Lights Out (2024) User Reviews

It's a B-movie. And one that tries to be taken seriously. That didnt work out well.

[imseeg · 4/10 · 16 February 2024]

The good: we have some great B-movie actors present, who have made some solid (B-movie) action pictures before, like Frank Grillo and Scott Adkins. With even an actor like Dermot Mulroney starring my expectations for a straightforward fight movie were high...

The bad; but in the end this is not a straightforward action movie, it has got WAY too many uneventful talking scenes in which these B-movie actors try to act seriously. Problem is they cant act seriously. They can fight. But they cant act seriously. Letting these B-movie actors try to act seriously anyway is not wise, to put it politely... And I dont even wanna talk about the story...

Not any good then? It for sure isnt a terrible B-movie. They really tried hard to make it all look credible (at which they failed), but there are several other great Frank Grillo or Scott Adkins action movies out there which I would rather watch than this uneventful attempt at making a serious movie.

Lights Out

[Prismark10 · 4/10 · 22 February 2024]

Lights out goes through well worn action territory. Drifter Duffy (Frank Grillo) gets ripped off in a poker game at a bar in LA. After using his fists he comes to the attention of Max (Mekhi Phifer.)

He wants to manage Duffy for underground fight clubs. As an unknown quantity, Duffy is an ex army veteran with PTSD. Max who has recently been released from prison hopes to make money on the betting that takes place.

Only both men fall foul of corrupt cops who run the underground fights with gangster Sage (Dermot Mulroney.)

When Max's niece is injured by the baddies. Both go after them hard. Duffy also calls in ex army buddy 'The Reaper' Scott Adkins.

The action scenes are the best selling point for the movie. Not over the top. It helps that Grillo has the a acting chops for the quieter scenes. There is a strategic guest cameo from Adkins.

A fun B Movie

[dubond · 5/10 · 16 February 2024]

"I thought I was going to change the world, until the world changed me."

Lights Out is directed by Christian Sesma and stars Frank Grillo, Mekhi Phifer, Jamie King, Dermot Mulroney and Scott Adkins.

Follows Michael "Duffy" Duffield (Frank Grillo) a homeless ex soldier who is riddled with PTSD and who also happens to be a great fighter. He ends up attracting the attention of Ex-Con Max Bomer (Mekhi Phifer) who encourages him to start underground fighting to "let his anger out". Duffy quickly strikes up a relationship with Max's sister, Rachel (Erica Peeples) and her young daughter. It's also revealed that Max owes money to local LA crime boss Sage Parker (Dermot Mulroney) and things go from bad to worse once dirty cops (one of them played by Jamie King) start messing with Rachel.

For a B movie I thought this was above par and better than I expected. Frank Grillo is an underrated actor and if he wasn't the lead of this I don't think this film would have worked as well. The chemistry that him and Mekhi Phifer have together is probably the best part of this movie, they make for good co leads. It's rare to see DTV directors improve but between this and 2022's Section 8 I think it's pretty obvious that director Christian Sesma improved here or maybe working with Grillo and Adkins forced him to up his game. If you're watching this for Scott Adkins he has a very small role and only two scenes with Grillo here really. Also Dermot Mulroney seems to be in everything as of late but I thought he did a good job with his role here.

Where this movie falls apart is the whole dirty cop angle it becomes way too convoluted and I think that whole storyline could've been cut out of this movie entirely and Dermont Mulroney's character could've just been the main threat. Also Jamie King who plays one of the dirty cops wasn't really convincing in the role and never came across like a real threat. Overall though this is a fun, action filled B movie and if you just want to see Frank Grillo kicking ass you'll likely enjoy this. Also in my opinion this was a more enjoyable watch than both Madame Web and Argylle which are in theaters now so that has to count for something.

Had potential. Lacked polish and a cohesive lot that made you wanna care.

[mikeromana · 3/10 · 17 February 2024]

Frank Grillo as a badass with impossible hair. Even after he slept he woke up with perfect hair? Little details, make a difference.

I didn't watch much of the trailer and did not realize that's based on "fight club", cage brawling.

The characters had potential, particularly the main baddies , but it all goes down like a dud firecracker.

Some of the plot at first was not so cohesive, for example, wondering who that guy was who was rummaging through that ladies house, only to find out that was her boyfriend? Very unlikely looking pair.

At the end of it all what I wanted to see was more of Scott Adkins who was barely in it. This was a Frank Grillo movie.

I came to see Scott, but it's not what I got.

So so film that lacked originality, suspense and true gripping action.

Combining Van Damme's Lionheart, PTSD and corrupt cops is a huge fail.

[lbz_1979 · 2/10 · 27 April 2024]

B movies should be fun and entertaining not trying to do Martin Scorcese. And why cast Scott Adkins if you're going to use him for five minutes?

There are at least ten different plots going on and none of them are good. Even the fight scenes are weak. Mekhi Pfeifer looks like he's been on a cheeseburger and pizza diet and Jaime King's hair is laugh out loud ridiculous.

This movie fails on every level. 85 minutes feels like three hours. This is a complete embarrassment for all involved. The director straight up steals the Jet Li Romeo Must Die X-Ray punch effects. And where did the 7 million budget go? Garbage.

Decades later, they still have not learned...

[A_Different_Drummer · 6/10 · 18 February 2024]

Did you ever wonder who green-lights these scripts? The answer is, you wouldn't want to know who, or even how, because it would make you weep for the lost opportunity to make a proper film. Decades later, and the industry still has not grasped precisely what makes these films exciting, fun to watch, and profitable -- ie, the gradual escalation, growing anticipation, of the fights entirely for their own sake. Trying to complicate the story with hard drama or useless plot arcs is the fast track to ... nowhere. To see this done right, check out Charles Bronson in HARD TIMES 1975 (still works well a full half-century later!); or the surprise hit WARRIOR 2011, which coincidentally leads my IMDb list of best films. Frank Grillo at age 58 can still command the screen. But he deserves so much better than this. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))

Blood and Bone, Just Not as Complete

[chukkacabra · 6/10 · 2 March 2024]

When watching, there was one big similarity to Blood and Bone that was hard to miss. A man takes the underground fighting world by storm (but for different motives) by knocking out their first competitor in one blow. I would have liked Lights Out more if the ending was more compelling. A shoot out climax wasn't the way to go, and this really prevented the movie from being a good action flick instead of a relatively unknown action flick. Lights Out lacked real drive or passion, but I don't think the producers cared about that. If you want to watch a badass beat other people up then you will like this, but there is little more than that.

Super underrated

[donumdei · 10/10 · 24 February 2024]

Super underrated movie. I mean it's because it didn't get the promotion. People saying it's a B movie but I don't see it as. I just wish there was lot more Scott. Frank is always a beast, I really enjoyed the movie. Combat action, shooting action even tho it was little crazy. Good story and cool characters. Action movies never get any love unless it's Some boring Super hero that's 4 hours and they spent half bill on it. It's one of those action movies you watch it once and you're good but it's good lol. Movie is not 10 stars I just had to put it, to show some love. It's Solid 7 action flick for me.

A master class on how not to make a film

[kotikogoginashvili · 7/10 · 18 February 2024]

At first, when I looked at the cast of this film, I thought that I would see a good quality spectacle, however, this "thriller" left me with the opposite feeling. In the epicenter of the events is an ex-soldier Duffy, who participates in an underground fighting league for the sake of big money. It is an association similar to a fight club, but corrupt police officers play a major role in the organization and control of these fights. In fact, it is an illegal business office. Duffy is an anti-establishment man who knows the misery of war. Due to financial difficulties, Duffy decides to take part in these illegal fights, but in the end, the main character becomes persona non grata of the corrupt policemen. In my opinion, the content of the film is not refined. The dialogues are very superficial, lacking depth. The script is very flawed. The characters are not open. The character of the one and only Jamie King made an interesting impression on me. For Jamie, this was the first negative character he portrayed in his career. As for the director, Christian Sesma, he has a lot of works in this style, but all of them were evaluated very negatively.

Try to be too many things and get all over the place. Yet enjoyable.

[destroyerwod · 7/10 · 22 February 2024]

I love a good underground martial art club movie, and when i saw the name of Scott Adkins i obviously had to check it out. I knew from the trailer he was not the main character but he is VERY LITTLE in this. I think he is friend with the director or something and it was a favor to attach his name to the project, kinda like with Section 8 where he also play a small part. Actually both movies share a few actors. But i digress.

Frank Grillo despite being close to 60 actually look pretty fit and credible as a retired badass soldier. His fight scenes are meant to be brutal and hard hitting wich work in the context of the movie but is obviously not as a spectacle as if someone like Adkins would had been the lead.

My main issue tough with the movie was the story that try to go in so many different places and have so many characters that ultimately are underdeveloped.

Even tough the movie does have a fair share of fight club scene, you never really feel much danger for the protagonist and sadly it stop being the focuss of the movie on the way.

Yet despite all my criticism with it, i found enjoyment in it. Grillo's acting was fine, and if they had center the story a bit more, it would had been a very decent one in term of B Action Movies. I really enjoyed the first half and i simply think the movie loss itself in the second act. But at only 90 minutes, it didn't overstayed its welcome.

One last thing that bothered me a bit more than it should had maybe is Jaime King's hairs. Her hairs goes from curly to straigh to curly all the time and im not an expert hair dresser so i dunno if you can switch hairs like that back and forth in the span of a few days but for me it just looked like bad continuity.

Ultimately often i rate a movie 7/10 but i would had given it 7.5 or such but its not good enough to warrant an 8. In the case of this movie i would definately rate it more a 6.5 but i enjoy it enough to not warrant a 6 (wich for me is barely above average). So i will go with a 7 also by the rating system. But i feel .5 should definately be introduced to movie reviews or make it on 20.

Lights Out

[tpsimpleman · 7/10 · 15 March 2024]

"Lights Out" offers a gritty and compelling narrative, anchored by strong performances from its lead actors. Frank Grillo's portrayal of Michael "Duffy" Duffield, a homeless veteran drawn into the dangerous world of underground fight clubs, is both nuanced and intense. Likewise, Mekhi Phifer shines as Max Bomer, the street-smart ex-convict who recruits Duffy into this perilous lifestyle.

The film effectively explores themes of redemption, loyalty, and the consequences of one's actions. As Duffy navigates through the murky underworld, his bond with Max and his burgeoning relationship with Rachel, Max's sister, add emotional depth to the story.

The action sequences are well-executed, showcasing Duffy's prowess as a fighter while also highlighting the brutality and ruthlessness of the underground fight scene. Directorial choices effectively build tension, keeping audiences engaged from start to finish.

While the plot occasionally relies on familiar tropes of the crime genre, the dynamic character development and unpredictable twists keep the narrative fresh and engaging. The inclusion of Sage Parker, the crime boss, and Ellen Ridgway, the corrupt police officer, adds layers to the story, raising the stakes for Duffy and Max.

Overall, "Lights Out" is a gripping thriller that delivers on both action and drama. With its compelling characters, intense fight scenes, and suspenseful plot twists, it's sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Very watchable B-Grade Action movie!

[Dark_Lord_Mark · 9/10 · 17 February 2024]

Very watchable action movie. It's about an 8 out of 10 to me as long as you don't expect Citizen Kane.

It has Adkins, a short cameo really and Grillo. Both should be household names and bigger stars. They are throwback guys with the edge and look to them that reminds me of manly men of the 80's.

Keeping in mind it's a small budget action vehicle with a decent plot. I uploaded the plot below but yeah, this is a movie you can watch on a Saturday afternoon by yourself or friends and not be bored.

There is everything you want in a B-movie in terms of plot. It DOES lack humor though and that is fine....it's more of a straight action movie involving family, protecting loved ones, deeper meanings like loyalty and friendship are also present.

Give it a watch.

A homeless veteran, Michael "Duffy" Duffield (Grillo), is always on the move, until he meets a talkative Ex-Con, Max Bomer (Phifer). Max notices Duffy's skills after he gets into a bar fight and offers him a well-paying job. Duffy agrees and discovers that the "job" is competing in underground fight clubs. The pair make a ton of money on the first fight and decide to travel to LA so Duffy can atone for his past and Max can pay back a crime boss, Sage Parker (Mulroney). They stay with Rachel, Max's sister, and Duffy quickly forms a connection with her. Duffy enters Sage's fight club and eventually wins, but it leads to unwanted attention. Duffy gets tied up in the crime world and offered jobs he can't refuse, including one with Sage's partner and Police officer, Ellen Ridgway. The deeper he goes in this world, the more deadly it gets. Duffy is a skilled fighter, but will he and Max make it out alive?

Another Grillo Classic

[crushinrussian-52248 · 7/10 · 29 February 2024]

Lights Out is another of the better straight-to-streaming titles to come out in the 2020s. There is good reason for this. These performers clearly enjoy putting in the training and physicality to do the trained mixed martial arts on-camera that you see in these films.

Grillo brings the heat when given good dialogue. Here is no different. The other actors all gave what I thought were passable performances for their character. It is always a pleasure to get a performance from Mekhi Phifer.

The fight scenes were filmed with finesse, These scenes proved to be the foundation of the movie. The scenes in between are standard for the story, though I would not say formulaic.

The story does get a bit convoluted at times. I also thought the ending was something taken from a different film. Let's be honest, though: you do not watch an action movie expecting the story to be better than the action scenes,

Overall, a winner. Lights Out is a gritty film that does not get dirty, like the bloody bare knuckles that are thrown in the on-screen brawls throughout!

Fun Fresh Watch

[ckwjkfzkq · 7/10 · 26 February 2024]

Lights Out brought a bit of tenderness into a genre otherwise entrenched in hypermasculine cliches and subplots. Themes of PTSD, familial love and police corruption are worked through the movie in a way that is organic, if a bit undercooked in some areas but I can appreciate where it was intended to land and did so enough to enjoy the characters. Scott Atkins and Jaime King and other secondary characters bring some complexity to the character line up that fills in the at times one dimensional Frank Grillo as Duffy.

The director Christian Sesma brings a humanist touch to the genre and consistently makes the overall delivery of the film enjoyable and fun. The exposition could be made clearer through more purposeful dialogue, it was unclear if Peoples' character was the wife or sister in some places. The drone shots and overall cinematography are great and atmospheric, they make LA look dynamic, fresh and real. A solid and enjoyable watch for those who love the genre and looking for a small twist on larger tropes.

Watched it twice !!!

[jmayo-48058 · 10/10 · 23 March 2024]

Cast Alone you cant go wrong. Lights out breaks the formula for action. As a martial artist I always appreciate an action movie with realistic combat. Not once did I see any fantasy make believe or wire fighting stunts. The pace was excellent and the writer/director did an excellent job translating what its like to be in a ring while fighting your inner demons. I see people dissing the movie for having "Too much Dialogue" when in reality they lack the depth to understand any movie that isn't edited with the 2 second rule. I feel sorry for their attention span.

"spoiler alert" I did not expect to cry at the end of the film. Its been a minute I also love the fact that the story leaves a romantic tension between 2 characters without having any vulgarity/nudity which is plagued in most modern action and drama. For providing me with a good time and reminding me that family extends beyond blood I give this a 10.