Review by John Delia
“There was a little girl, who had a little curl, right in the middle of her forehead. When she was good, she was very good indeed, but when she was bad she was horrid.†Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
One of the best thrillers this year Becky turns her world upside down and sideways. Nicely directed and written the incredible tale takes you into the mind of a 13-year-old who is hell bent on saving her father by turning her sorrow into some quick thinking vengeance. Don’t mess with this pissed off teen! On Demand and Digital June 5th.
Becky (Lulu Wilson) has been trying to come to grips with the loss of her mother to Cancer. It’s not been easy for her as she has been hurting in school and has been told that her father Jeff (Joel McHale) is thinking about selling their secluded house in the woodlands. It’s the home that she remembers her mom the most and she has had a hard time accepting that her dad is about to make it the home of another family.
In the meantime dangerous convicts Dominic (Kevin James), Apex (Robert Maillet), Cole (Ryan McDonald) and Hammond (James McDougall) have escaped from the federal prison. Dominic is headed to the homestead where he grew up that will put them on a collision with Jeff and Becky who now live there.
As Jeff pulls into the driveway he tells Becky that plans have changed and they are not going to sell the house. At first she’s elated, but at that very moment Kayla (Amanda Brugel) and her son Ty (Isaiah Rockcliffe) pull up to the house. Jeff tells her that he got engaged to Kayla and they will be staying with them for the weekend. Upset that she knew nothing about the engagement, Becky heads for her treehouse in the woods.
When the convicts arrive the story takes a wicked turn. Directors Cary Murnion and Jonathan Milot put together a terrifically terrifying film from a script by Ruckus and Lane Skye. His set up however is sort of commonplace with the inconsolable young teen having to adjust without her mother and now the father taking a new partner. Even though for some it’s a familiar plot beginning, this films takes a dive into one of the most diabolical revenge films I’ve seen in a long while. You think Jason Voorhees was violent, well you haven’t met Becky.
Playing the lead as Becky, Lulu Wilson really steps up in this vindictive story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. More than once I found myself saying Yes! As the next bad guy gets his just deserts. Unexpected, I could only think of the film Home Alone with all the traps and pervasive measures young Kevin used to protect himself from the intruders. But, with Becky it’s bloody violence in defense of her home.
When I think of Kevin James the first movie I recall is Mall Cop with his comedy career that has entertained millions. Never would you think of seeing him as a crazed convict who stops at nothing to get what he’s after. Mean, scary and creepy he takes over Becky’s home and puts everyone in fear of their lives. It’s a very different actor here, but actually the right person to take on this frightening character.
Becky has been rated R by the MPAA for strong bloody violence, grisly images, and language. There’s one scene that’s very ghoulish so be sure to keep the children out of the room when viewing this movie on VOD or Digital.
FINAL ANALYSIS: It’ll keep you on the edge of your seat. (4.5 out of 5 Stars for Action Thriller fans)
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Lulu Wilson, Kevin James, Amanda Brugel, Robert Maillet, and Joel McHale
Directed by: Cary Murnion and Jonathan Milot
Written by: Ruckus and Lane Skye
Genre: Action, Thriller
MPAA Rating: R for strong bloody violence, grisly images, and language
Running Time: 1 hr. 40 min.
Opening Date: June 5, 2020
Distributed by: Quiver Distribution
Released in: VOD, Digital