"Some families shouldn't last for generations. Some need to end" - Saxon (Jack Kesy) This quote reminds me of when William (Ed Harris) told his despicable Father-in-law James Delos in Westworld, that "no one is meant to live forever", after decades of failed attempts to sync Mr. Delos' copied developed mind and a replica of his body. Some people are irredeemable and I love when movies (or shows) are honest enough to say it out loud, no matter how ugly it sounds. Saxon (Jack Kesy) is on a relentless hunt for the truth behind his Mother's death. Her suicide on paper doesn't match the woman she was in life and her actions preceeding her death raise questions. Add in a timely insurance policy, shady insurance agents, shadier beneficiaries, bad blood between brothers and you have a slow-burning, but tense, volatile story. The banter between characters is witty and intelligent. Family conflicts serve up poetic dialogue and dark comedy to me, as I found the family dynamics and dysfunction relatable to my own family. Jack Kesy's presence demands your attention throughout the film. The plot builds and builds and builds to some answers but not key answers. After an exciting hunt and wild ride, it ends on a silent, unfulfilling note, making an 8-worthy film a 6.
Plot summary
After a lengthy absence, a small-town outlaw returns to his hometown, violently obsessed with the notion that his Mother's death was not a suicide.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
June 19, 2019 at 05:40 PM
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Compelling, but Unfinished Business
Hard to Watch, but we see great scenes
Saxon Gambel (Jack Kesy) gets out of prison and learns that his mother committed suicide and he doesn't buy it. So he starts an investigation of his own in a town no one likes him because of his past behavior; and especially his brother Dean (David Cubitt) from a different father Hank Sr (Stephen McHattie). Saxon's father is Leonard Gamble (Peter McRobbie) a pastor. Saxon and Dean hate each other totally.
If the Saxon character wasn't so arrogant and verbally abusive to most people this may have stood a good chance at being a more decent film. He eventually softens up some when he meets Amelia (Amanda Crew) for the 2nd time. Otherwise he is totally annoying mostly because he feels his mother didn't commit suicide and no one is willing to help him except long time friend Hank Jr (Ty Olsen).
What struck me most was the interplay of light and shadows the Director gave us. Very good in keeping with this dark story and all of this helped the cinematography immensely. Kudos. We are almost mesmerized by the scenes which are almost a work of art in themselves. And this leads me to keep an eye on the Director, Daniel DiMarco, to see what he does next. (Ha, you'll forget)
The acting is good all around, but Saxon's investigation takes a long time to bear fruit and even then we are not sure who killed Saxon's mother. Saxon is sure she didn't commit suicide because he sees a letter written to her telling her she has received her business license. See? He is angry but we cannot get in line with this. We see the anger, but do not become a part of it.
Notables: Darren Dolynski as Clayton Bowman, who becomes a prime suspect in Saxon's mind, but no one knows where he is; Philip Granger as the Sheriff, who seems to know things he won't tell Saxon; David Cubitt, Saxon's brother is actually Saxon's prime suspect in the murder of his (their) mother.
If you can put up with the arrogance and abusive nature of Saxon, this may be okay for you. And, yes, we keep hoping he will soften and not only with Amelia. (7/10)
Violence: Yes.
Sex: No.
Nudity: No.
Humor: No.
Language: yes.
Rating: B
The Return of the Prodigal Son
There are numerous biblical parallels that come to mind in "Juggernaut," including the story of Cain and Abel and the lessons to be learned from the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. But the one that seems most apt is The Return of the Prodigal Son.
The two Gamble brothers, Dean and Saxon, never got along as children. One of the boys (Dean) found his way to success while the other (Saxon) landed in prison. When he is released, Saxon returns home to bewilderment and consternation when he learns that his mother died and left him money from a life insurance policy. Something does not set right with Saxon, as he believes there might have been foul play in his mother's death. The film turns into his quest for the truth.
The action is set in 1986 in New Mexico. There is stunning footage of the landscape with breath-taking vistas and beautiful rolling fields. But the interior scenes of bars, shabby homes, and the principal industry of the town, the prison established by Dean, boldly contrasts with the picturesque outdoors scenes, resulting in mystery and menace.
The film includes some untidiness in revealing the true story of what happened to Saxon's mother. In many ways, the thriller aspect of "Juggernaut" is secondary to the mood established when Saxon returns and hits a raw nerve in everyone with his presence.
Saxon is an intriguing character, who knows Shakespeare and identifies with the word misanthrope. The wise old owl of the town reminds Saxon that "we all have to figure out what we can live with." But that advice appears to fall on deaf ears with a man with a vengeance of biblical proportions.