Review of Demolition (2016) by Greg C — 09 Apr 2016

Wall street banker, Davis Mitchell (Jake Gyllenhaal), is put under the spotlight after his wife Julia (Heather Lind) dies in a car crash. Davis is unable to express any emotion toward the death of his wife. Not even in the company his boss and father-in-law, Phil (Chris Cooper). Davis finally opens up about his feelings while writing complaint letters to vending machine company that did not deliver his Peanut M&Ms the night of his wife's death.

Davis meets Karen (Naomi Watts), the HR rep at the vending machine machine company who forms an interest in Davis' odd, yet brutally honest letters. Davis forms a friendship with Karen and spends time bonding with her son, Chris (Judah Lewis). With the help of Chris, Davis figuratively and literally demolishes every trace of his past life in hopes to rebuild his love for his deceased wife.

Demolition is a unique film that is drama at it's core, but also takes the risk in being a dark comedy. Davis' unorthodox behavior and cringe worthy comments can be nails on a chalk board, but it is honorable for the film to take chances. It pays off for the most part. Clichés enter near the end of the film that I don't believe truly represented the film's characters. Luckily I was so impressed with the other ninety percent that my view of the film did not crumple.

Jake Gyllenhaal is a future Academy Award winner. Mark my words. Gyllenhaal somehow makes you feel empathy toward an emotionless Davis. Although his performance is the cement holding this film together, it is extremely unlikely he will be awarded for this outing. Nevertheless, Gylenhaal and the rest of the cast featuring the likes of Naomi Watts, Chris Cooper, and Judah Lewis all bring their A game. Watts is phenomenal as a cannabis-loving, single mother who is struggling to find a connection with her son. Watts plays it with sincerity and heart. Judah Lewis delivers an impressive performance of a young teen struggling with self identity. Cooper's portrayal of Phil, Julia's father, is a strong counter to Gyllenhaal's emotionless demeanor. Phil wears his emotions on his sleeve. Their interactions makes for some of the films most uncomfortable, but memorable scenes.

I am drawn to off-kilter films. Although Demolition does succumb to familiar results, the ride along the way goes off-the-rail ride. There are stops along the way that are so uncomfortable, yet hard not to laugh at. Demolition wobbles near the end, but is never close to falling.

Demolition: 4 out of 5 Quarts of Cool Juice.