A Lesson in Cruelty

Clever, dark comedy and surprising satire. Interesting to have the lead be such an ignoble character. You really want him to get his comeuppance. I enjoy a bit of over the top acting. Love the political innuendoes and the indie vibe. It gives the audience what it wants.

A Lesson In Cruelty is a bold indie satire. It's one of those comedies that really goes for it where performances are intentionally big and over-the-top, and that's where the laughs come from. The plot involves a jerk of a boss -- something I'm sure we all can relate to -- who has a party thrown for him, but the intention is to actually teach him a lesson. I thought it was a great story and I was immediately hooked. It's an indie film, so it might not have the perfection of a big Hollywood studio film with a gigantic budget, but I was actually really impressed with the film's production value. The lead actor, Justin LeBrun I believe is his name, also gave a very convincing performance. If you're looking for a big and bold film that doesn't hold back, then check out A Lesson in Cruelty.

Although I found this movie entertaining, it was a little too "on-the-nose" for me.

Justing Lebrun plays a verbally abusive, sexist, racist CEO who has been molded by his father. He is known to be a cheater and liar who belittles and slave drives his employees. He receives an invitation to his own 40th birthday party by his staff and is excited, as he has never had a birthday party because of his father. But, the employees are not there to honor him. Oh, no.

This was a quick watch. Although I enjoyed it I would have like to see a little bit more. William E. Harris has a short part but I would have like to see more from his character. It would have added a little depth to the story. As it stands, mean boss gets payback from employees. A little over and hour. Mediocre dark comedy. I watched it, but I wouldn't choose to watch it again. And I'll probably forget it after submitting this review.

A lesson in cruelty has a snappy script and a lead actor that delivers the zingers. The movie moves along a fairly fast pace with a bunch of laughs and groans.

"A Lesson in Cruelty" is dark, wild, and funny! The main character is one that you don't feel guilty for hating. Seeing the antics in the film play out made me think of how much I'd love seeing a performance of this movie live in a theatrical production, but the movie in and of itself is rather entertaining and well-produced. Nicely done!