Review: Vengeance and Bodies Bodies Bodies

A Double Feature Review!

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Vengeance

Actors B.J. Novak and Boyd Holbrook

Vengeance is a wonderful directorial debut by B.J. Novak. His film subverts our expectations with a dark satire that is chock-full of deep themes. Vengeance is a witty whodunit that personalizes the human struggle and what divides us as a nation. It’s surprising in all the right ways. I did not know much about Novak's film before seeing it at the theater last month, and it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Vengeance is Novak's first feature film to hit the big screen, gifting us with a dark comedy about modern society. Not everything that's written on the screen comes to fruition, yet it doesn't stop it from still delivering a constructive message. Our story follows Ben Manalowitz (Novak), a journalist and podcaster from New York City, who attempts to solve the murder of a girl he hooked up with and travels down southern Texas to investigate her death. Here, Novak's film balances themes of division, conspiracy, and emotional grief. A Western thriller that speaks from the heart and lets the audience ponder on its central message after the credits roll. Plus, actor Ashton Kutcher gives a well-rounded performance throughout the film. Not to mention an ending that will send shock-waves throughout. In the end, Vengeance is well worth your time. 

Actors Ashton Kutcher and B.J. Novak

Vengeance is rated R (Restricted) for Language and Brief Violence.

See it in theaters, rent on Vudu or stream on Peacock.

Directed by B.J. Novak

Starring B.J. Novak, Boyd Holbrook, J. Smith-Cameron, Lio Tipton, Dove Cameron, Issa Rae, and Ashton Kutcher.

Bodies Bodies Bodies

Actors Amandla Stenberg, Maria Bakalova, Chase Sui Wonders, and Rachel Sennott.

Bodies Bodies Bodies is a fresh, sophisticated, and devilish satire. This film is a romp from the beginning until the end, full of suspense and wicked humor. Bodies Bodies Bodies is a Gen Z thriller that meets the moment, not to mention its phenomenal cast (Amandla Stenberg, Maria Bakalova, Myha'la Herrold, Chase Sui Wonders, Rachel Sennott, Lee Pace, and Pete Davidson). Actress Rachel Sennott is a riot! Scene after scene, Sennott steals the film, delivering some of the best and most hilarious lines throughout. Bodies Bodies Bodies is director Halina Reijn's (2019's Instinct) English-language debut. This black comedy slasher film is a whirlwind from start to finish. Our story follows a group of rich and privileged Gen Z'ers who plan a hurricane party at a remote family mansion.

Actors Amandla Stenberg and Maria Bakalova

Bee (an excellent Bakalova) has traveled from Eastern Europe to spend sometime with her girlfriend Sophie (a strong Stenberg). Sophie introduces Bee to her old friend group, yet you can feel the tension in the air between this group of longtime "friends." Here, the group decides to play a party game known as bodies bodies bodies. Unfortunately, someone in the group dies and thus begins a series of unfortunate events. In Bodies Bodies Bodies, no one can be trusted, and everyone is holding their cards against each other. In a dog-eat-dog world, we watch these 20-year-olds claw their way until the hurricane passes in a game of survival. Sorry Boomers, you probably won't understand this film. As for everyone else, you will have a blast. All of the actors (Stenberg, Bakalova, Herrold, Sui Wonders, Sennott, Pace, and Davidson) brought their A-game. Bodies Bodies Bodies is smart, funny, and a bloody good time. In the end, let Rachel Sennott reign supreme. 

Actress Rachel Sennott

Bodies Bodies Bodies is rated R (Restricted) For Pervasive Language | Drug Use | Bloody Images | Sexual References | Violence).

See it in theaters now | Click Here.

Directed by Halina Reijn

Starring Amandla Stenberg, Maria Bakalova, Myha'la Herrold, Chase Sui Wonders, Rachel Sennott, Lee Pace, and Pete Davidson.