Pfad der Rache

First thing I noticed at the beginning of the film was that it was very cheesy and poorly executed. The font title was laughable. This was like one of those 90's film where our leather-jacket-wearing hero would flip a broomstick in a kung-fu-ish manner before wedging it between the handles of a kitchen door type of movie.

The script is almost mediocre. And the protagonist, Antonio Banderas also looks too old to play the role to be honest, but kudos to him for actually performing most of the stunts which is always a good thing when it comes to editing because this is what you came to see right? an action film. Not some shaky cam with 5 different cuts just to shoot a single punch that has plagued action films for years. But now, I think is a trend that is fading away.

This one delivers nice and slick action scenes. And realistically short as well. You will know what I mean. You want a pop corn late night action film? You know what to expect. its just a little bit better.

It seems Antonio Banderas is making a lot of movies of the same genre lately. This is not to say that's bad. I Think he does quite a good job as an "average man" tough guy. This film is no different, however, there are some exceptions.

I gave this film a generous 7/10. Mostly because I am liking Banderas more and more of late and the plot of this film, although flimsy at times, is pretty good and fast paced.

As in 90% of my reviews, I try to avoid spoilers at all costs as to not ruin it for future viewers. I will stick to that rule and simply talk about what I did and did not like about this film....first, this is a plot we have seen before but was done with some different twists and a solid unforeseeable outcome. Banderas' character is a man on a mission after the murder of his wife and daughter. He is a defense attorney with no fighting or "revenge" skills but learns them quickly as the police seem uninterested in finding the person/persons responsible. This is where He takes matters into his own hands.

The film has some excellent choreographed fight scenes and the pace of the film is without boredom. However, the way our protagonist goes about learning how to become a "tough guy" is quite far out and unbelievable.

Throughout the film, there are quotes regarding "revenge" from Marcus Aurelius' meditations, in six parts. Each act is then played out after the quote is read on screen.

In summation: a worthwhile film with some good action scenes and a solid but familiar story line. Much of the fight scenes from Bandwras' perspective is unrealistic but entertaining. If you are a fan of the action/ thriller and revenge sub genre, you won't be disappointed. If your looking for something new and original, this film won't make the cut.

It was not 90 minutes of boredom or a waste of time....

2017 has seen the return of Antonio Banderas in full Liam Neeson action hero mode, First punishing the bad guys in the decent B-level action flick "Security", and now another in "Acts Of Vengeance". These kinds of low budget action flicks are pretty bland and run of the mill for the most part, but with a solid yet underrated action director like Isaac Florentine (Ninja II, Undisputed II & III) and a good actor like Antonio Banderas, the movie does stand out as a good direct to VOD action flick. As a guy who grew up on these throwback action films, I liked it. Overall,a fast paced, efficient, action packed movie. Loaded with some well shot and choreographed fights and Banderas delivering justice and kicking ass like its back in the 90's.

7/10

If you like a John Wick type of movie, then this one is for you. No spoilers here, the movie is about Antonio Banderas trying to find out who killed his daughter and wife.

The fight scenes are done very well, of course the film is made by Isaac Floertine.

There was only one thing I didn't like about the film and that was giving it an man background, I think it would have been better if it didn't have this as a background, but overall the film was very good.

Antonio Banderas us becoming my new favourite actin star, this film and his last film, Security, maybe he is having his time now. I hope there are more action thrillers from him in the near future. Well worth a watch but don't expect an Oscar winning movie.

Antonio Bandeiras gets a soft spot in our hearts for all he has done in Cinema. He is like Stallone, Schwarzenegger, Lundgren, one of those actors paid to act much and talk little; when they talk, we recognize as fast as a blink of an eye who the actor is, mainly because they have strong accents. You might find it funny that Antonio narrates most of this movie, which kinda pisses me off: narration, most of the times, is an excuse to tell us rather than show us.

In Acts of Vengeance, Frank Valera works too much, which ends up getting their daughter and wife killed. He descends into almost madness but finds resolution and redemption in a very peculiar book.

This movie is an average revenge story. Nothing too fancy, nothing too smart. In the end, you are just watching events unfold, wondering who is the bad guy.

I found the motive to be obvious. I suggested once I got the first events of the movie and I was spot on. Nonetheless, OK movie to watch.

If you want bland entertainment, go for it.