VENGEANCE ROAD (2014)

American Muscle, Vengeance Road (2014)
Directed by: Ravi Dhar
Written by: John Fallon
Starring: Nick Principe, Robin Sydney, Todd Farmer

VENGEANCE ROAD (2014)
aka American Muscle
Directed by Ravi Dhar

After being betrayed by his brother Sam and his gang after a robbery goes wrong, John Falcon has only one thing on his mind: revenge. After serving 10 years in prison, he’s finally released on good behaviour but intends on breaking that by taking back what is owed him, which includes his wife. Upon hearing of his release, Sam prepares to end John’s life once and for all, but will he and his men be a match for the furious man mountain John.

VENGEANCE ROAD is a slick revenge movie that captivates the viewer from the start with a powerful performance from Nick Principe as John Falcon. Driving around in a yellow muscle car, tall, muscular and tattooed, John is someone who can handle himself. He also can handle the ladies too as a few fall at his feet throughout the movie for a quickie. However, his anger and lust for blood revenge on those who betrayed him is relentless and he won’t stop till he gets what he wants. His love for his wife Darling too pulls at his heartstrings, as he does this for her as much for himself. His true love, Darling makes him a better person and he promises himself that he will find her and get her back. And he has a pretty good idea where she’ll be.

As you’d expect from a revenge movie, there’s plenty of combat, both fist-to-fist and gun fire. The fight choreography is animalistic and mean, just the way I like it, with the characters not afraid to use the environment to their advantage. With fighting comes blood, of which there is plenty, providing a brutal realism to the movie. The fight scenes and scuffles keep the viewer entertained, with a pace that never seems to lose momentum, keeping the viewer engaged at all times.

Though it might be a harsh storyline, it is contrasted with some stunning shots of the desert and surroundings which really adds a raw atmosphere to the movie which you can get lost in. Every single shot of the movie seems to soak up the ambience of the current scene which is a triumph in giving an extra dimension to the storytelling. The slick producton of the movie is part of the mesmerising charm of the movie, as is the terrific performances from all involved who really embody their characters.

VENGEANCE ROAD is every bit as brilliant as you’d want it to be with an anti-hero to really get behind. John’s unwavering desire to see right the wrongs in his life and fight for the woman he loves make him a perfect character to carry a film. His journey from the beginning, prior to his incarceration, is recalled, providing the audience with the much needed backstory that cements his current rage.

As action thrillers go, this is one of the better ones out there that I feel film fans can enjoy on numerous levels, from aesthetic to fight choreography and character. With a running time of 1 hour and 17 minutes, the film feels a little on the short side and maybe a bit rushed at times, from one kill to another, but it still works terrifically well and packs a real punch.

If you like your action ruthless and unwavering, then do check out VENGEANCE ROAD.

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