Review of Brawl in Cell Block 99 (2017) by Anthony B — 04 Jan 2018

Wow, just wow, this film is hardcore, and damn, just damn, can Vince Vaughn act. In recent years I've lost faith in Vaughn's acting abilities as well as his ability to choose a role but he has completely redeemed himself with Brawl In Cell Block 99.

For those of you who don't know, this is another modern day masterpiece delivered by writer/director S. Craig Zahler whose feature film debut Bone Tomahawk is even slightly better than BICB99, which is saying a lot.

This flick is funny, brutal, and shocking on a level that I have not experienced in years. The fight scenes are superb and choreographed and shot with such fanboy love and attention to detail that it is awe-inspiring.

One of my favorite things here is the pacing. The film is over two hours and never drags but instead takes its time properly explaining things like the protagonist's motivation and the filmmaker's cinematic point of view.

Full disclosure, Bone Tomahawk had its violent moments but this one is much more raw and savage and definitely not for the squeamish or faint of heart as it boasts some of the most disgustingly original onscreen deaths I have ever seen.

In fact, I'd say Tarantino could stand to learn a thing or two from Zahler. Overall, excellent throwback to the grindhouse prison films of the 60s and 70s, especially the final scene which is... explosive lol (inside joke).