108 reviews
I had mixed thoughts before watching this film after reading negative reviews, I have to say this movie turned out to be pretty decent. Antonio has made a comeback with an action film. A decent story line that keeps you watching. If you fancy something
different other that watching your fav film over again, then watch this. Not bad at all.
- timsharpe1
- Jun 7, 2018
- Permalink
First thing I noticed at the beginning of the film was that it was very cheesy and poorly executed. The font title was laughable. This was like one of those 90's film where our leather-jacket-wearing hero would flip a broomstick in a kung-fu-ish manner before wedging it between the handles of a kitchen door type of movie.
The script is almost mediocre. And the protagonist, Antonio Banderas also looks too old to play the role to be honest, but kudos to him for actually performing most of the stunts which is always a good thing when it comes to editing because this is what you came to see right? an action film. Not some shaky cam with 5 different cuts just to shoot a single punch that has plagued action films for years. But now, I think is a trend that is fading away.
This one delivers nice and slick action scenes. And realistically short as well. You will know what I mean. You want a pop corn late night action film? You know what to expect. its just a little bit better.
The script is almost mediocre. And the protagonist, Antonio Banderas also looks too old to play the role to be honest, but kudos to him for actually performing most of the stunts which is always a good thing when it comes to editing because this is what you came to see right? an action film. Not some shaky cam with 5 different cuts just to shoot a single punch that has plagued action films for years. But now, I think is a trend that is fading away.
This one delivers nice and slick action scenes. And realistically short as well. You will know what I mean. You want a pop corn late night action film? You know what to expect. its just a little bit better.
It seems Antonio Banderas is making a lot of movies of the same genre lately. This is not to say that's bad. I Think he does quite a good job as an "average man" tough guy. This film is no different, however, there are some exceptions.
I gave this film a generous 7/10. Mostly because I am liking Banderas more and more of late and the plot of this film, although flimsy at times, is pretty good and fast paced.
As in 90% of my reviews, I try to avoid spoilers at all costs as to not ruin it for future viewers. I will stick to that rule and simply talk about what I did and did not like about this film....first, this is a plot we have seen before but was done with some different twists and a solid unforeseeable outcome. Banderas' character is a man on a mission after the murder of his wife and daughter. He is a defense attorney with no fighting or "revenge" skills but learns them quickly as the police seem uninterested in finding the person/persons responsible. This is where He takes matters into his own hands.
The film has some excellent choreographed fight scenes and the pace of the film is without boredom. However, the way our protagonist goes about learning how to become a "tough guy" is quite far out and unbelievable.
Throughout the film, there are quotes regarding "revenge" from Marcus Aurelius' meditations, in six parts. Each act is then played out after the quote is read on screen.
In summation: a worthwhile film with some good action scenes and a solid but familiar story line. Much of the fight scenes from Bandwras' perspective is unrealistic but entertaining. If you are a fan of the action/ thriller and revenge sub genre, you won't be disappointed. If your looking for something new and original, this film won't make the cut.
It was not 90 minutes of boredom or a waste of time....
I gave this film a generous 7/10. Mostly because I am liking Banderas more and more of late and the plot of this film, although flimsy at times, is pretty good and fast paced.
As in 90% of my reviews, I try to avoid spoilers at all costs as to not ruin it for future viewers. I will stick to that rule and simply talk about what I did and did not like about this film....first, this is a plot we have seen before but was done with some different twists and a solid unforeseeable outcome. Banderas' character is a man on a mission after the murder of his wife and daughter. He is a defense attorney with no fighting or "revenge" skills but learns them quickly as the police seem uninterested in finding the person/persons responsible. This is where He takes matters into his own hands.
The film has some excellent choreographed fight scenes and the pace of the film is without boredom. However, the way our protagonist goes about learning how to become a "tough guy" is quite far out and unbelievable.
Throughout the film, there are quotes regarding "revenge" from Marcus Aurelius' meditations, in six parts. Each act is then played out after the quote is read on screen.
In summation: a worthwhile film with some good action scenes and a solid but familiar story line. Much of the fight scenes from Bandwras' perspective is unrealistic but entertaining. If you are a fan of the action/ thriller and revenge sub genre, you won't be disappointed. If your looking for something new and original, this film won't make the cut.
It was not 90 minutes of boredom or a waste of time....
- stephenw-30180
- Oct 27, 2017
- Permalink
2017 has seen the return of Antonio Banderas in full Liam Neeson action hero mode, First punishing the bad guys in the decent B-level action flick "Security", and now another in "Acts Of Vengeance". These kinds of low budget action flicks are pretty bland and run of the mill for the most part, but with a solid yet underrated action director like Isaac Florentine (Ninja II, Undisputed II & III) and a good actor like Antonio Banderas, the movie does stand out as a good direct to VOD action flick. As a guy who grew up on these throwback action films, I liked it. Overall,a fast paced, efficient, action packed movie. Loaded with some well shot and choreographed fights and Banderas delivering justice and kicking ass like its back in the 90's.
7/10
7/10
- ActionFan-Reviews
- Oct 28, 2017
- Permalink
If you are a fan of Antonio Banderas you may feel or watch this under a different ... point of view. You may feel that this is way better than what I have attributed it and what score I gave it. I do like Mr. Banderas a lot, but I also think this is quite predictable. Just from the cast alone you can tell and be aware of certain things.
That aside, the action and stunts are very well shot. So if that is what you are looking for ... and not the suspense itself (the twist is quite the stretch to be honest), you don't have to worry about anything at all.
That aside, the action and stunts are very well shot. So if that is what you are looking for ... and not the suspense itself (the twist is quite the stretch to be honest), you don't have to worry about anything at all.
Not a bad vigilante movie in which Antonio Banderas plays a kind of Nicholas Cage character. Nothing new under the sun, as we say in France. I find here some EQUALIZER elements: Russian mob, teen hooker, mystical avenger reading books, aware of sounds and eye glancing. And of course Chuck Bronson's ghost is nearly everywhere in this film. I expected nor worse or better. Just an adequate time waster.
- searchanddestroy-1
- Aug 11, 2018
- Permalink
I've wanted to see the movie since I met Kart Urban in my gym last year, so maybe I am little biased. The premise of the movie is quite good but the story delivery is rather poor - it is like all things are "designed" to happen and not very convincingly. I mean, the animated TV series I watched as a kid (Michel Vaillant for instance) made a whole lot more sense. Acting is alright - Banderas and Urban do the job as much as the script allows them to, the rest is typical B-movie stuff. The main asset of the movie are the fighting sequence which while cheesy are very well choreographed and Banderas is surprisingly good in all of them. All in all, a descent premise and good fight sequences versus poor script and clichéd storyline make it for a good 6 out of 10. It is worth your time as long as you don't take it seriously and consider its low-budget nature.
I think with a few tweaks, this could've been a decent movie. There was way too much cheese and too many unrealistic scenes. The plot was overdone and predictable, but could've been saved with better writing.
- wrinklednine
- Jan 29, 2018
- Permalink
If you like a John Wick type of movie, then this one is for you. No spoilers here, the movie is about Antonio Banderas trying to find out who killed his daughter and wife.
The fight scenes are done very well, of course the film is made by Isaac Floertine.
There was only one thing I didn't like about the film and that was giving it an man background, I think it would have been better if it didn't have this as a background, but overall the film was very good.
Antonio Banderas us becoming my new favourite actin star, this film and his last film, Security, maybe he is having his time now. I hope there are more action thrillers from him in the near future. Well worth a watch but don't expect an Oscar winning movie.
The fight scenes are done very well, of course the film is made by Isaac Floertine.
There was only one thing I didn't like about the film and that was giving it an man background, I think it would have been better if it didn't have this as a background, but overall the film was very good.
Antonio Banderas us becoming my new favourite actin star, this film and his last film, Security, maybe he is having his time now. I hope there are more action thrillers from him in the near future. Well worth a watch but don't expect an Oscar winning movie.
- nogodnomasters
- Nov 4, 2017
- Permalink
When you mix director/fight choreographer Isaac Florentine of the successful Undisputed & Ninja franchise films, with the amateur/novice writing of Kenpo Karate, Hapkido, Kyokushin, and Shen Chuan disciplined Matt Venne, and cast a non-martial artist well respected B-actor, you create a bad-ass film, starring of course Antonio BAnDerASS!
Yes we've seen these type of films many times over, and going into this one I was prepared for disappointment, but I was wrong. I really did enjoy this film, especially due to the fact that this (bad-ass) role is not in the 57 years-old Antonio Banderas' wheelhouse - and he impressed!
Now I know most wannabe critics are going to dissect this film and slam it with comparables, but let's look at the obvious here; we have an amateur writer who presented a decent piece. Yes, it could have been better and tighter, but it's amateur, and rating the writing as such, it's pretty decent. Now compare this low budget B-grade film to some of the big-budget Hollywood action flicks (John Wick being one of my all time favs), and it's been produced very well.
Let's go one step further and compare it to actual martial arts films with real martial-artists such as Jean Claude van Damme and Steven Seagal (of which lately I cringe when I see any of their films); This films writing, directing, choreography AND acting blows all of those away. Sure the latter are not real actors, but martial- artists, and Banderas is an actor and not a martial artist, but he was more believable and entertaining in this film. Hat's off for his performance and I hope he does more action films like these.
This is by no means a perfect film, and had the writing/screenplay been teamed up with a Hollywood pro, it would have had the makings of another John Wick franchise.
Nevertheless, a very enjoyable film, and rating it on it's merits, I give it an 8.5/10 rounded up to a 9, as I know it will be slammed with undeserving ratings of 1's.
I definitely recommend this film and hope they come out with a part 2. And if anyone is questioning my review as fake, click my username to see my almost 300 reviews and 700 ratings. Then go see this film!
Yes we've seen these type of films many times over, and going into this one I was prepared for disappointment, but I was wrong. I really did enjoy this film, especially due to the fact that this (bad-ass) role is not in the 57 years-old Antonio Banderas' wheelhouse - and he impressed!
Now I know most wannabe critics are going to dissect this film and slam it with comparables, but let's look at the obvious here; we have an amateur writer who presented a decent piece. Yes, it could have been better and tighter, but it's amateur, and rating the writing as such, it's pretty decent. Now compare this low budget B-grade film to some of the big-budget Hollywood action flicks (John Wick being one of my all time favs), and it's been produced very well.
Let's go one step further and compare it to actual martial arts films with real martial-artists such as Jean Claude van Damme and Steven Seagal (of which lately I cringe when I see any of their films); This films writing, directing, choreography AND acting blows all of those away. Sure the latter are not real actors, but martial- artists, and Banderas is an actor and not a martial artist, but he was more believable and entertaining in this film. Hat's off for his performance and I hope he does more action films like these.
This is by no means a perfect film, and had the writing/screenplay been teamed up with a Hollywood pro, it would have had the makings of another John Wick franchise.
Nevertheless, a very enjoyable film, and rating it on it's merits, I give it an 8.5/10 rounded up to a 9, as I know it will be slammed with undeserving ratings of 1's.
I definitely recommend this film and hope they come out with a part 2. And if anyone is questioning my review as fake, click my username to see my almost 300 reviews and 700 ratings. Then go see this film!
- Top_Dawg_Critic
- Oct 27, 2017
- Permalink
Exciting and moving action film in which Antonio Banderas seeks revenge when his family is attacked by some ruthless people . A cathartic vengeance drama that delivers vicarious thrills for anyone who has ever felt outraged yet helpless about crime and disorder . A reboot from the successful crime thrillers that created the revenge genre to deliver expeditive justice with Antonio Banderas as the main star . Concerning an experienced lawyer Frank Valera : Banderas , a man who has spent his life as a prestigious advocate in law -and who only sees the aftermath of his city's violence at the criminal court -, turns an investigator after an attack on his family and taking the law into his own hands as a judge , jury and executioner . This new vendetta movie with excessive violence concerns a middle-aged and fast-talking lawyer following the classic doctrine from Roman Emperator ¨Marcus Aurelius¨ and his ¨Meditations¨ writings , as he transforms his body and takes a vow of silence, not to be broken until he finds out who killed his spouse and daughter and has his vengeance . As he turns the one-man vigilante rushed in extreme violence when his family is assaulted by furious people , as his wife is attacked and elementary school-age daughter are murdered . Then he embarks on his own mission for justice , stalking the slums of overloaded crimes , and taking the law into his own hands , searching vendetta on vicious crooks , making the neighborhood safer and along the way bumping off some criminals , assailants and other street scum as the panderers who exploit a teen to prostitute herself . Meanwhile , a police chief : Johnathon Schaech is investigating the grisly killings but it goes wrong . Along the way , Varela is supported and helped by a good wowan : Paz Vega . At the end , fury , retribution and fate collide between Varela and a cruel enemy . They came for his family. Now he's coming for them. How Far Would You Go To Protect Your Family?. Payback Speaks Louder Than Words .
This acceptable film made in ¨Death wish¨style contains suspense , noisy action-packed , intrigue , thrills , shootouts , twists , turns and loads of violence . Dealing with an avenger , burning for revenge , hunts for his family's murderers , as he decides to fight back against the rising tide of crime , one can't help but feel a sense of empowerment, making the film a whole lot of fun for armchair revengers , though , at times , it looks increasingly passsionless and mechanical . Outside of the moral questions that this picture throws up, resulting to be an account of a society that can't protect the honest , as the film packs a searingly brilliant turn from Antonio Banderas , he is an important solicitor become involved in a dangerous investigation and a merciless retribution . Antonio Banderas in his usual acting style , displays efficiently his skills in ¨Charles Bronson's Death wish¨ and ¨Clint Eastwood's Harry the Dirty¨ wake and killing mercilessly nasties . It's certainly thrilling , though the morality may be questionable , even in this time, as the spectators were clearly on the Varela/Banderas' side . It is strangely compelling and taps into some sensitive souls . Furthermore , here appears a nice secondary cast , such as : Karl Urban , Paz Vega , Robert Forster , Cristina Serafini , Johnathon Schaech and a brief cameo by Isaac Floreentine himself as a Karate Sensei .
It packs a stirring and thrilling musical score composed, orchestrated and performed by Frederik Wiedmann. As well as atmospheric and evocative cinematography by Yaron Scharf. The motion picture was professionally directed by Isaac Florentine , though with no originality . Valentine is a notorious actor/producer/writer/filmmaker , an expert on action and violent movies . Isaac cut his teeth in the American film industry working as a fight choreographer and a second unit director. Two-and-a-half years later, he directed his first feature, Desert Kickboxer. Despite its hectic sixteen-day schedule and ultra-low budget, Isaac's inspired direction was so impressive that HBO bought the film. Issac has directed the following ones : Indisputed II , Indisputed III , Ninja , Ninja II , Sofia , U.S. Seals II , Cold Harvest , Haigh voltage , Bridge of Dragons ,The Shepherd , Special Forces , Acts of vengeance and his last one : Seized. Since then, he has worked steadily as a director in film and television, and he continues to impress people with his creative visual style. Rating : 6.5/10 . Decent and acceptable action movie.
This acceptable film made in ¨Death wish¨style contains suspense , noisy action-packed , intrigue , thrills , shootouts , twists , turns and loads of violence . Dealing with an avenger , burning for revenge , hunts for his family's murderers , as he decides to fight back against the rising tide of crime , one can't help but feel a sense of empowerment, making the film a whole lot of fun for armchair revengers , though , at times , it looks increasingly passsionless and mechanical . Outside of the moral questions that this picture throws up, resulting to be an account of a society that can't protect the honest , as the film packs a searingly brilliant turn from Antonio Banderas , he is an important solicitor become involved in a dangerous investigation and a merciless retribution . Antonio Banderas in his usual acting style , displays efficiently his skills in ¨Charles Bronson's Death wish¨ and ¨Clint Eastwood's Harry the Dirty¨ wake and killing mercilessly nasties . It's certainly thrilling , though the morality may be questionable , even in this time, as the spectators were clearly on the Varela/Banderas' side . It is strangely compelling and taps into some sensitive souls . Furthermore , here appears a nice secondary cast , such as : Karl Urban , Paz Vega , Robert Forster , Cristina Serafini , Johnathon Schaech and a brief cameo by Isaac Floreentine himself as a Karate Sensei .
It packs a stirring and thrilling musical score composed, orchestrated and performed by Frederik Wiedmann. As well as atmospheric and evocative cinematography by Yaron Scharf. The motion picture was professionally directed by Isaac Florentine , though with no originality . Valentine is a notorious actor/producer/writer/filmmaker , an expert on action and violent movies . Isaac cut his teeth in the American film industry working as a fight choreographer and a second unit director. Two-and-a-half years later, he directed his first feature, Desert Kickboxer. Despite its hectic sixteen-day schedule and ultra-low budget, Isaac's inspired direction was so impressive that HBO bought the film. Issac has directed the following ones : Indisputed II , Indisputed III , Ninja , Ninja II , Sofia , U.S. Seals II , Cold Harvest , Haigh voltage , Bridge of Dragons ,The Shepherd , Special Forces , Acts of vengeance and his last one : Seized. Since then, he has worked steadily as a director in film and television, and he continues to impress people with his creative visual style. Rating : 6.5/10 . Decent and acceptable action movie.
Antonio Bandeiras gets a soft spot in our hearts for all he has done in Cinema. He is like Stallone, Schwarzenegger, Lundgren, one of those actors paid to act much and talk little; when they talk, we recognize as fast as a blink of an eye who the actor is, mainly because they have strong accents. You might find it funny that Antonio narrates most of this movie, which kinda pisses me off: narration, most of the times, is an excuse to tell us rather than show us.
In Acts of Vengeance, Frank Valera works too much, which ends up getting their daughter and wife killed. He descends into almost madness but finds resolution and redemption in a very peculiar book.
This movie is an average revenge story. Nothing too fancy, nothing too smart. In the end, you are just watching events unfold, wondering who is the bad guy.
I found the motive to be obvious. I suggested once I got the first events of the movie and I was spot on. Nonetheless, OK movie to watch.
If you want bland entertainment, go for it.
In Acts of Vengeance, Frank Valera works too much, which ends up getting their daughter and wife killed. He descends into almost madness but finds resolution and redemption in a very peculiar book.
This movie is an average revenge story. Nothing too fancy, nothing too smart. In the end, you are just watching events unfold, wondering who is the bad guy.
I found the motive to be obvious. I suggested once I got the first events of the movie and I was spot on. Nonetheless, OK movie to watch.
If you want bland entertainment, go for it.
- gabriel_sanchez
- Sep 9, 2022
- Permalink
- Leofwine_draca
- Jan 26, 2018
- Permalink
I can't remember the last time Antonio Banderas made a good movie. I stay away from his movies like I'd stay away from someone with a bad case of the flu. But, I found the plot interesting, so I gave it a shot. My shot was a total misfire. Every reviewer who rated this movie two or one star hit the bull's eye. I believe the last decent movie Banderas made was around the time Steven Siegal made a decent film. Think about that. Well, don't think about it just don't watch "Acts of Vengeance."
After sitting through crap like "White House Down", finally a good acted simple revenge flick with good action.
A man inspired by Marcus Aurelius (Roman Emperor) goes hunting for the killers of his wife and daughter. It's a simple clichéd plot but the execution is what keep it interesting till the end.
No bullshit about "AMERICAH" no "SAVE The American PRESIDENT TO SAVE The FREE WORLD". Nah, it's a simple revenge flick with really well done action scenes. Also, I did not see Karl Urban's same on the list, thought it was Antonio only, but I'm a fan of both of these guys so I definitely had a unexpected enjoyment level maxed out.
A man inspired by Marcus Aurelius (Roman Emperor) goes hunting for the killers of his wife and daughter. It's a simple clichéd plot but the execution is what keep it interesting till the end.
No bullshit about "AMERICAH" no "SAVE The American PRESIDENT TO SAVE The FREE WORLD". Nah, it's a simple revenge flick with really well done action scenes. Also, I did not see Karl Urban's same on the list, thought it was Antonio only, but I'm a fan of both of these guys so I definitely had a unexpected enjoyment level maxed out.
- patriots3428
- Feb 8, 2018
- Permalink
Outside of the fact that Banderas is too old and small to be an action hero, the film is alright. The acting is fine as is the pace, the fight scenes and suspense. Give it a try. As a TV movie on a slow day or night, it's not bad entertainment
- docm-32304
- Nov 7, 2020
- Permalink
I think that the people who have made this movie don't know what the f they are doing. Its just why the hell does this movie even exist. Is the same old bloody revenge stuff that has just is getting so old by now that is just a dying genre. They try to make the main character played by Antonio Banderas not saying a word the most off the movie and they think that it's pays off no it doesn't cause his acting is so bad that he basically destroys most off the film. Just making him stop talking is the only way to make his character a bit interesting but no he is as compelling as a brick just a cliche main lead we have seen a hundred times before. The action scenes are alright, I especially like the first and the last fight cause there were som tension in them that was quite exiting to watch. But that was the only 2 things I liked in this movie everything else is boring we have seen it all before crap from people that have no passion and should be fired from the movie industry forever.
- martinsplads
- May 16, 2019
- Permalink
- InnerWisdom1000
- Dec 8, 2023
- Permalink
Fast-talking defence lawyer Antonio Banderas draws upon the philosophy of Marcus Aurelius to help him hunt down the killer of his neglected wife and daughter in a revenge thriller that at least tries to be a little different. Unfortunately, it's a gimmick that does little to disguise the routine nature of a plot that is riddled with holes (the most inefficient of police departments would nail this killer within a matter of days). Banderas does well despite being shackled by his character's pointless vow of silence.
- JoeytheBrit
- May 4, 2020
- Permalink
Decided to watch on Netflix as I like banderas. To be honest was gonna turn it off half way through but didn't as it was late and didn't want to start another film. It's an hour and a half of my life I'll never get back.
- laphamrory
- Jan 2, 2020
- Permalink