Just_Gas Reviews

Brawl in Cell Block 99 (2017)

A Masterclass in Gritty, Gripping Narrative and Raw Performance

[24 September 2023]

Brawl in Cell Block 99 is a breath of fresh air in a world where a lot of directors & writers ignore what great story telling & character-driven movies are all about.

It takes an imperfect character trying to make the best out of horrible situations, leading to worse and worse consequences. Vaughn's performance, easily the best in his career, portrays this perfectly, and you're entranced as the world around him slowly becomes more grim as the movie progresses.

Zahler's Tarantino conversational-like writing may come as a surprise to people who have not seen his work. There isn't a dull moment between characters, with wit, though not common, being thrown in that'll get a chuckle out of the audience.

It's also worth noting that surprisingly there isn't a whole lot of violent sequences. BUT when fists are being thrown buckle up because it's some of the most hardcore violence you'll see in any movie.

Though the name might turn a lot of heads away don't hop on the bandwagon! Brawl in Cell Block 99 is a great film that's worth your time if you're looking for a gritty, brutal experience that'll captivate you start to finish.

Dragged Across Concrete (2018)

A Thriller That Delivers

[9 May 2023]

Let me just start by saying I can entirely understand why the reviews of this movie are so mixed. Some people think it's a drag to watch due to the run time and slow build up, while others think it's a work of art all the way through.

While I agree more with the latter, I'd be lying if I said the first half of the movie is a perfect 10. The dialogue is stellar throughout, but that's not enough to carry a thriller by itself. We're here for the plot. Something that puts the foot on the gas and doesn't let up until the credits start rolling.

With that said, Dragged Across Concrete is easily the most blood pumping film that I have ever seen. Once you give this movie time to fully kick into gear, it will put you on the edge of your seat and won't give you a single second to breathe.

By the time it's over you'll understand why Zahler slowly built up the main event that happens in the last 50-60 minutes, which will without a doubt glue your eyes to the screen and put you on your toes in the most enjoyable way a movie can.

If you're a fan of thrillers like No Country For Old Men, The Departed, or Reservoir Dogs, you'll think Dragged Across Concrete is an absolute knockout that'll have you wanting more from S Craig Zahler.