Pub.lished Movie Reviews
Riders of Justice (2020)
"Riders of Justice" is a revenge justice flick.
The inimitable Mads Mikkelsen plays an apparent nobody, Markus, whose wife is killed in a train wreck.
Yet a mathematician claims the train wreck was no accident. It was all part of an elaborate hit.
So, Markus and his motley crew decide to get revenge.
This is a well-worn cliché, but it's done with both style and some serious comedy chops.
- You are uncomfortable with graphic violence or intense action scenes
- You are seeking a light-hearted movie experience. This movie is more on the serious and emotionally heavy side
- You prefer a film with a simpler plot-line. Riders of Justice (2020) consists of multiple sub-plots
- You are under the age of 15, which is the minimum recommended age due to mature content
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:
What's the deal with "Riders of Justice"? I mean, it's a Danish movie, and I don't know about you, but when I think Danish, I think pastries, not gritty revenge thrillers. But here we are, watching Mads Mikkelsen, the guy who played Hannibal Lecter, trying to juggle being a hardened military man and a single dad. It's like "Taken" meets "Mr. Mom", but with more snow and subtitles.
And what about the title, "Riders of Justice"? Sounds like a motorcycle gang, right? But nope, it's just Mikkelsen and a bunch of misfit nerds who've seen way too many action movies. I kept waiting for them to hop on some Harleys and start terrorizing the Danish countryside. Instead, they're crunching numbers and plotting revenge. It's like "Sons of Anarchy" if it was written by IBM's Watson.
Then there's this whole conspiracy theory subplot. Apparently, a tragic train accident might not be an accident at all, but a calculated hit by a criminal gang. That's a big leap! I mean, I've heard of train robberies, but train assassinations? That's taking public transportation dangers to a whole new level!
In fairness, "Riders of Justice" does have its moments. Like when the tech nerds try to teach Markus how to smile for a photo. Apparently, nobody told him you can't scowl your way through a family portrait. It's like watching Clint Eastwood trying to crack a joke. Painful, but you can't look away.
In Bruges (2008):
As a fan of "Riders of Justice," you might appreciate "In Bruges." This darkly comedic crime thriller showcases Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson as Irish hitmen laying low in Bruges, Belgium after a botched job. Its blend of dark humor and sudden moments of violence echoes the tonal balance found in "Riders of Justice," making it a potentially intriguing choice for you.
The Drop (2014):Another recommendation is "The Drop," which stars Tom Hardy and the late James Gandolfini. This gritty crime drama, set in the underbelly of Brooklyn's crime families, captures the same tension that "Riders of Justice" does so well. The film’s careful nuance, layered performances, and taut suspense might be very appealing to you.
Headhunters (2011):"Headhunters" is a Norwegian action thriller that spins a high-paced story of a corporate headhunter who moonlights as an art thief to finance his lavish lifestyle. If you enjoyed the Scandinavian setting and the edge-of-your-seat suspense of "Riders of Justice," you may enjoy the twists and turns in this film.
A Bigger Splash (2015):If you're interested in a slightly different take on the thriller genre, "A Bigger Splash" might be a great option. Like "Riders of Justice," it also weaves together a complex narrative and intense character study, this time within the confines of a sun-soaked Sicilian island. Here, every character is a ticking time bomb of secrets and tension, much like our heroes in "Riders of Justice."
Drive (2011):Rounding off the list is "Drive," a slick neo-noir thriller that shares the sense of brooding mystery and explosive violence seen in "Riders of Justice." Ryan Gosling delivers a standout performance as a stunt driver who gets tangled in criminal dealings. The blend of style, suspense, and action could be exactly what you're looking to watch next.
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