Sanctioning Evil (2022) User Reviews

It has Dental

[nogodnomasters · 5/10 · 9 January 2023]

The film opens in Faryb Province, Afghanistan. Staff Sgt Barnes' troop have a group of civilians at gunpoint. One child refused to drop his weapon and a man in the group shoots him. The civilian death gets Staff Sgt. Reginald Barnes (Tobias Truvillion) court martial and dishonorably discharged on 10/16/1019. He is contacted by Congressman Dakota Ambrose (Zach McGowan) who offers him a position to match his ranger skills. He wants Barnes to kill pedophiles who run a large child porn network. Seth (Kyle Travis Sharp) the brother of the congressman works as a go-between. We later discovered they both lost a sister to the organization.

The plot has some twists or relationships you didn't expect. Not very believable which makes it hard for the actors to get into their roles. The first kill takes place in an isolated woods. The gun has a silencer. The last one they shot the man outside the warehouse with a load bang when they should have been silent. Oh, no problem. Nobody inside heard it. Okay for a vigilante type film. Lack of personality in the film.

Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity.

Seriously perplexed by the ending!

[daniellecbrown73 · 6/10 · 6 February 2023]

Solid watchable movie, started off wondering if this was going to be a politician roping in an ex-serviceman to fulfil their own political agenda. Glad to see the back story was there to demonstrate the motivations behind why he was recruited.

There were initial moments thinking this ex-soldier was going to be manipulated through and through and was at times wondering if he was going to question his assignments! He did the background, so that gave it credence but it was a bit lacking in places.

Only real complaint, which dropped this massive points was the ending. It really was WTF? Is this a movie in 2 parts? It's not so finished feeling cheated....

Actioning Against Evil

[compugor · 7/10 · 2 March 2024]

Gratifying to see that instead of all the lamenting about the horrible scourge of this particularly sordid evil some are willing to do something about it at great personal risk. Those who have been most directly hurt by the impact of this wickedness on them due to loved ones being victimized by it are motivated to do something about it especially when they have the appropriate skill set and nothing much else to lose. Engaging screenplay and good character development throughout the thickening plot. Slow going pace and the dark somber circumstances are made less depressing by the personal power portrayed by the lead operative.

Thank You For Your Service!!!

[lavatch · 8/10 · 15 January 2024]

One of the themes explored in this film was the ungrateful nature of the nation's treatment of its military. This was apparent in the main character Barnes who is dishonorably discharged by a politically correct tribunal.

Barnes is subsequently recruited by a maverick congressman to serve as a hit man in his vigilante program to rid the world of nefarious creatures working in human trafficking involving children. Apparently, the regular law enforcement system has broken down so completely that Rep. Dakota Ambrose now serves as judge, jury, and executioner with help from his little brother Seth and his new recruit Barnes.

The film was successful in developing a multi-layered drama with the congressman even answering to a higher rogue authority. Everyone is beholden to someone else or in someone's "pocket." And everyone seems to be concealing a secret facet of their lives, such as FBI SA Dani and her addiction to alcohol; Seth's attendance at AA meetings; Dakota's true calling that he conceals from his wife Sarah; and Barnes' troubled past as he is haunted by the death of his beloved sister Diane.

There were strong performances from the ensemble cast, especially the actor playing Barnes. There was a disturbing sense a malaise about contemporary American society, and the film captured the gritty realism that Martin Scorsese attempts but rarely succeeds in achieving.

Great Movie

[tmoglia · 10/10 · 8 October 2022]

Saw this movie on the big screen. Absolute Must see.

Absolutely awesome plot. It's great to see a movie that's not superhero based and has a plot that is believable and realistic. It starts off a tiny bit slow but I think it actually helped build up the story more and provides a bit more insight to the characters and explaining their actions. I loved how the kill scenes were realistic and fast paced once the movie picked up and think the actor playing Barnes did a great job selling it.

Overall I think this is a great movie to order in on a night spent at home. Grab your popcorn and enjoy it with some friends.

If you like slow movies, easy to follow, you'll like this

[fluffchop · 7/10 · 14 May 2023]

This movie is almost like a slow burn, but the wood is wet and it doesn't light up. It's just consistently the same throughout. There is no fluctuation in mood. Everyone is very flat in it. There's an attempt at intrigue perhaps. The characters aren't very character like, they're very much the same people working along side each other. If you like slow movies where not much happens you might enjoy this film. It's easy to follow because there is only about one real act in it. Sure there is the brief setup of the main guy at the start. Then it quickly moves into what I would call the one main act. From there is just one slow stroll until you get to the very end. This ending is rushed, brief and sort of sums up events a little. It then is left open ended where you could conceivably have a sequel even.

An all-around great film with a powerful message!

[dscanno · 10/10 · 8 October 2022]

A must see, powerful film exploring the dark journey one man takes to generate positive change and bring justice to the world. Through his righteous pursuit, we are shown that the unclear and complex line between good and evil is not always black and white, testing the definition of what it means to be 'evil'.

The movie is a brilliant combination of strong cinematography, great acting, heavy tones, and a dynamic plot that absolutely locks you into the difficult world of a new, unique hero.

This film stands as a strong individual story and ends leaving you wondering how it may continue.

A highly recommended movie worth seeing!

FUN MOVIE! Watch it with some friends and you'll all leave wanting more!

[RandyBarrier · 9/10 · 1 November 2022]

Watched Sanctioning Evil on Amazon Prime with friends and it was FANTASTIC! It kept getting better and better as the story unfolded and we did not want it to end! Kept us on edge of our seats! Looks like room was left for a possible Sanctioning Evil 2?

Zach McGowan & Tobias Truvillion keep your eyes glued to the screen. Also included a whole host of smaller character actor roles who all delivered top notch, gritty, New York City character performances that we all grew up and loved in movies like Taxi Driver and Mean Streets. You like those characters? You'll like this movie.

Man, what a fun movie to watch and I highly recommend it!