70s grindhouse is back with a vengeance! Brawl in Cell Block 99 is a welcome, modern take on this always entertaining genre, as it relishes on its tenets without apologies, and it was GLORIOUS to witness. Its strongest feat for example, is its salivating violence that comes devoid of fantastical, contemporary choreography. In its place is a gut wrenching brand of street level mano-a-mano, complemented by well intentioned use of practical effects that spotlights its brutality. As for its backdrops, S Craig Zahler masterfully stages the grime and horrors of prison existence, immersing his audience to Bradley Thomas' harrowing ordeal. Zahler's drama is as well praise worthy, as he establishes his characters with utmost care, through screenplay that surprises with authenticity, and unobvious exploits. With Vince Vaughn's stellar performance as the sympathetic brute, Bradley's narrative comes as one satisfying rationale, for its gross & sensational violence.
Overall, Brawl in Cell Block 99 is sincere and vicious in all the right ways. It boasts of purposeful tenets that renders this picture, more than its hyper-stylized bone shattering.
Overall, Brawl in Cell Block 99 is sincere and vicious in all the right ways. It boasts of purposeful tenets that renders this picture, more than its hyper-stylized bone shattering.