Don't you hate reviews on here where they write their own movie synopsis? The site already has that at the top of the page, guy.
This movie is absolutely bonkers and really fun. I tried to figure out why I enjoyed it so much and came to the conclusion that it's sensationalized realism. Much like a reality TV show or wrestling, you know what happens is ridiculously fake but it toes the line of reality just enough for your brain to talk you into it being acceptable. While many decisions are WAY over the top, the overall progression to the insane places the plot takes you is mostly earned through clever storytelling.
Unfortunately, what I'd deem to be the most pivotal choice is the hardest pill to swallow. It very nearly took me out of the movie, but the acting is SO good in this. And not even just the main guy is remarkable, all the side characters do a phenomenal job in selling their roles as well.
I would put effort into telling you this is well worth watching but if you're reading this you've likely already seen the movie... who really reads these reviews about random films to decide if they want to watch them? Nobody. So I will add a spoiler part in case the same thing that bothered you also bothered me and then you can feel validated and sleep easy tonight.
*SPOILERS*
The idea that some average schlub punching someone in the face a couple times is "almost killing him" is laughable (I legit started laughing hard when they said that). That rationale for not calling the cops just did not work, even more so with them living in a state that is famous for not prosecuting criminals. I wish that had been fleshed out better.
Instead of the reporter saying "the sheriff doesn't like vigilante justice because of lower conviction rates", I think "the sheriff said you've been getting multiple death threats because of the people you've put behind bars" would have worked better. Then, the rationale for not calling the cops could have been "I can't risk even one day in jail! There's people in there that want me dead!" which his friends can sympathize with to explain their going along.
But that final scene with the lady teacher explains so much about him and why he does what he does (assuming I am interpreting it accurately) and just brilliantly wraps it all in a bow in the span of just 10 seconds. It's a strong, strong finish to an already powerful script.
This movie is absolutely bonkers and really fun. I tried to figure out why I enjoyed it so much and came to the conclusion that it's sensationalized realism. Much like a reality TV show or wrestling, you know what happens is ridiculously fake but it toes the line of reality just enough for your brain to talk you into it being acceptable. While many decisions are WAY over the top, the overall progression to the insane places the plot takes you is mostly earned through clever storytelling.
Unfortunately, what I'd deem to be the most pivotal choice is the hardest pill to swallow. It very nearly took me out of the movie, but the acting is SO good in this. And not even just the main guy is remarkable, all the side characters do a phenomenal job in selling their roles as well.
I would put effort into telling you this is well worth watching but if you're reading this you've likely already seen the movie... who really reads these reviews about random films to decide if they want to watch them? Nobody. So I will add a spoiler part in case the same thing that bothered you also bothered me and then you can feel validated and sleep easy tonight.
*SPOILERS*
The idea that some average schlub punching someone in the face a couple times is "almost killing him" is laughable (I legit started laughing hard when they said that). That rationale for not calling the cops just did not work, even more so with them living in a state that is famous for not prosecuting criminals. I wish that had been fleshed out better.
Instead of the reporter saying "the sheriff doesn't like vigilante justice because of lower conviction rates", I think "the sheriff said you've been getting multiple death threats because of the people you've put behind bars" would have worked better. Then, the rationale for not calling the cops could have been "I can't risk even one day in jail! There's people in there that want me dead!" which his friends can sympathize with to explain their going along.
But that final scene with the lady teacher explains so much about him and why he does what he does (assuming I am interpreting it accurately) and just brilliantly wraps it all in a bow in the span of just 10 seconds. It's a strong, strong finish to an already powerful script.