The Vigilante (2023) User Reviews

Flawed, but still somewhat watchable.

[Top_Dawg_Critic · 5/10 · 18 September 2023]

It's clearly a B film, so as such, it's a middle of the road viewing experience. There are much more bottom of the bargain bin B films, and much better ones, and this one had a good theme, but was riddled with many rookie filmmaking mistakes.

There were many holes in the writing as well as plot and technical issues. The PTSD flashbacks started to become annoying, then ended up being cringe and worthy of eyerolls. Even the sister's whole "dancing" scenes were pointless and just added annoying filler that detracted from the urgency and seriousness of her situation. Had those scenes and the PTSD ones been cut out, and the pacing picked up by at least 1.2x, I may have enjoyed this more and been more forgiving to the many other filmmaking errors.

But as it was, the 101 min runtime felt way longer and I caught myself losing interest many times. There were also too many sappy and poorly thought out writing issues, some I could even call lazy. For example, everyone knows from Vigilante Class 101, you wear a mask to hide your identity. I also found most of the action scenes poorly filmed and choreographed.

Casting and performances where adequate for a B film, although Jandreau's character was the least convincing. Partial blame I'm sure goes to poor cast direction and also to poor writing, especially when in some scenes she easily takes down big guys with her military training, and then can't handle taking down the women she fought. It really made those scenes feel like amateur-hour filmmaking you'd expect from a high school drama class. Nevertheless, it's better than watching paint dry, and that's a hard find with most of the poor quality B films out lately.

The Vigilante

[BandSAboutMovies · 6/10 · 8 September 2023]

Home from Afghanistan, a Spect Ops Marine named Jessica (Jet Jandreau) learns that the suburbs may be just as dangerous as a DMZ when her thirteen-year-old sister Aimee (Jamie M Timmons) is abducted by sex traffickers.

Director Lee Whittaker is better known for his stunt work in more than a hundred movies, such as Sound of Freedom (which this film has a lot in common with), Captain Marvel, The Spy Next Door, The Replacement Killers and he has assistant directed around twenty films. This is his fourth directed effort and he co-wrote the script along with Kara Myers.

That stunt experience comes in handy here as the last ten minutes of this film have several exhilarating hand-to-hand fights, including one between Jessica and a female kidnapper named Carmen (Laur Allen) that goes through multiple rooms and walls.

When the cops can't do anything to save her sister, Jessica turns to her military training and military friend Dan (Eric Pierce) who creates software that allows her to find out exactly where the traffickers are. The major issue is that the PTSD that ended her military career happens to emerge at the worst times and the film does a strong job of visualizing it.

Whittaker and team have been working on this since before the pandemic and the results are really strong. It's another good choice for Tubi as one of their original films.

GOOD ACTION WITH A STRONG FEMALE LEAD

[raynham · 6/10 · 20 June 2023]

The film is a good action film that is driven by a strong female lead. The film is well shot and the energy and momentum is constant throughout. Jessica is a strong character who returning to the U. S.from Afghanistan finds that her sister Aimee has been abducted by traffickers- Jessica will go on the journey to attempt to save her sister and bring justice to those who abducted Aimee.

The role of Jessica is well-constructed and therefore brings a lot of reality to the film. Once one starts watching the film it is a good watch that has tension, action and suspense. A film that audiences should find highly entertaining.

I guess I'll be the bad guy.

[natevonspiegel · 1/10 · 10 September 2023]

Since nobody wants to hear the truth. I'm so concerned as what movie the previous reviewers watched. Then again it might be from a paid service. That gives great detailed reviews and give a high ratings. Just to get the average started on a high note. Yeah it's very possible since most are basically the same .How they use the main movie plot as the majority of there review. If you seriously consider this a real action movie that means you think Disney movies are horror films. Like I hate when you can tell your about to be put threw hell watching this cause the first ten minutes of it is some of the worst acting worst action worst writing and horrible cinematic I love how theres 2 marines just solo in the middle of a war zone area in Iraq or Afghanistan and then they go from having some cover or have a wall for some separation and then go out in the middle of a street with buildings 2 stories tall surrounding them and so many windows and then a kid comes out from a door yelling something and she can sleak the language but for some reason doesn't know what he is saying and then between them is a old truck and then she asked what do you think and he said he's just.a boy and then his sister comes from an opposite path and ran towards the boy and.he is.waving his.hands saying stay away and when.she gets to him they.hug and then she runs behind him and he then opens his jacket showing a vest with a explosives and has a remote in hand and he begins to run towards the two marines and she fires like 40 rounds point blank at the kid and she missed every bullet it seemed and then it shows the ground creators and then she gets thrown 40 feet in the air and 25 yards backwards and then she just wakes up back at base .My words can't express how hard it was to watch the whole series of events from one thing that is supposed to make you want to think this could be real its like you can clearly see they have no budget or creative writing or have someone that could do a check to show resemblance but none were around. I need to stop watching new movies thinking they can't be that bad and they only get worse as the time goes by and they make more and more daily instead of having like 50 movies made in a years total they have 50 made a week and they dont even have to be in the theaters when you have apps and streaming services and even have on demand programs that also make these low budget never heard of or seen the actors in anything before. Who is the people that are accepting and financing these films and why arnt they getting the one and only printed script getting thrown in a fire and told get out of my sight come back with a real idea and if not I'll burn all of them untill you have a real storie with actors that can act and more than a movie that has been made and remade and made again in every.country in every language with similar or even the same exsact title name. The writers are on strike you would assume they wouldn't release another film tv show and anything inbetween cause clearly nobody has there own ideas or any creativity and it is showing.

Bad casting and actors.

[eric-91483 · 2/10 · 16 September 2023]

Could have been a good movie, Bad production and casting overall.

The *hero* has hysterical fits and acts like a schoolgirl loosing her boyfriend. Acting out where she should be a cool person wanting revenge.

Sorry to say yet another bad produced film with a low budget ending up with lame actors without that *zing* thats needed.

Could have been a good movie, Bad production and casting overall.

The *hero* has hysterical fits and acts like a schoolgirl loosing her boyfriend. Acting out where she should be a cool person wanting revenge.

Sorry to say yet another bad produced film with a low budget ending up with lame actors without that *zing* thats needed.

Awfully boring

[akcenat · 2/10 · 1 October 2023]

The Vigilante (2022) is a trainwreck of a film. The acting is terrible, the story is incoherent, and the whole thing is just not watchable.

The lead actcresses, who is supposed to be a vigilante ex-military fighter, has all the charisma of a wet sock. She delivers her lines with a monotone voice and no emotion whatsoever. The supporting cast is even worse, with everyone either overacting or delivering their lines in a cheesy, hammy way.

The story is a complete mess. It's hard to follow what's going on at any given time, and the plot twists are so ridiculous that they're unintentionally funny.

The action scenes are poorly choreographed and executed. The fight scenes are especially bad, with the actors flailing their arms and legs around like they have no idea what they're doing.

Overall, The Vigilante (2022) is a terrible film that I would not recommend to anyone. It's a waste of time and money.

Generic vigilante movie

[simoncoram-06766 · 1/10 · 21 September 2023]

Wanted to like this film, as it seems by the ratings a lot of people did, but it's so amateurish beyond belief.

Our hero, a lady with so many teeth she cannot actually close her mouth, is the usual war hero, expert at everything to do with warfare, of course.

Somehow her friend finds out where young girls are being housed (if it was that easy the cops would have already done it?), so they start breaking into these houses. No mask, no hood, no voice disguiser, nothing.

Amazingly, the cops talk to her about it. Wonder how they realised?

Everyone talks in a bizarre, muffled way, and I inevitably missed some of the dialogue.

In short, this has all been done before, only SO much better, so I really wouldn't bother if I were you.

It's a pretty good female action movie.

[boxooent-61550 · 9/10 · 20 June 2023]

It's a pretty good female action movie.

It is a movie about an older sister who visits to save her kidnapped brother.

My sister, who has just been discharged from the navy, is an expert on reconnaissance and attack and uses her abilities to find her.

When I looked it up, the director was a stunt, and the action scene was very realistic and cool, perhaps because the director had a high understanding of the action.

Contrary to hot action, I am shocked that child trafficking crimes are spreading tremendously in the United States as well.

No one should be involved in such a crime, but it was so surprising that they selected targets only by looking at SNS, causing accidents, and kidnapping.

So, so, so, so, so angry at disgusting child sex offenders and child sex buyers.

A gem of a revenge movie.

[orwellbecket · 7/10 · 22 September 2023]

Loved the leads. Casting throughout was great. Felt for the girls "very real" kidnaping and their subsequent sale. It would be awesome if they did a sequel with the two leads. Great chemistry.

Jet and Eric are both great. I would love to see them evolve to head up a network of vigilantes of parent that have been robbed of their children. Sometimes you need to break the law to enforce it.

The movie could have been tighter written. Not better, tighter --where everything has a reason for being and earlier scenes are paid off latter.

I didn't mind her fights. She takes on men twice her size, and doesn't always walk away unscathed, but all the fight scenes do a credible job of looking real. A little shaky cam, but tolerable.

For the money and talent involved, they did much better then some Marvel movies. At least it held my attention.

Really bad. The film struggles

[latinfineart · 2/10 · 3 October 2023]

When a Marine returns home from deployment overseas, she goes to war against human traffickers who have kidnapped her 13-year-old sister. The problems with this film are too numerous to mention, the handheld camera is absolutely ridiculous and juvenile, it totally distracts from the story, they overdo her PTSD to the point where it again keeps on interfering with the story, with the same old flashback on multiple occasions. The fight choreography is absolutely terrible, they keep going through these thin plaster walls. Yikes.

The entire production looks like it cost $20,000. It had some potential, but the acting wasn't convincing, the directing was incompetent, it wasn't well written and it really did not have much to offer. It was not absorbing in the least. Give it a pass.

It's so cool and great female action movie!!!

[pparksoo · 10/10 · 20 June 2023]

Aimee without a doubt will be the new female action of this generation with one of the most powerful and insane plot that I can not imagine. Directed by Lee Whitacker a man that deliver many great action movie in these days with this movie told not a bloody revenge story about a hit- man played by one of female actioner with a pretty face,a girly body and a girly voice get a ex- soldier who was participate in Iran War and back to home to meet her only younger sister . She has to seeking for justice with his new identity as a girl and sister of this crime city . Repeat this is not you usual girl with gun on the run but movie when is dealing with a lot of modern controversial topic and taboo stuff that for me is very intriguing to hear. The character is flesh out very well when each of them has their own character depth and they chemistry on screen is on point. The action is not all that new and amazing just you typical Run 'n Gun but it pretty solid for the most part. Recommend it for anyone who not offend by the stuff i list up there. And wnat to be keep this world peace from the war and adoption.

The DP and Editor made this film

[info-90701 · 6/10 · 12 October 2023]

It was really well done except for the completely idiotic, continuous music that pretty much ruined the entire film, which is a complete shame.

It needed a tighter rewrite, but it is no worst that many big budget films, so I can forgive that. The lead actor was not great, and was very monotone and one note, but they could not have asked for a better action actor, bar none. She as ON IT!

The cinematography was good, great in fact; the stunts were outstanding for what it was (minus the rubber knife in the final fight scene, which was laughable - they must have run out of money for better props) and the editing as excellent; the acting for a low budget film was passable, the action was fast and as believable as anything else like this, though over the top, but that is usual. The horror of the situation and the fact that this happens every day of the week, was rough enough in itself, but I can even forgive that.

The music however was beyond absurd, continuous, loud, simpleminded, over the top and just about and almost completely ruined the entire film. What is wrong with these filmmakers who actually have talent, who destroy their film with such stupidity.

I hope he does better.

If ever there is a reason for people to stop posting everything on social media, especially pictures of their children, this movie makes that statement, once again. It is a stupid thing to do in a world with so many active predators.

Overall, watchable, and if they get that music nonsense under control, these folks have the makings of really good filmmakers.

Liberal version of Sound of Freedom

[balducci2 · 2/10 · 24 September 2023]

This is just a bad movie. The acting is pretty atrocious. The story goes way beyond suspension of disbelief. The plot is full of holes.

Of course, sex trafficking is a real problem. A huge problem. But the movie is like Sound of Freedom in the sense that it goes over the top. For instance, this movie would have us believe that child sex traffickers are abducting teenagers from cars in peaceful suburbs in daylight (what happens in the movie is even a step sillier than that).

My main problem with the movie is that it embellishes the reality of child trafficking with fantasy elements that too many people are going to be willing to believe. Basically, it is like a liberal version of the Pizzagate conspiracy theory, or the previously mentioned Sound of Freedom.

One final comment, the fight scenes are silly and inconsistent. The main woman character can beat two guys twice her size in a street fight, even disarming one holding a gun in the process. But later, a 'soccer mom' almost takes her out in hand to hand combat. I assume this is to 'teach' us that a woman is strong, and can only be matched by another woman. Meh.

Could of been a blockbuster

[eprusulis · 3/10 · 5 January 2024]

This movie could've been a blockbuster like an eight or nine but instead, it's a three because of a couple things. Number one the whole haven't heard keep going back into the Middle East. It would be understandable if it was just storing her sleeping, having nightmares it going to be the least, but having her do that, wow in the middle of really important things going on in our life at the moment you don't want to Cellarmaker hallucination back to the Middle East that's not how PTSD works. It also didn't make sense on why she kept morning. This little kid who had an explosive vest on him and was running at them to kill them , the other problem was the ending the end of the hall and scene where they find a muse house so they have her a soldier having problems with a someone I need to know how to word it but just a regular girl who is ski and only did they make the flight close for the most part the villain girl in the room winning most of the time

Like having him go back in the middle of them having a standoff to make evil like, but having her in her head, go back to the middle east while they're in the middle of a standoff doesn't make sense 00.

A Mixed Bag of Hits and Misses**

[moneerzain · 2/10 · 21 April 2024]

While the movie attempts to weave an intriguing narrative, it falls short in several areas. The plot holds promise, but it seems to be the sole focus, lacking depth in character development and other narrative elements.

The casting choices are puzzling; for instance, a character who is meant to be a young teenager is portrayed by an actor who appears significantly older. This discrepancy is jarring and detracts from the authenticity of the story.

Cinematography is another area where the movie struggles. The camera work is erratic, seemingly in an attempt to compensate for the actors' performances, which unfortunately, are riddled with errors.

The action sequences are over-the-top, with the protagonist defeating adversaries with ease, reminiscent of falling dominoes. However, a particular scene involving a female antagonist almost defeating the hero stands out as an exception, though it feels like a forced narrative twist.

Continuity errors are also present, particularly concerning a photograph that plays a pivotal role in the plot. The inconsistencies in how the photograph is handled by the characters are confusing and disrupt the flow of the story.

In conclusion, while the movie has its moments, it's marred by numerous flaws that make it difficult to watch without a critical eye. It's a plea to Hollywood to retain its unique storytelling charm and not drift into the melodramatic territory often associated with Bollywood productions.

Generic, but watchable...

[paul_haakonsen · 5/10 · 13 April 2024]

I had never actually heard about this 2023 thriller titled "The Vigilante" prior to sitting down and watching it here in 2024. However, I must say that the movie's synopsis sounded interesting enough. Plus, the fact that it was a movie that I had never heard about, much less actually watched, of course I opted to give the movie a fair chance.

The storyline in "The Vigilante" was fair. It wasn't, however, an outstanding foray into a thriller with a human trafficking theme. Sure, it was watchable and entertaining enough, but at the same time writers Kara Myers and Lee Whittaker only managed to muster a somewhat generic script and storyline.

The movie is not without flaws, of course. And I have to say that the fact that Dan (played by Eric Pierce) could just sit down and effortlessly code a program to locate houses used for human trafficking was just ludicrous. Especially since with such an ability he would have been working for a high end government branch. It was just laughably stupid, not to mention lazy writing. And wouldn't police and law enforcement benefit tremendously from having such software?

The only familiar face on the cast list in this movie, for me, was actor Julien Cesario. The acting performances in "The Vigilante" were fair, I will say that much.

Watchable for what it was, "The Vigilante" just didn't stand out as being particularly impressive, inventive or memorable. It is hardly a movie that will grace my screen a second time. However, it should be said that there are far more compelling and entertaining movies out there with a human trafficking theme.

My rating of director Lee Whittaker's 2023 movie "The Vigilante" lands on a bland five out of ten stars.

Need to be remarkable movie

[ninff-42591 · 8/10 · 20 June 2023]

While the overall tone of the movie is dark and depressing, it does not sacrifice pace or intensity. The storytelling keeps you engaged from start to finish, with a well-crafted narrative that steadily builds tension. The filmmakers skillfully balance the somber themes with thrilling action sequences, ensuring that the audience remains captivated throughout.

One aspect that stood out to me was the impeccable execution of the action scenes. They were expertly choreographed, bringing a sense of excitement and adrenaline to the story. Additionally, the ending of the movie left a strong impact on me. It provided a satisfying resolution that offered hope amidst the darkness, leaving a lasting impression.

A long-lasting movie

[glam-41467 · 10/10 · 20 June 2023]

The overall theme addressed in this movie is quite heavy, but the moment the movie ends, I feel a different mix of emotions. There is a sense of exhilaration, but also a certain guilt for having been indifferent to the reality. The movie contains intense and impactful action scenes, and above all, the gaze of the protagonist is truly captivating.

Having come across this movie by chance with a light-hearted mindset, its lingering impact runs deep. It serves as a catalyst for me to reflect once again on whether someone like Amy exists in my surroundings. I am grateful to the creators who have made such a great movie, and I hope many people get the chance to watch it.

Good

[dlsk-23185 · 8/10 · 20 June 2023]

Jet Jandreau, who played Jessica, seems to have practiced a lot of action.

Jet Jandreau has just discharged from the navy after suffering trauma from the guilt of not saving a young child who was bombarded at the dispatch site.

She cannot be reunited with her sister, and when Jamie M Timmons is kidnapped, she goes out to rescue her herself.

The film's director, Lee Whitaker, is a former stunt actor and has appeared in more than 100 films.

Perhaps thanks to Lee Whitaker's career, the film's action is more realistic.

It is a movie that can't be enjoyed lightly because it is based on the motif of events that happen in the U. S.

Wow good plot too! Stand up

[saundrashaven · 10/10 · 1 November 2023]

I feel so strong about this movie. Our kids we are losing them to trafficking. Most people think this is an international crisis. It is but the children data shows ages 11-14 in our communities. It's our children they deserve a voice of federal protection.

They target the malls the middle schools and AI is making it impossible for anyone to tell the age difference on the other side of the computer or telephone. Until the " child" meets him/her down the road on the street...by now it's too late!

Most middle school girls are going through Mean Girl Syndrome escape through AI right to the predators. The sense fear in children.

I believe in this movie and I hope when you watch it, share it with family, friends, church member's, etc. YES YOU CAN!

Incredible action moving

[glam-80385 · 9/10 · 20 June 2023]

Through the training and combat experience of the U. S. Marine Corps, the movie shows the main character displaying excellent combat skills and courage. At the same time, the emotional side of the main character who makes reckless challenges to save his younger brother is well depicted. However, her rather reckless behavior is also something that all audiences will understand.

It conveys strength and hope to us, while at the same time reminding us that we have to protect our children. This movie makes our hearts beat and reminds us of the responsibility of protecting our children. And we urge action for real children.

Story about a sad reality

[glam-98547 · 8/10 · 20 June 2023]

The kidnapping of prostitution in the United States is a very serious and unfortunate problem. These incidents violate human dignity and are inhumane acts of looting and exploiting helpless victims. Whenever this happens, we can't help but feel deep empathy and anger.

In this situation, we need to empathize with the victims and have the will to care for them. It is a great pity for all of us that children and children are victims of this cruel act. They have been deprived of their rights as human beings despite their young age.

Isn't empathy linked to our desire to act to improve and prevent this problem? In order to empathize with this case and put it into practice, I think efforts in various aspects such as raising awareness of prostitution and child abduction, strengthening legal responses, and establishing a social support system are needed.

What a wonderful Thriller and Action movie!

[nowhere-72334 · 10/10 · 20 June 2023]

"AIMEE" is the perfect combination of thriller and action genres, immersing the audience in tense situations and following their journey. The protagonist's determination and strength convey emotion and courage to the audience. The film has strong action and doesn't miss the emotional aspect of family love and sacrifice. Overall, "AIMEE" is impressive for its fun as a thriller action movie and its heart-warming story.

The movie tells a touching story about human nature and the importance of the family. Even when the main character is tired and tired, he constantly struggles to find his younger brother. He demonstrates his courage and determination as a trained warrior, but also shows his crazy love for his brother.

women's action movie

[kiminhwa · 9/10 · 20 June 2023]

In order to save her kidnapped sister, a strong sister risked her life to find her sister, I've seen a similar Korean movie called "Sister." There were some disappointing parts, but I remember watching it well as a "women's action movie." Most of the previous movies were about strong men such as fathers and brothers rescuing underage girls when they were kidnapped.

The movie "Amy" is about her rescuing her sister herself. Of course, there's a man who's my sister's colleague, but he's still acting as an assistant It is the "sister" of a woman who shows actual heroism.

I hope many women have seen this movie.

5/10 WT

[tonyofbrisbane-38530 · 9/10 · 25 September 2023]

Outstanding movie 5 out of tenthose grubs got what they deserve. Bad that this stills goes on 'under the radar'. Their will always be bottom dwellers out there making money from human trafficking, so sad! The children in this movie were believable, the conditions they were subjected to and the 'long term' captives accepted this was their fate so sad. And parents selling their kids for another fix I have a daughter and I can't fathom what kind of parent would sell their own child for some dope. I know the world and Covid has made some people desperate for money, though this crap has been going on since time began, it still does not make it right, even when saved, the stigma will never go away.