A couple of years into the podcast, a friend of mine had introduced me to a small independent comic publication out of Utah. The gentleman who runs the publication is without a doubt one of the most energetic dudes I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. It honestly doesn’t matter what subject you talk to this guy about, there is an unspoken aura about him. You can’t help but just smile and match his energy. It’s impossible to be anything less than happy around this guy, I promise you that. When I was introduced to him, he came and did an episode of the show. I’ll be honest, I didn’t think it would go past that. Back when we started the podcast, we had guests on that have never really returned with a handful of exceptions. 

This guy had a positive energy that was magnetic, and our personalities just clicked. A few months later, I asked him to come back and shortly after we collaborated on a fundraising project, which you can still get to this day, simply by clicking here. Somehow, this just turned into an infomercial, but it helps get mental health resources into schools and conventions. In the midst of this creative endeavor I threw something out to this guy, who by now had become a legitimate friend, and pitched him on a comic idea. It honestly started out as a joke but quickly grew rather quickly into serious territory. I believe that comics have the power to educate readers. They offer more to us than merely capes and action. Look no further than works like V for Vendetta and Watchmen to see the proof. 

Within a couple of weeks, I had written and submitted the scripts for the first two issues. I’ve been working on the third issue for a little over two years. The first issue is entering its final stages with lettering. I promise that it is coming. With the third issue, I’ve been experiencing some writer’s block. Not the first time and certainly won’t be my last. When I used to do music, I got it quite often. Even in doing reviews sometimes, I get it. I’m not alone, however. Co-writer and director Jay Baruchel tells the story of a horror comic writer (Jesse Williams) who takes a road trip with friends (Baruchel, Jordana Brewster, and Niamh Wilson) in an attempt to escape his writer’s block. While on the road, Williams is met with a serial killer who is bringing his comic horror to life. 

Baruchel has made a career out of comedy. From supporting roles in Knocked Up, Tropic Thunder and Fanboys to leading roles like She’s Out of My League and the How to Train Your Dragon trilogy, Baruchel has never ventured into the spooky world of ghosts and slashers. Until now. To say that his debut is impressive would be an understatement. Baruchel establishes his characters fairly well through uncomfortable interactions, imagery, and a tension fused soundtrack. His use of vivid colors in red, yellow, and green bring a visionary striking experience that warms your pupils. While the cast is small, Baruchel works better behind the camera rather than in front. The majority of how the narrative is shaped centers on Williams. Williams is tremendous in the lead role. He is haunted, troubled, and calm all within the same breath. He has a charisma about him that is refreshing to find in a horror film. When the route of his career is revealed, as the twist in the third act, it allows his performance to feel that much more full. 

Brewster and Wilson, much like Baruchel, really don’t add too much to the movie. Brewster is the girlfriend of Williams, who is writing her own book on the true story of her boyfriend’s comic. That’s basically her entire thing throughout the movie. Wilson has a bit more to add: she is the assistant of Williams, hoping to be his book’s artist one day. The majority of the supporting cast feels oddly wasted in Violence. What could have been a compelling modern day “Losers Club” slowly becomes a Friday the 13th formulaic slasher. As the violence grows, viewers are introduced to even more characters, in passing, who either are written badly or acted woodenly. There are a couple of moments where I found myself wanting to hit the fast forward button – just to escape the actor or actress on screen. 

Overall, Random Acts of Violence is a smart slasher film that uses the formula of the subgenre to present an enticing social commentary on violence and our strange fascination with it. Jesse Williams leads an underutilized cast that could have made the film stronger. A daring ensemble piece wasted in favor of familiarity makes Violence feel tiresome in places. Williams elevates the film above the tired formula of those that have gone before him to map out a future hidden gem within the horror genre. Baruchel’s use of vivid colors doesn’t hurt either, making Violence not only socially compelling but also visually striking. Even with bloody hands, Random Acts of Violence has nothing random about it – it’s crafty and stunning.

RORSCHACH RATING:

If you or someone you know is reading this right now and you are struggling with suicide, depression, addiction, or self-harm - please reach out. Comment, message or tweet to us. Go to victimsandvillains.net/hope for more resources. Call the suicide lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Text "HELP" to 741-741. There is hope & you DO have so much value and worth!

Victims and Villains is written Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey (and produced by), Caless Davis, Dan Rockwood, & Brandon Miller. Music by Mallory Johnson and others. This post was edited by Cam Smith. Random Acts of Violence is property of Elevation Pictures. We do not own nor claim any rights. Random Acts of Violence is streaming exclusively on Shudder beginning August 20th, 2020.

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