Vengeance

Synopsis:

A journalist and podcaster travels from New York City to Texas to investigate the death of a woman whom he hooked up with.

Movie Review:

B.J. Novak makes his directorial debut with “Vengeance”, and he stars in it as well. This is a dark comedy with a western flavor to it. B.J. Novak plays Ben Manalowitz a writer/podcaster who is a lonely, arrogant know-it-all. When he goes to Texas because a woman he was seeing dies, he gets into this interesting mystery that keeps you guessing until the end. Novak is great in this movie, and he is the main reason it works. Boyd Holbrook plays Ty Shaw the brother of the woman who dies. Holbrook steals the show with his witty and amusing dialogue. The Shaw family played by Isabella Amara, Dove Cameron, and J. Smith-Cameron provided lots of funny family drama that was hilarious and surprisingly emotional. I loved Ben’s relationship with his editor played by Issa Rae; their chemistry was undeniable. Ashton Kutcher plays Quinten Sellers a music producer who has many secrets, but I wasn’t a fan of the twist with his character at the end. My biggest problem I found with this movie was the quick ending that felt forced and unsatisfying. “Vengeance” is a well written western comedy with a hilarious main cast. I am giving “Vengeance” a 3.5/5 stars.

Director: B.J. Novak

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

Runtime: 108 Minutes