UNHINGED (2020)

 

Directed By: Derrick Borte  Written By: Carl Ellsworth Cinematography: Brendan Galvin  Editor: Michael McCusker, Steve Mirkovich & Tim Mirkovich 

Cast: Russell Crowe, Caren Pistorius, Jimmi Simpson, Gabriel Bateman, Austin P. McKenzie, Juliene Joyner, Stephen Louis Grush, Anne Leighton

A divorced mother honks impatiently at a deranged middle-aged stranger at a red light while running late on her way to work. His road rage escalates to horrifyingly psychotic proportions as he becomes single-mindedly determined to teach her a deadly lesson for provoking him.

How the mighty have fallen. This is purely a star vehicle gig for Russell Crowe. Who instead of being the hero is more the unstoppable and unstable villain.

Who is clearly a psycho from the first scene only set off by a case of road rage. 

The shock of seeing Crowe once svelte and muscular packed on so much weight might seem to make him seem manageable but actually makes him much more threatening. As his size shows that he can easily overpower and outweigh others.

He comes across as the human embodiment of jaws. As he is just as vicious and menacing only we see him throughout.

What this film seems to take delight in are violence and punishment. As he takes it upon himself to exterminate all those who the Main Character his victim holds dear and he doesn’t seem to care who sees him or knows.

His character seems to be especially vicious or at least more joyful when it comes to the battering of women in this film, which the film doesn’t hold back from. Though he is pretty much that way towards all who cross his path. It is just more shocking when he is attacking the female characters.

The film plays pretty basic so that the only thing of note is the star and the violence. While watching it. It reminds the audience of films such as KIDNAP or THE CALL with Halle berry. Where the films seem made more to keep them relevant at the box office but are so familiar they offer nothing original. Except for basic bonehead thrillers for a new generation. 

The types of films they make hoping it will make a quick buck at the box office that weekend and offer an alternative to whatever blockbuster comes out that weekend.

What the film does have also going for it is that it is one of the few mid-budgeted films being made. Which is an increasing rarity these days.

This is a good enough movie. That will keep you entertained while you watch it and continuously roll your eyes. Though as soon as it is over you will begin to forget it. 

Grade: D+