Disrupted

I write this review when Disrupted had a 5.1 rating on here. Much too low in my humble opinion. I thought this movie was entertaining, with no real dead moments, a well written story that keeps you focused, some bloody violence and more than decent acting from actors I know by face but not by name. In other words not very famous actors but that doesn't mean bad acting, au contraire. Disrupted is certainly worth a watch if you don't mind a bit of brass knuckles beatdowns.

Disrupted is a gritty, violent, crime thriller set in the Bay Area, CA, featuring San Francisco and Oakland in particular. Living in the Bay Area for over 20 years myself, it was a joy seeing so many familiar places. Writer, Director, and Cinematographer Andre Welsh tells an intricate story with separate threads, each plot line having it's own distinct goals. Over the course of the movie, connections between these threads are formed or revealed, creating a very well structured narrative. Every scene had purpose and a goal relevant to the plot.

Ron Kaell plays Pete, a former convict, alcoholic widower trying to survive by legitimate means in an area with increasing living costs and fewer opportunities for someone his age and with his background. Gentrification is a theme in this picture, highlighting how not only people of color can be affected, but also seniors or people with history in the penal system. The villain (Geoffery Lower), a sociopath with an affinity for brass knuckles, seems to have everything he could ever want but doesn't care about any of it. Despite the heavy themes and mostly dark tone of the film, it was funny in all the right places. The scene where two black criminals talk about camouflage for San Francisco cops had me belly laughing.

I saw this film at the Cinequest 2020 premiere and I have to say it was my favorite film of the festival. Watch this one if you like Coen Brother flicks!

I give it a 7.5/10.

PROS: Original characters. Darkly comedic dialogue. Unpredictable pulpy plot structure. Solid acting.

CONS: Setup takes a bit. Story has a lot going on - Almost at times seems like maybe too many characters but then starts to all come together in 2nd act.

I went in cold not knowing anything about it so needless to say it was way different than what I was expecting. (which was a straight-forward revenge thriller) It's actually more like one of those movies where different characters and stories intertwine. Though it has a fair amount of brutal violence, the movie still has quite a few comedic moments as well.

It is a slow-burn, but I enjoyed it.

As with the other reviews regarding this great gem of a thriller,You should not miss out on this cracking funny.sad in parts very violent gem !!

Disrupted has amazing character development and fascinating sub plots such as favouritism in families among others. And it takes it's time making us understand and feel the things that the characters go through and experience in the film. What's more, we get to see this development progress gradually, and it's the films sense of being so relatable in some ways that really make this one of the better ones out there.

The soundtrack is gorgeous, the storyline and dialog is well written, character motivations are convincing, and enough cannot be said about the amazing acting in this movie. if you want to have an amazing movie night in and be engaged and at the end of your seat for Disrupted 10/10