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Cast: Vince Vaughn (Hacksaw Ridge), Jennifer Carpenter (“Dexter”), Udo Kier (Blade), Marc Blucas (“Underground”) and Don Johnson (“Miami Vice”)
A former boxer named Bradley (Vince Vaughn) loses his job as an auto mechanic, and his troubled marriage is about to expire. At this crossroads in his life, he feels that he has no better option than to work for an old buddy as a drug courier. This vocation improves his situation until the terrible day that he finds himself in a gunfight between a group of police officers and his own ruthless allies. When the smoke clears, Bradley is badly hurt and thrown in prison, where his enemies force him to commit acts of violence that turn the place into a savage battleground.
Bradley Thomas is a former boxer who works as a mechanic but after getting let go from his job his desperation leads him to run drugs for an old friend. But when a deal goes bad he finds himself in jail but those involved can still reach him from the inside and they force him into acts of violence that will change his life forever.
'Brawl in Cell Block 99' is a tough as nails’ prison film, one I have been waiting to see because it is from Writer/Director, S. Craig Zahler. I loved Zahler's first first, Bone Tomahawk so I was really looking forward to seeing this one. Both films are very different as far as story and genre goes but they also have the same style that is common in a Zahler film.
'Brawl in Cell Block 99' is slow moving and it concentrates on the story and its main character but it also has one characteristic that his last film had, brutal violence. The film is over the top at times yes but awesome none the less. I also like the fact that Zahler used practical effects rather than CGI. 'Brawl in Cell Block 99' is a long film clocking in at 2 hours and 12 minutes because it focuses on story and its characters but it never once gets boring which is a credit to Zahler and his amazing cast.
Everyone in the film did a fantastic job including Don Johnson who plays the ruthless Warden Tuggs and Jennifer Carpenter who plays Bradley's wife, Lauren Thomas who just happens to be carrying their first child when Bradley goes to prison. But the real star of the film is Vince Vaughn who gives his best performance of his career as Bradley. No matter what you might have thought of Vaughn before this film is sure to open your eyes.
I still favor S. Craig Zahler's last film but this one is right up there with it. I hope someone gives this talented film maker a little more money to work his magic soon. I also hope he sticks to using practical effects because they just fit right in with his style. 'Brawl in Cell Block 99' is not going to be for everyone, its slow place and brutal violence may turn some people off but it you are like me and like that sort of thing then you absolutely have to see this film. I look forward to seeing what this amazing film maker has up his sleeve next. 'Brawl in Cell Block 99' is available now on DVD, DVD/Blu-ray and Ultra High-Def 4K/Blu-ray Combo Packs. Eack come with Special Features that include:
“Journey to the Brawl: The Making of Brawl in Cell Block 99”
Beyond Fest Q&A with Cast and Crew.
Released by RLJE Films
**** Out Of *****