Thursday, March 30, 2006

History Of Violence

I just watched History of Violence last night--remember, I have kids, so don't blame me if I'm just getting around to it. I was pleasantly surprised with this movie. First, I had no idea what it was about; in fact, I didn't even read the jacket summary, just popped it in the player and let it rip.

** Spoiler Alert **

It starts with a pair of psychopathic killers checking out of a motel by eliminating the entire staff, thus relieving themselves of financial liability. Then we pan to a fine, upstanding, well-adjusted family in the Midwest, doing really swell together; as in, "Gee Wally, mom and dad sure are groovy." At this point I was certain that the killers would roll into town and terrorize family and friends for two hours before finally being taken down before the credits roll. No sir. The hero Tom, known only as Vigo by all my romance writing friends, a heretofore modern Ward Cleaver, takes care of these two assholes with eerily efficient dispatch.

Ok, now what? And that's just it, there is plenty more, and still more twists. Safe to say, I had no idea what was going to happen next. I thought I did a few times, but the story kept bending away from expectation.

One thing I will say, William Hurt did not deserve an Oscar nomination for his role. He was good, but he was no Joe Peschi in Goodfellas.

Oh, and I saw The Forty Year Old Virgin too. What a refreshing comedy it was too. It was typical in some aspects--the whole friends giving bad relationship advice thing--but the story didn't stay focused on those aspects for too long, where other movies of it's type make such inanities the central plot. The actors were fresh and hilarious, and the banter between the players was combative and tense, but with underlying affection. A lot of fun, if not a little too long.

9 comments:

Scott said...

Definitely blog about it. I haven't seen it yet, but I clearly plan to when it comes out on DVD.

Bailey Stewart said...

Haven't seen either one yet - skipped the alert about History of Violence because we may watch it.

Kathleen said...

I didn't read as you did say Spoiler Alert. That one is on my list somewhere.

Toni Anderson said...

I haven't seen either one yet but want to. Having kids sure slows down the movie viewing time!!!

mr. schprock said...

I might check out History of Violence now. I did see The 40 Year Old Virgin and thought it was great — we own it now. And I'm with Mrs. T: I LOVED V for Vendetta — I've see it twice (so far).

Sadie Lou said...

That's interesting. My parents just watched it and they hated it. My parents and I share movie tastes so I decided to bypass this movie.
Do you think I should give it a whirl anyways?

Beth said...

OK, I saw "History of Violence" also and what I disliked most was the relationship between Viggo and the wife. The weird sex acts, the almost violent sex acts ... it just had me shaking my head. I was like, "Where's the tenderness? Aren't we supposed to feel like they're in love instead of deranged?" LOL

Shesawriter said...

Scott,

I didn't read your post because HOV is on my Blockbuster Queve. I'll read it after I see the movie. I did read up to the part where you said you were "pleasantly surprised." :-) Now I can't wait to see it.

Tanya

Ultra Toast Mosha God said...

I skipped this post because of the disclaimer.

I really want to see this film.