Verdict
Summary
I am Vengeance does exactly what you’d expect with Daniels an awesome villain and Stu Bennett proving he could be the next Brit-kicker on the block. It’s nothing we haven’t seen a million times before but the lighthearted script mixed with satisfying fight scenes make this worth a watch.
Plot: When ex-soldier turned mercenary, John Gold, learns of the murder of his best friend, he sets off on a mission to find out what happened. What he discovers is a sinister conspiracy and he sets about taking down those responsible one by one.
Review: Stu Bennett stars in this independent British Punisher style actioner where he plays an ex-soldier out for revenge after the brutal murder of his friend.
Reviews have been mixed so far but I found plenty to enjoy in I am Vengeance (also known as Vengeance); story wise we’ve seen this many times before but what makes this so entertaining is the fact it doesn’t take itself all that seriously.
Stu Bennett certainly has the build to be the next badass on the block and his character John Gold is hard as nails but still sympathetic. One highlight has Bennett fighting multiple bad guys in a drug den but they pause as they witness a junkie girl screaming and jumping on another bad guy to comedic effect; this had me in hysterics as you feel like that’s what would really happen if such a thing were to occur in real life.
Gary Daniels is the main villain Hatcher and it’s one of his best roles in years; he really suits the mustache and a part of me wanted him to get away at the end. Although he’s the villain Daniels underplays him so he’s got a code of honour making you kinda like him. This is independent movie fare so don’t go in expecting massive set-pieces but considering the low budget the action is nicely done with plenty of fight scenes especially the climactic beatdown between Daniels and Bennett which is thoroughly satisfying.
It feels like a welcome return to old-school action with a one-liner spewing badass taking out the trash while leaving a pile of bodies in his wake.
A sequel is currently in production so I am looking forward to seeing John Gold bring the pain to more evil doers in wonderfully brutal fashion.
Overall, I am Vengeance delivers the action goods with entertaining beatdowns and a believable tough guy in Stu Bennett but we also have Gary Daniels as a fun villain which is always a bonus.