VENGEANCE (in theatres)

James A. Michner’s “Texas” is an edifying novel about the vast state of Texas; it is mammoth, it could fit ten European countries, with room to spare, at approximately 270, 000 square miles (170,902,080 acres) and close to 30 million people; yet it is rare to meet someone who willingly leaves the state; Michner clarifies the anomaly. Because of its tumultuous history (Alamo), significance of its size, a landscape including mountains, woodlands, beaches, excellent schools (accepted by Harvard, students choose Rice, SMU, University of Texas); primarily it’s a culture of familiarity, exclusivity, because of its magnitude, adjustment to interlopers is nonexistent (present day Austin is breaking the mold). “Vengeance” destroys the stereotypical “Texan” prejudices: big hair, accented voices, prodigious wealth, unwillingness to accept outsiders; having visited the state three times, I can attest to their gargantuan graciousness, extraordinary hospitality and “rugged individualism”.

Writer/director/actor B.J. Novak hits the mark with this intelligent, witty, darkly humorous satire of a podcaster coming to terms with his own idiosyncratic tendencies; “Ben Manalowitz”, (Novak) a smug journalist from New York travels to West Texas for the funeral of a woman he occasionally hooked up with, “Abby”; Ben accepts the plea of her brother “Ty” (marvelous, hilarious role depicted by Boyd Holbrook) to avenge his sister’s “murder”; lesson after lesson, annihilation of myths, stereotypes, the family and friends of the deceased slay preconceived, erroneous misconceptions: they are smart, sagacious, scholars, sorcerers and Ben willingly gobbles the bait, led by his arrogant, self-centered ambition. 

“Quintin Sellers” (sensationally slimy Ashton Kutcher) a music producer, surrounded by sagebrush and defunct oil wells, is the quintessential myth-murderer; his bloviating monologues, shunning comforting platitudes, emphasizing America’s insanity, and hopelessness. Sellers and Novak share the same ideology, the difference being Novak’s optimism, inclination to listen, look and learn.

FOUR STARS!!!!

Peneflix