Ruckus Skye – Cut To The Chase

Written & Directed By: Matt Angel and Suzanne Coote

Based on characters created by: Nick Morris, Lane Skye, and Ruckus Skye

Cinematography: Julia Swain

Editor: Stephen Boyer

Cast: Lulu Wilson, Seann William Scott, Courtney Gains, Matt Angel, Denise Burse, Jill Larson, Michael Sirow, Aaron Dalla Villa, Kate Siegel

Two years after she escaped a violent attack on her family, Becky attempts to rebuild her life in the care of an older woman – a kindred spirit named Elena. But, when a group known as the “Noble Men” breaks into their home, attacks them, and takes her beloved dog, Diego, Becky must return to her old ways to protect herself and her loved ones.

Wow, this film is much shorter and gets to the point faster. As we already know the character. It also leads to one of the biggest problems of the film. There is no suspense. We know she can take on these villains as she is faced with much worse and much tougher.

So even if it was like a horror film, where we are just here for the kills. It still proves to be disappointing as the kills aren’t that inventive or any real creativity to the table. it also seems like for a hit film. The budget is much lower for this film, which is strange.

The film plays like a familiar song only with its own different beat that isn’t as catchy but serves the purpose of it.

Even the inciting incident just seems so ridiculous and minor. that feels lame, weak, and unneeded just as her enemies could’ve felt a little more dangerous instead it almost feels like you’re watching a deadly version of PROBLEM CHILD.

So the film wants us to believe that she is tapped into a much bigger conspiracy and leaves very few victims in this film and they’re not that impressive. There is no joy even as she’s getting her revenge through it all. which is a similar problem to be found in the bigger budgeted THE EQUALIZER films, but they still find a way to be entertaining. This film wants to have a dark sense of humor and a try, but it never quite rises to the level.

It’s giving the audience it’s what it wants, but it also feels a bit lazy. which is a shame as the first one was no masterpiece, but it was a fun little sadistic action film that was surprising. Instead what we get here is gory and goofy.

The film tries to offer a twist only it’s not that shocking and you don’t really care and it’s nice to see Seann William Scott on screen and he certainly is menacing. You just wish the project matched his talent and intensity.

By the end, there is promise of a sequel, which hopefully will help redeem the franchise. If you are a huge fan of the first film, you might take a chance and watch this. Though truthfully there is no need.

Grade: C-

Directed By: Jonathon Milott & Cary Murnion
Written by: Ruckus Skye, Lane Skye & Nick Morris
Cinematography: Greta Zozula
Editor: Alan Canant

Cast: Lulu Wilson, Kevin James, Joel McHale, Robert Maillet, Amanda Brugel, Ryan McDonald, James McDougall

A teenager’s weekend at a lake house with her father takes a turn for the worse when a group of convicts wreaks havoc on their lives.

Directors Jonathan Milott & Cary Murnion are back the directors of BUSHWICK & COOTIES independent genre films made this film which fits into Their usual wheelhouse quote nicely, combining elements from their previous films. Kids and action.

This film was a surprise hit at the box office during the pandemic. Is one of the few movies released that went to drive-ins for the most part.

This is appropriate as the film plays more like a high-concept B-movie. Where you would expect one of the parents to be the one to stop the intruders instead it’s a child.

This is like a more violent HOME ALONE only done as a thriller. A little girl not only takes on escaped prisoners but literally neo-nazi escaped prisoners.

The violence is so graphic that it is unexpected. It also feels cruel and over the top when it does happen. The fact that a child is involved makes it all the more shocking but kind of understandable as there is no pause, just an onslaught with no real thoughts of consequences. After a while, it gets so brutal that It’s not the violence that shocks but when the film chooses to have some innocence or let it be tame.

Having Kevin James as the villain is a bit of stunt casting that works and adds to the overall shock of the endeavor.

As the plot line is a kind of home invasion DIE HARD. Where you cheer as she takes out the gang, but the film also offers so much cruelty to any and all. It never quite becomes the crowd pleaser. If the criminals weren’t so hate worthy it could easily be seen as a horror film where the little girl is the monster

What makes the film so strange is that at times it feels stilted and it is quite sure what type of film or at least tone it wants to be.

It could become an action film but comes off as a thriller but really a horror film. There is even one scene that involves a stabbed eye. That is played for laughs but is quite horrific.

When it comes to Becky as a character. She is more the scary one here. As it is one thing for her to have rage issues because she is dealing with the emotional trauma of losing her mother, but when another family member does In Front of her anger reaches a breaking point, and that fits the scenario. It still feels like this anger and rage were there before and only now is she letting it out. So that she seems more like a psychopath. Where the ending doesn’t leave any answers. Except that she knows she is a dangerous bad-ass

It’s a perfectly fine time waster. Though it feels like a kind of rogue straight-to-home video HOME ALONE rip-off that goes harder than expected. Which it wants to seem more surprising but truly is the only thing that stands out.

Grade: C

Tag: Ruckus Skye

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