amazon Once Upon A Time in Venice reviews
The film opens with Steve (Bruce Willis), a detective educating a group of children in a surfing area. With the motto of “living with women, violence against men,” Steve bad luck was stolen by a gang lost dog. After a series of events took place, the film wrapped into a journey to save the lost Steve’s dog Buddy.
Actually when I looked at the loss of the dog, I was thinking of John Wick. But who ever thought Venice Once Upon A Time is nothing like John Wick. Even when the dog was caught, I thought about Taken, but it was not cool either. Once Upon A Time in Venice offers funny episodes in the style of Western culture.
The content in Once Upon a Time in Venice is not new. You may even have seen a few other movies with similar content. The character Steve is not a “good martial arts” or “super” ability as John Wick, but just a normal detective. Along with his associate John, Steve is entangled in two big missions to investigate. These ideas are easy to solve, but many unexpected incidents do not happen. From that incident, the character continues to find a solution in other places, despite the ability to “avoid coconut shell meets coconut shell” very high. That is why the main character is almost the victim of harmful actions for themselves.
In fact, I quite like the story in Once Upon a Time in Venice. If you ignore obscene or excessive humor, the message that the movie brings is good. It’s family affection, forgetting for family as character Dave (John Goodman) has said. It is also dog love and friendship. In some respects, the characters in the movie are quite interesting, including “bad character”. Actually, there is no character totally bad in the movie, and of course no one is good at all. The characters are very ordinary life, no one perfect, just like this life.
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Take, for example, the Spyder (Jason Momoa), a trader “heroin” in the film. This hand is quite standard but declared because the story is so emotional that he decided to return the dog to Steve. I came here laughing even though I did not really say so. But Spyder’s feelings made him feel he was telling the truth, even though the look on his face was dumb. Other characters are similar. Viewers are always watching the silly and serious moments of the characters. Somewhere in every person, there are personal views about life and family. They are different, but there are always people who acknowledge their differences and respect that, rather than disparaging, ridiculing.
But Once Upon a Time in Venice is a comedy action movie … nonsense. The same type of nonsense funny that is similar to the RED film series also has Bruce Willis in the lead role. The way the character is introduced, I feel it is a bit pale and intentional to make it look imposing. But in fact, no character “cranky”, all are just ordinary people with different personalities. The character that made me laugh most probably Yuri (Ken Davitian), a lender specializing in usury. He impressed me with a bikini suit that looked just wanted to vomit. Even the narrator has implications for him. And the move that surprised me the most was to advise him not to borrow his money, after he tried to pay old debt.
Plot Summary
The story follows Steve Ford (Bruce Willis), a private investigator living in Venice Beach, Los Angeles. Steve is a former police officer who now spends his days solving minor cases while enjoying the laid-back lifestyle of Venice Beach. His tranquil life takes a dramatic turn when his beloved dog, Daisy, is stolen by a local gang led by a menacing drug dealer named Spyder (Jason Momoa).
In a desperate attempt to retrieve his dog, Steve finds himself entangled in a series of events involving a host of quirky characters, including his ex-partner, Dave (John Goodman), and a hapless group of criminals. As Steve dives deeper into the criminal underworld to recover Daisy, he encounters a mixture of comedic situations, high-stakes confrontations, and personal revelations.
Plot Analysis
The plot of Once Upon a Time in Venice is relatively straightforward and predictable, revolving around a classic narrative trope of a man on a mission to recover something precious. However, the film’s execution is where it diverges from the traditional formula. The movie combines action sequences with comedic elements, resulting in a hybrid genre experience.
The film’s setting in Venice Beach serves as a vibrant and eclectic backdrop that adds to the overall atmosphere. The decision to place the story in this specific location is strategic, as it contrasts Steve’s laid-back lifestyle with the chaotic and dangerous situations he finds himself in. The picturesque scenery of Venice Beach juxtaposes with the film’s darker themes, creating a unique visual and thematic contrast.
The plot’s pacing is somewhat uneven. The film starts with a humorous and light-hearted tone but shifts into more serious and action-oriented territory as Steve’s quest intensifies. This transition can feel abrupt, as the film oscillates between comedy and drama without always achieving a seamless blend. While the plot provides ample opportunities for action and humor, it occasionally struggles to balance these elements effectively.
Character Development
Steve Ford (Bruce Willis)
Bruce Willis stars as Steve Ford, the central character of the film. Steve is portrayed as a tough yet compassionate private investigator who is deeply connected to his dog, Daisy. Willis brings his signature charm and ruggedness to the role, and his performance provides a solid foundation for the film. Steve’s character is relatable in his dedication to retrieving his dog, and Willis’s portrayal adds a layer of authenticity to the role.
However, the character development of Steve Ford is somewhat limited. While his motivations are clear, his personal growth throughout the film is minimal. The character remains largely static, with his primary focus being on recovering Daisy and navigating the chaos that ensues. This lack of depth can make Steve appear one-dimensional at times, as his journey is more about action and comedy than about meaningful personal evolution.
Spyder (Jason Momoa)
Jason Momoa plays Spyder, the film’s primary antagonist and leader of the gang responsible for stealing Daisy. Spyder is a menacing and unpredictable character who adds a significant amount of tension to the film. Momoa’s performance is notable for its intensity and charisma, and he effectively portrays the dangerous and erratic nature of his character.
Spyder’s motivations and backstory are not extensively explored, which limits the character’s depth. Despite this, Momoa’s portrayal brings a sense of menace and unpredictability to the role, making Spyder a formidable opponent for Steve Ford. The character’s larger-than-life persona contributes to the film’s overall dynamic and adds to the sense of danger that Steve faces.
Dave (John Goodman)
John Goodman plays Dave, Steve’s ex-partner and friend. Dave provides comic relief and serves as a supportive character in Steve’s quest to recover Daisy. Goodman’s performance is marked by his typical comedic timing and presence, and he brings a sense of warmth and humor to the role. Dave’s interactions with Steve offer a contrast to the film’s more intense moments, providing a balance between comedy and action.
Dave’s character is more developed than some of the other supporting characters, as his relationship with Steve is explored through their shared history and camaraderie. However, like many of the film’s characters, Dave’s development is somewhat limited, and his role primarily serves to support the main plot rather than drive it forward.
Supporting Characters
The film features a range of supporting characters, including various criminals, law enforcement officers, and eccentric locals. While these characters add color and humor to the film, they are often one-dimensional and serve primarily as plot devices or sources of comic relief. The supporting cast includes actors such as Famke Janssen and Adam Goldberg, who contribute to the film’s diverse and eclectic ensemble.
Direction and Writing
Direction
Mark Cullen’s direction of Once Upon a Time in Venice reflects a blend of action and comedy, aiming to create a light-hearted yet thrilling experience. Cullen’s approach to the film is characterized by a focus on humor and action sequences, with an emphasis on entertaining the audience through dynamic set pieces and comedic moments.
While the direction captures the film’s energetic and quirky tone, there are instances where the pacing and transitions between comedic and dramatic elements feel jarring. The film’s attempts to balance humor with action can sometimes lead to an uneven viewing experience. Nevertheless, Cullen’s direction succeeds in delivering an entertaining and visually engaging film that showcases Venice Beach as a vibrant and lively setting.
Writing
The screenplay for Once Upon a Time in Venice, written by Mark Cullen and Robb Cullen, incorporates a mix of witty dialogue, humorous situations, and action-driven plot points. The writing effectively captures the film’s comedic tone, with several clever one-liners and amusing scenarios that contribute to the overall entertainment value.
However, the writing also has its shortcomings. The plot can be predictable, and some of the character development is lacking. The dialogue, while humorous at times, can also feel forced or clichéd. The film’s reliance on familiar tropes and formulaic plot devices limits its originality and depth.
Action and Comedy Elements
The action sequences in Once Upon a Time in Venice are well-executed, with a focus on dynamic choreography and visual flair. The film includes a variety of action scenes, from intense confrontations to high-energy chases, that contribute to its overall excitement. The action sequences are complemented by practical effects and stunts, which add to the film’s entertainment value.
The comedic elements of the film are also a key highlight. The film features a range of humor, from slapstick moments to witty exchanges, that contribute to its light-hearted tone. Bruce Willis’s comedic timing and John Goodman’s performances provide several memorable moments of humor. However, the blend of comedy and action can sometimes feel uneven, as the film shifts between light-hearted moments and more intense scenes.
Art and Design
Visual Style
The visual style of Once Upon a Time in Venice reflects its setting in the vibrant and eclectic neighborhood of Venice Beach. The film’s cinematography captures the colorful and lively atmosphere of the area, with a focus on capturing the unique character of the locale.
The film’s use of bright colors and dynamic camera angles enhances the sense of energy and excitement. The contrast between the picturesque Venice Beach setting and the film’s more chaotic and dangerous moments adds to the overall visual appeal. The art direction and production design effectively convey the film’s tone and setting.
Costume and Set Design
The costume and set design in Once Upon a Time in Venice are designed to reflect the film’s quirky and colorful style. The characters’ outfits and the film’s various locations contribute to the overall aesthetic, creating a visually engaging experience.
The set design includes a range of locations, from Steve’s office to the various criminal hideouts, each with its own distinctive look. The design of these environments adds to the film’s atmosphere and helps to establish the film’s setting.
Sound and Music
Sound Design
The sound design of Once Upon a Time in Venice is integral to its overall atmosphere. The film features a range of sound effects that enhance the action and comedic moments. The sound design includes practical effects, such as the sounds of gunfire and car chases, as well as more subtle audio elements that contribute to the film’s immersive quality.
The sound design effectively complements the film’s visual and narrative elements, adding to the overall entertainment value.
Music
The musical score of Once Upon a Time in Venice includes a mix of upbeat and energetic tracks that complement the film’s action and comedic moments. The music adds to the overall tone and enhances the film’s pacing. The soundtrack includes a variety of genres, from rock to electronic, that contribute to the film’s lively and dynamic feel.
Critical Reception
Once Upon a Time in Venice received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised the film’s humor, energetic performances, and entertaining action sequences, others criticized its uneven pacing and predictable plot. Bruce Willis’s performance was generally well-received, with many reviewers noting his ability to balance action and comedy.
The film’s reception highlights its strengths as an entertaining and visually engaging action-comedy, but also points out its shortcomings in terms of originality and character development. The film’s blend of humor and action may appeal to fans of the genre, but its predictability and uneven execution may detract from its overall impact.
Legacy and Impact
Once Upon a Time in Venice has not achieved significant cultural impact or lasting legacy within the action-comedy genre. While it offers an entertaining experience with its blend of action and humor, it remains a relatively niche film in Bruce Willis’s filmography. The film’s appeal is primarily to audiences who enjoy light-hearted, action-packed comedies set in vibrant, visually engaging locales.
The film’s success or lack thereof can be attributed to several factors. On one hand, the star power of Bruce Willis and the comedic elements may attract fans of action-comedy hybrids. However, the film’s predictability and occasionally uneven tone may limit its appeal to a broader audience. Additionally, while Jason Momoa’s role as Spyder adds a distinctive flair, the character’s underdevelopment means that the film’s antagonist lacks the depth that could have made the story more compelling.
Comparison to Other Films
When compared to other films in the action-comedy genre, Once Upon a Time in Venice occupies a middle ground. It shares similarities with films like The Nice Guys or Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, which also blend action with humor and have a strong sense of place. However, it lacks the sharpness and originality of these films, which are often praised for their unique take on the genre and their memorable dialogue.
In terms of Bruce Willis’s filmography, Once Upon a Time in Venice does not stand out as one of his more iconic roles. While Willis is known for his performances in classic action films like Die Hard and Pulp Fiction, this film showcases a more comedic side of his acting range. It is a departure from his typical high-octane action roles but does not achieve the same level of impact or acclaim.
Viewer Experience
For viewers seeking a light, entertaining action-comedy, Once Upon a Time in Venice offers a mix of humor, action, and picturesque settings. The film’s comedic moments and energetic action sequences can provide an enjoyable experience, especially for those who appreciate Bruce Willis’s unique blend of toughness and humor.
The film’s visual style and setting in Venice Beach contribute to its charm, and the performances of Bruce Willis and John Goodman add to its appeal. However, for viewers looking for a deeper, more complex narrative or innovative storytelling, the film may fall short. Its reliance on familiar tropes and predictable plot elements means that it may not leave a lasting impression on those seeking more substantial or groundbreaking cinema.
Final Thoughts
Once Upon a Time in Venice is an entertaining action-comedy that combines elements of humor, action, and picturesque settings to create a light-hearted viewing experience. Bruce Willis delivers a performance that balances his action chops with comedic timing, and the film’s Venice Beach setting adds a vibrant backdrop to the story.
While the film’s plot may be predictable and its character development somewhat limited, it succeeds in providing a fun and engaging experience for audiences who enjoy this genre. The film’s blend of action and comedy, along with its lively visual style, make it a suitable choice for a casual movie night.
Overall, Once Upon a Time in Venice may not be a standout in the action-comedy genre, but it offers an enjoyable and visually appealing ride for those who appreciate Bruce Willis’s brand of humor and action. Its place in the action-comedy landscape may be modest, but it provides a light-hearted diversion with its energetic performances and colorful setting.