Art of Revenge

I didn't expect much when I picked up `Art of Revenge' because, frankly, I hadn't heard much or anything about it. A terrific surprise. This stylishly sophisticated `unknown' film probably didn't have a big budget - the `ad' campaign, or lack thereof being the indication. But first time director Simon Gornick has created a true sleeper film, that looks like much more than it must have cost, and has `LA-Noir' infused in every scene. Despite its hyperbolic, salacious cover - this isn't some sleazy, mindless hack job filled with naked bimbos with big knives. Instead it's a skillfully put together small film for which the director and the director of photography deserve tremendous credit. It looks like a Vilmos Zsigmond film (think `The Two Jakes') with beautifully lit scenes that capture the edgy essence of a sun drenched LA - in which menace lies behind a landscape that is deceptively friendly and cheerful. The script doesn't rush its slowly revealed story, which for action junkies may be disappointing. But for mystery fans, and filmgoers who don't need monsters jumping out from bushes every few minutes or so, who appreciate a film that respects its own characters - and the audiences' intelligence - AOR builds with a self assured, relaxed fluidity that mirrors the casual, careless lives of LA's less likeable citizens. Director Gornick, his cast, and his crew have created a film that lures you in - just as the characters manipulate each other, with the lure of beauty - and then show a much tougher, dangerous reality underneath the exteriors.

An okay film, with a fine leading lady, but a terrible leading man. Stephan Jenkins, who plays the husband, is a truly bad actor. Joyce Hyser, on the other hand, is the movie's saving grace. She's the best actor of the bunch.

NOTE* the first comment, by the fellow who heaped praise upon the movie (and, according to his IMDB.com account, has only written ONE review -- and guess for what movie?) is obviously a plant. While the movie is nicely shot, it's by no means subtle or great or whatever other hypobolic descriptions the reviewer used.

"Art of Revenge" is a fair movie, but it's a big tease. It offers up all manner of sexual situations but never goes through with it. Like watching a Skin Flick on Cinemax, but with all the "naughty bits" edited out.

The film, as a whole, is a bit unfocused and the ending, and much of the third act, is really a big mess. There's a twist ending, of course, since every movie nowadays finds it necessary to have a twist ending.

A 4 out of 10.

Art of Revenge. We all rented (in some cases bought) and watched it for one reason - Stephan Jenkins, lead singer of rockers Third Eye Blind, stars. Going in you can't expect much considering the actors and director but honestly it is worth a watch. The plot is pretty flimsy, but still gets you hooked somehow. Even without seeing any sex drugs or nudity. In an era of movies that make millions upon millions of dollars and turn out being worse the WOTW remake...with this one at least you don't expect a whole lot out of it and for that reason watching is a lot easier. It also feels like a "short" compared to WOTW. One major positive I need to attribute to this movie though is all of its clever quotes. (Prob. come up w/by the lyrical mastermind himself SJ). So in maybe in 15-20 years the next generation might turn this small production into a major hit...or remake.

The movie was insane! Great story line, a very dangerous movie for bitter women to see.... be ware men! It was a good movie, but the actiing wasn't all that great. Stephan Jenkins, (lead singer/songwriter for the band Third Eye Blind) is not the best actor, but he admits it, and he actually he did a better job acting as the movie progressed. He did a good job for his first time acting. And come on ladies... you have to see this movie because of the fact Stephan Jenkins is a babe! Woa! So overall it was a good movie, kept your attention, it's an independent film and I enjoyed it! I recommend it to the viewing audience.

Everything about this movie is above average . The acting , the script, the story and the twists . I only know several people who have seen this movie and they had the same opinion as me . No it's not the Godfather but it's an entertaining movie to watch .