Another One of the Guys From the Office Made a Movie

Read Time:2 Minute, 24 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Vengeance
–

Genre: Comedy, Mystery, Thriller
Year Released: 2022
Runtime: 1h 34m
Director(s): B.J. Novak
Writer(s): B.J. Novak
Cast: B. J. Novak, Boyd Holbrook, Dove Cameron, Issa Rae, Ashton Kutcher, Isabella Amara
Where To Watch: In select theaters on July 29 (including AMC Grand Prairie)

If you’re familiar with the hit TV show THE OFFICE, you’ll quickly recognize writer/director/star B.J. Novak as Ben Manalowitz. He starred as Ryan Howard during all nine seasons of the award-winning show. He was the character you loved to hate and wore the badge proudly. VENGEANCE is his first time writing and directing a feature film (after a significant list of writing credits for TV.) The only problem I had with Novak’s performance in the movie is that I couldn’t help remove him from his role in THE OFFICE, although that’s my problem and not his.

The story feels familiar but different enough to stand on its own, with a few well-placed twists. With some excellent casting, we’re given a story about a family and the fallout after the passing of a loved one. On a deeper level, I feel it’s a warning of the insanity of reporting stories before the entire story has been developed. Things aren’t always what they seem, and that’s everpresent during multiple interactions between Novak and the rest of the cast. Dove Cameron (Jasmine) and Ashton Kutcher (Quentin Sellers) have underrated performances that I wish we could’ve seen more of. I think Issa Rae (Eloise) didn’t have enough screentime; I would’ve loved seeing her character flushed out more.

The way that Manalowitz gets pulled into the story is as absurd as it is funny, playing somewhat of an anti-hero in the film. He battles past demons, but the back and forth gets a little overwhelming compared to the pacing of the rest of the film. He may have taken on too much by writing, directing, and starring. Each has fantastic parts, but the product suffers a bit and doesn’t let any individual part shine as excellent.

One of my favorite aspects of the film is the Texas setting, a genuine counter to the known New Yorker lifestyle of Manalowitz. It’s played on heavily in his expectations and his back and forths with nearly everyone he comes across.

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