“Trapped by Circumstance: The Violent Stories You Might Be Missing on NETFLIX”

“Trapped by Circumstance:  The Violent Stories You Might Be Missing on NETFLIX”

NETFLIX:

THE PUNISHER

(2017, TV-MA, 54 minutes each, ABC STUDIOS / DISNEY-ABC DOMESTIC TELEVISION / MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT)

What do you ask for in a comic book-based series?  I know the diehards keep a list and will be sure to rip apart a series if it deviates in the slightest.  I find that counterintuitive when wanting to enjoy a good story.  Sure, it’s awesome to have something that keeps true to a particular storyline or a much-loved character but that ‘flavor’ is not so easy to translate to the large or small screen.  I find if you keep to the core tenants of a character and the plot, you can’t go wrong… even if some concessions are made to make a better story.  THE PUNISHER, with Jon Bernthal as the angriest man on Netflix, seems with its attention to detail, likeable characters, and intense drama can’t do no wrong… even if violence is the only core tenant.  I didn’t like Bernthal in ‘The Walking Dead’.  Something just rubbed me wrong with his acting, I didn’t feel an earnest effort or even the skill capable of something bigger for him to pursue.  And when I first heard his coming to DAREDEVIL, I questioned whether he actually could carry the role?  And now, him as the Punisher, it’s hard to believe anyone else in this role. This is by far my favorite of the Marvel programing launched by Netflix.

WHEELMAN

(2017, TV-MA, 82 minutes, SOLUTION ENTERTAINMENT GROUP / WARPARTY FILMS)

WHEELMAN is a small-budget affair that stars Frank Grillo (CAPTAIN AMERICA’s – ‘Crossbones’ and of the PURGE series), a man who wants to cut ties with his criminal connections.  On what he claims is his final job (they always say that), he finds himself double-crossed when acting as the wheelman for a bank job.  He must maneuver his way through the lies and the streets to find out who is behind the treachery, and save his family from mob reprisal.  Although a simple film filled with familiar plot devices, the ride is very entertaining and the action is brutal.  I would almost say that Frank has the some of the same grit that Bernthal shows in PUNISHER, making these an extension of any ‘punishment’ bingeing.

FATE/APOCRYPHA

(2017, TV-MA, Season 1 - 12 episodes approx. 24 minutes each, A-1 PICTURES)

For a change of pace, this one was added to the list.  The FATE series is always in question when the ‘truest’ critic decides to spew their thoughts about the anime, just like THE PUNISHER and all other unique universes that are adapted to another media.  APOCRYPHA offers a debut season that shakes up the norm, and will make them darn ‘truest’ squirm.  If you haven’t started watching this series, you should.  You will not need it to have seen the previous series as this one is set in an alternate universe, but having seen them kinda helps.  Those that have, the race is on again for the Holy Grail in the Grail War.  What is different with this one?  The big difference, how about two sets of servants, each working for opposing factions.  How about servants who pretty much run amuck on their masters.  How about new servants that keep you wondering if they are more a villain than a hero.  Although a familiar feel to the FATE storylines, this one gives you something more to be excited about.

THE VEIL (O MATADOR)

(2017, TV-MA, 93 minutes, BRENT RYAN GREEN FILMS / NATIVE WARRIOR / TOY GUN FILMS)

This is a Syfy style guilty pleasure film.  As with Raz’s MAN WITH THE IRON FIST, I could only think that this script and worldbuild was written by a teenager who thirsted to make something original but lacks the deeper writing skills to put it to paper and have it make sense.  You see, there is nothing wrong with the film as a cultish / Mystery Science Theater 300 target, but there is nothing “write” about the dialogue, acting, or its aggrandizing plot. The story is about a warrior of one faction who learns his father’s tales of an alternate world are true, and he will become its savior.  If you want to kill some time and not think too hard, this is your pick.

SLASHER

(2017, NR, Season 2 - 10 episodes approx. 54 minutes each, CHILLER FILMS / SHAFTESBURY films /super channel)

SLASHER is a great concept that follows the well-known ‘American Horror Story’ model.  Each season has a new cast and tells a new story about a slasher reigning blood on the ‘poor innocents’ within reach.  This one is set at a children’s camp during the wintertime.  A group of past camp councilors return because they need to move the body of a fellow councilor they murdered.  How joyous an occasion to bring friends together.  They find the camp is now the home of some tree-hugging, self-aware goody-goodies.  Like the first season, everyone seems to have their dark secrets and you keep guessing who is behind all the killings.  The gore is intense and the typical ‘slasher movie’ rules are thrown out.  Even the person or people you think most likely to survive to some extent are not safe.  Although not a great project, creator Adam Martin has something here you want more of.

-- James S. Austin