LUCKY DAY (2019)

Written & Directed By: Roger Avary 
Cinematography By: Brendan Stacey 
Editor: Sylvie Landra 


Cast: Luke Bracey, Crispin Glover, Nina Dobrev, Clifton Collins Jr., Mark Dacascos, David Hewlett, Cle Bennett 


Red, a safe cracker who has just been released from prison, is trying to hold his family together as his past catches up with him in the form of Luc, a psychopathic contract killer who's seeking revenge for the death of his brother.


This is a film I really looked forward to and while there are bits and pieces to enjoy. As a whole it goes off tune more than on. It seems like a set-up this rig played more straight and expected might be average yet more enjoyable. The way the story is presented here it seems to fight against more mainstream interests. Which makes it definitely more interesting but not necessarily enjoyable.

It has a certain taste that some will enjoy others will detest. I don’t know if it will please even those who like it, but should be tasty enough.

The film is certainly absurdist in it’s presentation. As characters all show a certain pride In their work. It seems to be a continuing story as well as maybe a bit autobiographical.

As Usual the film even has an opinion on critics who judge and ridicule but really add nothing to the world they revolve around and when they do it is only in death. Which actually leads to more success

Luke Bracey In the lead role is energetic but he stays pretty charmless and you are never quite sure why he is supposed to be captivating. As he is so laid back and given very little to go that he never quite becomes interesting. Nor does the audience really care.

The Film Seems too self indulgent most of the time. That there are stretches that take too long to convey simple information. It feels very straight to home video rather then cinematic.maybe that is the difference between Quentin Tarantino and former friend, And Co-Writer Here writer and director To get Avary. Tarantino aims for cinematic and Avary for the most part goes for Pulp-Ish yet straight to home video and cable material they like to wade in more sensationalistic and low brow material. Not all the time but in instances like here.

As with RULES OF ATTRACTION he seemed to be movie forward and with a broader palate. This feels like a step back and feels over the top and repetitive but at least it is occasionally funny and colorful.

If only it had been more fun or interesting instead of in love with itself and it’s dialogue which brings it down. Though at least Crispin Glover and his scenes offer not only action but the fun the movie is missing and is Reminiscent of his role in the CHARLIE’S ANGELS movies as an unstoppable hitman. Only here he is not mute.

As The film takes place in Canada it seems like most of the characters is either french or a Francophile. Which gets annoying just as everything in the film feels either hardcore or twee. As the film seems devoted to that culture or shows an admiration.

The third act at least adds to the action and makes the film come alive. Even though the art gallery scene seems like a set-up for the massacre that eventually happens.

Especially by making most of the characters in the scene despicable. Slaughter of critics seems to be a kind of retribution for the director. Though for all the complaints I can say the film keeps you on your toes once in awhile. As the film tries to counter your expectations by adding some element or detail You’re not expecting.

By the end the film makes all of this ambiguous as everything mostly goes right and the unusual nature of the film as the first shot and last shot are almost identical and this could all be a dream of the main characters imprisoned mind of what is to come once he gets out. 

Grade: C