Killing Season (2013)

Number Rolled: 39

Movie Name/Year: Killing Season (2013)

Genre: Thriller

Length: 90 minutes

Rating: R

Director: Mark Steven Johnson

Writer: Evan Daugherty

Actors: Robert De Niro, John Travolta, Milo Ventimiglia, Elizabeth Olin

Ben is an American vet with some severe psychological issues stemming from his deployment in the Bosnian War. In an attempt to clear his mind, he spends his days living in a little shack out in the wilderness, about as far away from people as he can get. When a tourist arrives in his life, he’s forced to a place where he can no longer forget the past as he’s thrust into a new battle.

I have no doubt that this movie was made simply as a ploy to pit two big names against each other. They are two titans of the industry and making a movie like this starring both of them is like a magnet for die-hard fans of either of them. The only problem with it is that it’s easy for the director and writer to feel as though they have to do less work because the actors are certainly going to pick up the slack. I’m happy to report that’s not the case here.

“Killing Season,” was amazing. It was brilliantly written and, despite a few less than savory direction and effects moments, it was easy to watch and get engulfed in. It avoided the issues that some movies run into when it portrays only a couple of actors and the movie wound up more than enjoyable because of that.

I particularly liked the way it ended, though I will admit that some of the rest of the movie was predictable.

Netflix’s Prediction for Me – 3.9/5

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score – 10%

Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score – 29%

Trust-the-Dice Score – 4/5

P.S. Nicolas Cage was originally supposed to play the part of Ben. Robert De Niro was a good replacement.

Movie Trailer: