The Reckoning (2014)

Such a frustrating disappointment

Entertaining from beginning to end, it maintains the spirit of the franchise while establishing it's own seal with a fun cast

The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

There's an old joke – "all Australians are walking upside down". This movie is a persuasive proof that there is definitely a tiny piece of joke in this statement. The society pictured in this movie is exactly like that – completely twisted. For example, what would the three muscular drug dealers do when their safe house is approached by an inadequately looking teen girl with a skinny friend, who's shooting the bandits on camera(!!!)? And the lady is mumbling something about retribution from the bible… Of course, the criminals politely invite this creepy pair into their hideout, and then obediently allow to savagely torture and kill themselves. Of course, it' s an absolutely obvious way things are done in the streets of Australia! What a shame that the movie director didn't share with the audience the details of "bringing to peace" the avenged criminals, who overwhelm the attackers in every possible characteristic excluding "goodness". It makes one think that however hard the movie creators tried to work out a persuasive way of crazy teen couple's winning over 2 foot-soldiers with their boss, they couldn't make it without looking unrealistic. That's why they took an innovative decision to picture the bandits already neutralized. Genius move! Thunderous applause! And there's one more especially vivid episode. What would the main character of the movie, an experienced police officer in his 40s, do, when he comes home knowing he's being hunted by two extremely dangerous criminals intending to mortify him as painfully as possible? Especially considering the fact that previously they've already committed a number of psycho-aggravated assaults, presently on the loose and always do their thing fast. A normal thriller hero would send the wife and kids away and would be sitting in the dark corner of his home with a gun, waiting for the inevitable visit. But the Aussie heroes have a special sovereign methodology. As clear as day, the concerned policeman first fixes himself a mighty drink, then has sex with his wife and…happily blacks out in the sleep of the righteous. Well, a man has a right to relax, doesn't he? Especially in the anticipation of brutal torture and violent death. That's how it usually happens, right? And then he's woken up in the warm company of quite expected maniac guests, who have already taken the heirs of this sleeping beauty as hostages. And such "innovative" plot points, boldly challenging the most common everyday logic, adorn almost every episode of this movie. But along with that its content propagates the humanitarian target of youth de- narcotization. Guess the creators of "Reckoning" made a very good job in making it very hard to take this movie and its "humanitarian mission" seriously. They can be really proud of themselves.

The Reckoning is a must see for crime thriller lovers . With a well structured story line with dark twists and turns, gut wrenching performances and crisp cinematography, Soto has proved himself in his talent for crafting genre films. The notable performances of rising actors Lawrence and Williams proved strong in their portrayal of obsessive troubled teens with their quest for vengeance.With successful use of found footage and the crime genre, interesting cinematic layers have been used to create a dark yet thrilling take on city crime. The visual elements have been prominently complimented by a prodigious soundtrack. Overall a great and enjoyable Australian film with complex dimension and texture.

My first review on this site.Although I was able to watch the full movie, I at times, criticized certain points in the movie that are completely unrealistic and very badly acted.Based in Australia, there are numerous major flaws to this movie, numerous things that the Police in America use(Badge) are used in this movie. It makes no sense, and when you notice it, it ruins the rest of the movie for you.On numerous occasions, the plot and acting is completely off, and had me wanting to stop watching the movie.The only reason I watched the whole movie was because I was already half way through, and couldn't be bothered watching another.In short:The movie is a typical, corrupt cop, wife kids, having a secret relationship with the "hot" partner cop, has a friend who is on the wrong side of the law, they somehow get into a situation where the cop has killed someone. For some weird reason he gets away with it, the person who he ran over, family member(Sister) and coincidently a guy he "Arrested" a couple years early that is "Mentally ill" go on a killing spree for "Everyone who contributed to her sisters death"(Somehow the plot leads us to a gang of drug dealers), also somewhere in between a girl and a mentally ill guy kills high ranking dangerous drug dealers, without the police catching them.Another spoiler, the big guy with tattoos, his car is left INSIDE A WAREHOUSE!? and the "Police were called" earlier in the day, yet these two main characters are FIRST ON SCENE? IN A WAREHOUSE?.Don't watch it. Waste of time, poor acting, could barely keep watching it. Typical Cop turned bad movie.

I was looking forward to seeing this movie because (1) I'm a fan of thrillers and (2) I like Viva Bianca since her Spartacus days. This film is an interesting blend of found footage and crime movie which I haven't seen before. The film starts off a bit slow but then picks up pace and certainly has suspenseful moments. Viva is good although the detective Lapaglia is also impressive as is one of the teenagers. Performances are realistic and there are plenty of twists which kept me on my toes, particularly towards the end. the movie has a good score as well although sometimes feels too busy, but it works. Overall i really enjoyed it and recommend it to others.