Becky Review

An entertaining combination of gory setpieces, angsty action, and a playfully despicable performance from Kevin James helps lift the campy thriller Becky from directors Jonathan Milott and Cary Murnion past its inconsistent pacing and obvious inspirations from films like Home Alone. There are enough grotesque visuals and sharp-witted pieces of dialogue to make the movie a worthwhile experience, but Becky shows much of its bag of tricks early and becomes dependent on shock more than it relies on calculated choreography or gripping narrative progression. Still, the in-your-face energy and solid performances that Becky produces will be enough for many to forgive its lack of steady tension or overall originality.

The rebellious and moody Becky is brought to a weekend getaway at a lake house by her father in an effort to try to reconnect. However, the trip immediately takes a turn for the worse when a neo-Nazis group who have escaped from prison invade the lake house. Led by the gruesome Dominick, the group of men take Becky's family hostage, and she takes matters into her own hands to save them.

While Becky seems to have no shortage of intrigue, it's apparent that writers Nick Morris, Ruckus Skye, and Lane Skye had trouble putting these moments together to feel balanced. Instead, most captivating or visually shocking moments that the film has to offer come between stretches of cliche narrative setups or formulaic exposition of already one-dimensional characters. Becky's most vital elements are built around its action, yet the film insists too often on taking the long route to present them.

Despite its evident inconsistencies, Becky can fight past its flaws with the immense help of its indie charm. The choice to cast Kevin James as a murderous neo-nazi is a bold decision that thankfully pays off and becomes one of the film's more essential and memorable components. It's a film that's exuberant and bloody enough to be a reliable midnight-madness feature that luckily never takes itself too seriously.

Overall, Becky's banality in its plot never truly hinders the action it offers. While some will be disappointed in the film's comfortability in telling a linear and predictable story, those willing to suspend disbelief and roll with its lowbrow conflicts will find worthwhile enjoyment.

A blend of indie filmmaking and campy gore helps forgive Becky of its comfortability in telling a shallow story.

Produced By: SSS Entertainment
Runtime: 93 minutes
Rating: R