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Writer's pictureJustin Whippo

Walden (2023)

My quick rating - 5.7/10. This flick centers around Walden Dean (Emile Hirsch), a stenographer who has witnessed countless injustices in the courtroom. When he discovers he has a terminal illness, the repressed anger and frustration he’s held onto for years surface, leading him down a dark path of vigilante justice. As he takes matters into his own hands, the film delves into how far someone will go when they've finally had enough. Hirsch delivers an impressive performance for a straight-to-video thriller, convincingly portraying a man who has been pushed to his breaking point. His transformation from a quiet observer to a cold-blooded vigilante is compelling, even if the shift in his character feels a bit too smooth. Instead of a gradual descent into madness, Walden settles into his new role with an ease that strains believability. This makes his transition from a man with a conscience to a calculating killer seem less like a reaction to years of pent-up anger and more like a psychopath finally letting loose. The movie does an admirable job of making you question your own limits—how much would you endure before you decide to act? Walden's journey is relatable to a point, but the film stumbles in its execution. The pacing is uneven, with the story dragging in the middle before rushing through the conclusion. At 102 minutes, the plot feels poorly distributed, with some parts overstaying their welcome and others feeling underdeveloped. Despite its flaws, it manages to offer a decent ride for fans of the vigilante genre. The performances, particularly from Hirsch, elevate the material, and the film does provoke thought about the lengths to which someone might go when pushed too far. While it may not be a must-see, it’s certainly worth a watch if you’re in the mood for a quick dose of vengeance with solid performances.

Only a couple streamers including Amazon have this flick.

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