it isn't. This is a slow paced, very old school, psychological thriller. The air is thick with danger, the menaces are everywhere, the main character navigates dangerous waters, but there is no 'action' scene per se until the ending. The film follows its path, slowly but surely towards the inevitable. The script is basic and rather clicheistic, but saved by strong, nuanced performances. To quote two interviews, this is a grown-up movie about people and relationships. A bit of redemption, too.

can make this a movie enjoyable to watch. It's good; not without it flaws, but good. It needs patience, as it's quiet and slow-building. It delivers its first punch around the one hour mark. Then the second about 20 minutes later...then you're in the ropes (to borrow a metaphor from the movie). It's well acted... but that's all that's well about it. Directing, editing and script are the reason this is a passable but not 'good' movie. As with any old-fashioned whodunnit movie, it's all about attention to detail. And in hindsight, the trailer is pretty clever....especially the last line. Won't give away any spoilers, but the very first clue is in the trailer.

This is no 'typical' Eli Roth fare. It builds slow (we're even warned about that in the beginning; both Roth and Evan like building up the anticipation). There's a lot said with images, not dialogue. Like any good film should do. Lots of subtext there - for those who can read it. It's contained. Minimalist. Almost restrained, for Roth. Twisted, dark comedy and underneath that, brilliant, biting satire. Roth and Lopez don't spare anything or anyone. And because of that, reading the audience's reaction in reviews and tweets is about as entertaining as the movie itself. It seems to have hit a few sore spots ;) Also, this movie features what is probably Keanu Reeves' best performance so far. He finally lets loose. So unrestrained, it's beautiful to watch.