Dragged Across Concrete

...from writer-director S. Craig Zahler (Bone Tomahawk, Brawl in Cell Block 99). Various characters are on a collision course, including a pair of suspended cops (Mel Gibson & Vince Vaughn), an ex-con (Tory Kittles) and his brother (Michael Jai White), and a mysterious European (Thomas Krestchmann), as they all seek a big pay-out from a heist.

Zahler takes his sweet time developing characters before the big event goes down, as the heist doesn't occur until around the 90 minute mark in this 158 minute film. The dialogue is sharp and often funny, and the characters are all fully drawn. The performances are very good, with Gibson and Kittles the stand-outs. There are a few surprising moments, as well as the over-the-top ultra-violence that is a Zahler hallmark, although this one is less gory than his previous efforts. The film looks more professional, as well, with good, atmospheric cinematography. Recommended to fans of crime films and noir, but only if they have the patience for a slow build-up.

Hadn't heard anything about this film before it came up on my Netflix. When I saw the 2 hour and 39 minute runtime I almost took a pass on the film. I'm so glad I didn't. Honestly, once the film started I was drawn into the story by the characters and the acting. The characters are well developed and the acting is solid. Really interesting pairing of Mel Gibson and Vince Vaughn, they work brilliantly opposite each other as do Michael Jai White and Tory Kittles. The dialogue reminded me of Quentin Tarantino. Though I really enjoyed the film, It is extremely slow paced and it could have used some more editing but over all this film is worth watching.

I was surprised It was so well done. I am a movie connoisseur and highly recommend this movie to all who like cops and robbers movies. All are not bad they just have made some choices in life that others would have not. It was not what I expected.

I haven't stopped thinking about this film since I watched it randomly the other week on Netflix. I had skim read reviews on here prior and saw lots complaining about the length and how slow it was. However, I thought I'd make my own mind up. I found the pace really authentic. The character development was brilliant. At first I did find the constant unnatural one liner back and forth dialogue between the two protagonists forced. But it is forgotten by the brilliant storyline. This film really takes you on a trip, it'll make you feel all sorts of emotions which is what makes a good film in my opinion. This film turned out to be one of the best films I've seen in years. And it will be one I watch again. I think the issues with length and taking offense from the film are generational. And that's reflected in the reviews. Definitely.

Another brutal film by director Zahler. He made a film again in his own style and with his own signature. It's also a great movie. At first, the film lasts too long and it seems to me that some scenes could have been shorter or cut out of the film, especially in the first hour or so. However, everything will be paid later. The story is not at all simple, there are a lot of characters and most of them have a good background and developed characteristics so that we can understand their choices. The film has several unexpected decisions, and I like that when the film is not predictable. Some really brutal and tense scenes in the last third of the movie. I can't understand the various criticisms of this film, the film follows some well-known rules, it looks very fresh and original. In addition, I have to praise Mel Gibson, one of his better roles, especially lately.