BIG BAD WOLVES (2013)

Written & Directed By: Ahron Keshales & Navot Papushado 
Cinematography By: Giora Bejach 
Editor: Asif Korman 

Cast: Lior Ashkenazi, Rotem Keinan, Tzahi Grad, Doval’e Glickaman, Menashe Noy, Dvir Benedek
A series of brutal murders puts the lives of three men on a collision course: The father of the latest victim now out for revenge, a vigilante police detective operating outside the boundaries of law, and the main suspect in the killings - a religious studies teacher arrested and released due to a police blunder --This film is a mixed bag as it has a comedic tone throughout even as it becomes tense and violent and deals with subjects not usually associated with comedy.

One of the positives of the film is that, The film leaves itself open to not only ideas but details that bring a sense of realism to the film that films of it's type don't usually brig to the table.

It almost reminded me of the recent film PRISONERS..Just not as tight technically and more open then that film was. Also that film was more dramatic and this one leans towards humor albeit dark humor quite a few times

No matter what happens in the film or as heavy as it gets there feels like there is a light tone through-out the film that keeps it from feeling like a doom and gloom revenge film.

While the violence is not gratuitous it does leave the film with a certain tension and has the audience not only on the edge of their seats, but also cringing in them also.

The characters in the film feel like they are if another generation dealing with the technology of today. Though that is not a major aspect of the film. It feels inspired a bit from that kind of situation. As this film could have waist just been a revenge thriller dark comedy inspired by those of the 70's instead it updates it a bit to be modern yet still have some aspects of a throwback.

Leaving the film small scale enough to feel claustrophobic as it mostly takes place in one house.
The subject matter is shocking for a film especially with it being a dark comedy and the subjects of pedophilia, child rape and murder are not usually subject broached by the dark comedy genre. Luckily we don't deal with visuals or details o these subjects too much though a visual or two are greatly disturbing. The same goes for the violence as the film more or less suggests and implies rather then shows. Which in the case of this film is very powerful.

This was Quentin Tarantino's favorite film of 2013 and there is plenty here to admire. I felt the film is a good film. I just didn't love it as much as I thought I would. I would definitely highly recommend. I just felt for all that it offers something felt missing. the film accomplishes what it intends to. It shocks, entertains, impresses and reviles. It's just not as good as it seems to believe it is. It's worth a look. 

Grade: B