Explosive Youth in The Aggression Scale: A Movie Review

Director: Steven C. Miller.

Writer: Ben Powell.

Cast: Ray Wise, Dana Ashbrook and Derek Mears.

If you read reviews on Steven C. Miller's (Automaton Transfusion) latest, then you will read a lot of comparisons between The Aggression Scale and Home Alone (1990). However, the former is much more violent than the latter and this film fan was reminded of the recent adaptation of I Spit on Your Grave (2010). In both films, young folk are on the run from vicious men and those vicious men find out that youth should not be underestimated. Violence awaits the foolhardy. Overall, Ben Powell's script creates for a tense and bloody time, with some predictability the film's only detriment.

In case you have not heard, The Aggression Scale involves the arrest of a local mob boss (Ray Wise). He is accused of murder and he needs some stolen money to flee the country. Bellavance has no time for the justice system; he just wants his money. So, he sends off Lloyd (Dana Ashbrook), his loyal henchman, to find that $500K of stolen loot. Lloyd goes through his list of suspects like a hot knife through butter until he finds himself at the Rutledge family home. Bill Rutledge (Boyd Kestner) has just bought a gorgeous country estate and viewers might clue in fairly quickly as to where that stolen cash has gone. Murder ensues. But, there is a wrench in Lloyd's plan named Owen (Ryan Hartwig). Owen, a teenager, has a gift for violence and for turning Lloyd's mission into a debacle. Some watching might be reminded of Macaulay Culkin as Kevin because of Owen's small stature and blonde hair.

Others might be reminded of Matthew Vaughn's Kick-Ass (2010). Both Kick-Ass and The Aggression Scale show children carrying out gruesome acts of violence. Though, Miller's film is darker and gorier. The comparisons to Home Alone continue as Owen is at his best when setting elaborate traps inside and outside the family's estate. Further comparisons can be made to I Spit on Your Grave with a family home invaded, only to have the homeowner(s) turning the table on the intruders. It is not hard to figure out how a revenge thriller turns out. All of these elements from other films included here make The Aggression Scale slightly predictable.

However, this is the film's only major flaw; there are a lot of other elements here to commend. The music is always supporting the film. Kevin Riepl's score is diverse and best during the many action scenes. Acting from all of the cast, including a maskless Derek Mears (Friday the 13th), is believable with Dana Ashbrook's ruthless role almost stealing the show. Hartwig must show emotion only in his face as his character is completely mute through the entire film.

Some watching this film might find the film's eighty-four minute runtime a bit short, but the pacing, tone, and surprising final scene make up for this weakness. In the end, The Aggression Scale is an enjoyable film. Miller continues to evolve in directing department with a wide host of camera techniques keeping the screen interesting. As mentioned, the music and acting create for a believable atmosphere and this film will keep most audiences on the edge of their seats. A few might even be aghast as a murderous teenager makes short work of his bewildered adult foes.

Overall: 7.5 out of 10.

*to release on DVD and Blu-Ray May 29th.

**rated R for strong bloody violence, language and brief drug use.

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Posted in: 2012,anchor bay,anchor bay entertainment,children,hostile,movie review,steven c. miller,villain,violence