195 reviews
Here we are in 2024 with another revenge film. I had just seen Monkey Man over a month ago, a revenge film which I also enjoyed.
Boy Kills World was already on my radar, before watching Monkey Man, but I didn't think I would be in a situation where I would be comparing the two. Until now, after watching Boy Kills World.
Without spoilers, both men go through a similar journey of a traumatic event happening in their childhood. With Monkey Man being more of a drama and Boy Kills World being more of a comedy.
However, I will say Boy Kills World has a more creative narrative structure and stronger choreography than Monkey Man. It also has replay value, I will definitely watch Boy Kills World again, much sooner than revisiting Monkey Man.
Boy Kills World was already on my radar, before watching Monkey Man, but I didn't think I would be in a situation where I would be comparing the two. Until now, after watching Boy Kills World.
Without spoilers, both men go through a similar journey of a traumatic event happening in their childhood. With Monkey Man being more of a drama and Boy Kills World being more of a comedy.
However, I will say Boy Kills World has a more creative narrative structure and stronger choreography than Monkey Man. It also has replay value, I will definitely watch Boy Kills World again, much sooner than revisiting Monkey Man.
- ghettoplex
- Apr 28, 2024
- Permalink
I got the chance to see this movie early at an AMC Unseen Screen event -- and considering I was walking in thinking they were going to show the new Amy Winehouse biopic -- I was pleasantly surprised when we got our opening shots and realized I was in for a much different ride than I'd previously anticipated.
My immediate reaction is to compare Boy Kills World to John Wick -- it's certainly just as bloody. But the continuous underlying thread of humor throughout this movie juxtaposed with the gratuitous violence puts it more into the realm of Bullet Train in my mind.
Bill Skarsgård's physical acting paired with H. Jon Benjamin's voice acting was a matchup I never knew I needed in my life. There were several times where I genuinely laughed out loud -- even when the next scene was a quick crash to someone getting their head smooshed. They did a great job blending the action with the comedy while still getting you to care about the main character and his plight.
Definitely not for the weak of heart or stomach -- but if you're looking for a bloody fun romp through absolute mayhem that doesn't require much from you as a viewer, then you've found your film. I just saw it last night and I still say I'd for sure go see it again, even so soon after viewing.
My immediate reaction is to compare Boy Kills World to John Wick -- it's certainly just as bloody. But the continuous underlying thread of humor throughout this movie juxtaposed with the gratuitous violence puts it more into the realm of Bullet Train in my mind.
Bill Skarsgård's physical acting paired with H. Jon Benjamin's voice acting was a matchup I never knew I needed in my life. There were several times where I genuinely laughed out loud -- even when the next scene was a quick crash to someone getting their head smooshed. They did a great job blending the action with the comedy while still getting you to care about the main character and his plight.
Definitely not for the weak of heart or stomach -- but if you're looking for a bloody fun romp through absolute mayhem that doesn't require much from you as a viewer, then you've found your film. I just saw it last night and I still say I'd for sure go see it again, even so soon after viewing.
- courtrainacorn
- Apr 22, 2024
- Permalink
This movie is narrated by H. Jon Benjamin. If that doesn't tell you exactly what kind of movie this is, let me explain:
This is what Archer would be if it was a little more dramatic and a lot more bloody.
Oldboy if it were half as brilliant with a little bit of slapstick thrown in.
The Hunger Games if it didn't treat death and murder was all that bad - like it was written by a gamer of the FPS variety.
Did I cringe at the squelching bloody noises? Yes. Did I laugh out loud in the theater? Also yes. Was the revenge story worthwhile? I think so. Outside all of the action, the story was not terrible, and the characters had character. Worth a watch, but doubt it'll change anyone's life.
This is what Archer would be if it was a little more dramatic and a lot more bloody.
Oldboy if it were half as brilliant with a little bit of slapstick thrown in.
The Hunger Games if it didn't treat death and murder was all that bad - like it was written by a gamer of the FPS variety.
Did I cringe at the squelching bloody noises? Yes. Did I laugh out loud in the theater? Also yes. Was the revenge story worthwhile? I think so. Outside all of the action, the story was not terrible, and the characters had character. Worth a watch, but doubt it'll change anyone's life.
Boy (That's his name) witnesses the murder of his family at the hands of goons who work for the dysfunctional crime family who run a dystopian city at an unspecified location and date. Boy is rescued by the Shaman, who subjects him to a brutal regime of martial arts training, so that he grows up to be a lethal killing machine (Bill Skarsgard), whose sole purpose is revenge.
So far, so seen-it-all-before, so yada-yada-yada. Boy Kills World, however, brings enough originality to the old tropes that the viewer is happy to go along with things as they take increasingly-bizarre turns. To start with, Boy is a deaf-mute. He can read lips, and hears a voice-over in his head. He's also haunted by the ghost of his younger sister, who acts as his guide and moral conscience.
Naturally, he embarks on his elaborate revenge, leaving a trail of bodies killed in inventive and extremely bloody ways. There's a lot of John Wick, and a big slice of The Running Man. There are also a surprising number of laughs, with great comedic performances from Brett Gelman, Isaiah Mustafa, Sharlto Copley and Andrew Koji. Gotta love June27 as well.
As you'd expect, there's also a twist at the end, but it's twisty enough to pack a punch.
This is not high art. This is not a film that rewards analysis. Nothing about it is outstanding, and its plot-holes have plot-holes. If, however, you can switch your brain off and go long for the ride, it's a wild and satisfying one.
So far, so seen-it-all-before, so yada-yada-yada. Boy Kills World, however, brings enough originality to the old tropes that the viewer is happy to go along with things as they take increasingly-bizarre turns. To start with, Boy is a deaf-mute. He can read lips, and hears a voice-over in his head. He's also haunted by the ghost of his younger sister, who acts as his guide and moral conscience.
Naturally, he embarks on his elaborate revenge, leaving a trail of bodies killed in inventive and extremely bloody ways. There's a lot of John Wick, and a big slice of The Running Man. There are also a surprising number of laughs, with great comedic performances from Brett Gelman, Isaiah Mustafa, Sharlto Copley and Andrew Koji. Gotta love June27 as well.
As you'd expect, there's also a twist at the end, but it's twisty enough to pack a punch.
This is not high art. This is not a film that rewards analysis. Nothing about it is outstanding, and its plot-holes have plot-holes. If, however, you can switch your brain off and go long for the ride, it's a wild and satisfying one.
Well, if you enjoy movies with a lot of emphasis on raw action, gunfights and martial arts, such as "John Wick" for example, then you're in luck if you opt to sit down and watch the 2023 movie "Boy Kills World". Director Moritz Mohr delivered a movie that was rather action-packed from start to end.
The storyline in the movie was pretty straightforward, though a bit simplistic, as it was a simple revenge movie. But then again, action movies such as this doesn't really need a complex or cerebral narrative. Nay, you just lean back, munch on the snacks and enjoy the over-the-top action. Writers Tyler Burton Smith, Arend Remmers and Moritz Mohr put together a fast paced action flick.
And over-the-top action is exactly what "Boy Kills World" is. There is an abundance of fight scenes, which I have to admit that I definitely enjoyed. It was choreographed quite nicely and executed nicely as well. So it was like watching a ballet of action and violence. And I have to say that Bill Skarsgård definitely carried the movie quite well.
The movie does have a good cast ensemble, with the likes of Bill Skarsgård, Jessica Rothe, Michelle Dockery, Brett Gelman, Yayan Ruhian, Sharlto Copley and Famke Janssen. And the acting performances in the movie were good.
Something I didn't really enjoy in the movie, and it was there from start to end, was the voice over done by H. Jon Benjamin to give the mute and deaf character Boy an internal voice. I grew very tired of listening to that rather quickly. But of course that is a matter of personal preference.
Visually then "Boy Kills World" is good. The action is nicely brought to the screen in a very dynamic and adrenaline-filled manner, and the special effects look good as well. The wardrobe department also worked their magic quite well in the movie.
I will say that I was rather surprised with the outcome of this movie, because I wasn't expecting a Bill Skarsgård movie to be that much in your face. And I have to say that I was genuinely entertained throughout the entire 111 minutes that the movie ran for.
However, "Boy Kills World" hardly seems like a movie that will make it to my screen a second time, as there just isn't enough contents to the script to make it a movie that I will be watching a second time.
My rating of "Boy Kills World" lands on a well-deserved seven out of ten stars.
The storyline in the movie was pretty straightforward, though a bit simplistic, as it was a simple revenge movie. But then again, action movies such as this doesn't really need a complex or cerebral narrative. Nay, you just lean back, munch on the snacks and enjoy the over-the-top action. Writers Tyler Burton Smith, Arend Remmers and Moritz Mohr put together a fast paced action flick.
And over-the-top action is exactly what "Boy Kills World" is. There is an abundance of fight scenes, which I have to admit that I definitely enjoyed. It was choreographed quite nicely and executed nicely as well. So it was like watching a ballet of action and violence. And I have to say that Bill Skarsgård definitely carried the movie quite well.
The movie does have a good cast ensemble, with the likes of Bill Skarsgård, Jessica Rothe, Michelle Dockery, Brett Gelman, Yayan Ruhian, Sharlto Copley and Famke Janssen. And the acting performances in the movie were good.
Something I didn't really enjoy in the movie, and it was there from start to end, was the voice over done by H. Jon Benjamin to give the mute and deaf character Boy an internal voice. I grew very tired of listening to that rather quickly. But of course that is a matter of personal preference.
Visually then "Boy Kills World" is good. The action is nicely brought to the screen in a very dynamic and adrenaline-filled manner, and the special effects look good as well. The wardrobe department also worked their magic quite well in the movie.
I will say that I was rather surprised with the outcome of this movie, because I wasn't expecting a Bill Skarsgård movie to be that much in your face. And I have to say that I was genuinely entertained throughout the entire 111 minutes that the movie ran for.
However, "Boy Kills World" hardly seems like a movie that will make it to my screen a second time, as there just isn't enough contents to the script to make it a movie that I will be watching a second time.
My rating of "Boy Kills World" lands on a well-deserved seven out of ten stars.
- paul_haakonsen
- May 27, 2024
- Permalink
I love Kill Bill (volume 1, not 2), that's how I know I would like this movie. And as it turned out, I do like it. The action was cool and the fight sequences are good. And although the story was straightforward, it's still interesting. Besides, there was a plot twist near the end of the movie. I guessed it right, though. It's a good twist, but too simple. In the end, it wasn't a total surprise. Maybe I need to remind you that this is a violent movie. So for those who can't stomach the blood and gore, don't watch this movie. The comedy part of this movie made this movie less dark than it actually is. Every time Bennie talks to Boy, his interpretation of Bennie's speech made me laughed my butt off.
It's called Boy Kills World, not Boy Meets World. So as not to get those two titles confused. It can happen, until you sit down to watch this one.
It's not going to be confused with any arthouse, fancy cinema fare, either.
There is an audience for this and they will be completely entertained and walk out of this experience totally satisfied.
I'm just not a part of that audience.
It's a decent flick.
Just based on the inspired casting and the look of the whole movie alone, it has to be a six.
But I have to stop there.
If you're well versed in action films that predate, I'd say, 2010, then you've seen this movie before and with better execution and certainly a better, more detailed storyline.
The fight sequences are solid but the rest of it is not.
The protagonist is a deaf mute who's hellbent on revenge.
Only we hear his inner thoughts.
A lot.
He talks so much in voiceover that it gets old super quick and it never stops.
The whole movie.
A quip here.
A deep thought there.
Thoughts on this. Thoughts on that.
He may be kicking major butts but he's a regular chatty Cathy on the inside.
Good grief.
There's still things to love about this movie.
Famke Janssen (Rounders), Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey) two of my all time crushes.
Love them still and love them both here. Lots.
Yayan Ruhian (The stellar Raid films) and Brett Gelman (The Other Guys, Stranger Things) Love those dudes!
And I totally get Bill Skarsgard trying TJ distance himself from It, and rip himself up for this role.
But as good as this movie looks, and everybody in here is good in their parts.
It's just not a great movie.
It could be great with better writing and less voiceover.
There are far superior movies out there about vengeance.
Boy not only Kills World, he kills this movie.
Oddly enough, as I consumed this film, it reminded me of a few female driven action movies of the last thirty years or so: Tank Girl, Aeon Flux, and Ultraviolet.
I won't even bother to explain it but it just does.
There is an end scene of some substance that's worth sticking around for.
It's not going to be confused with any arthouse, fancy cinema fare, either.
There is an audience for this and they will be completely entertained and walk out of this experience totally satisfied.
I'm just not a part of that audience.
It's a decent flick.
Just based on the inspired casting and the look of the whole movie alone, it has to be a six.
But I have to stop there.
If you're well versed in action films that predate, I'd say, 2010, then you've seen this movie before and with better execution and certainly a better, more detailed storyline.
The fight sequences are solid but the rest of it is not.
The protagonist is a deaf mute who's hellbent on revenge.
Only we hear his inner thoughts.
A lot.
He talks so much in voiceover that it gets old super quick and it never stops.
The whole movie.
A quip here.
A deep thought there.
Thoughts on this. Thoughts on that.
He may be kicking major butts but he's a regular chatty Cathy on the inside.
Good grief.
There's still things to love about this movie.
Famke Janssen (Rounders), Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey) two of my all time crushes.
Love them still and love them both here. Lots.
Yayan Ruhian (The stellar Raid films) and Brett Gelman (The Other Guys, Stranger Things) Love those dudes!
And I totally get Bill Skarsgard trying TJ distance himself from It, and rip himself up for this role.
But as good as this movie looks, and everybody in here is good in their parts.
It's just not a great movie.
It could be great with better writing and less voiceover.
There are far superior movies out there about vengeance.
Boy not only Kills World, he kills this movie.
Oddly enough, as I consumed this film, it reminded me of a few female driven action movies of the last thirty years or so: Tank Girl, Aeon Flux, and Ultraviolet.
I won't even bother to explain it but it just does.
There is an end scene of some substance that's worth sticking around for.
- RightOnDaddio
- Apr 22, 2024
- Permalink
Boy Kills World is a total blast. A winning combination of brutal violence and weird humour tied together in a story that does enough to make you care about the characters. It moves efficiently, has some clever twists and an unforgettable fight involving a cheese grater. Like all the best action comedies, the zany humour disguises the beating heart at the centre.
Bill Skarsgård proves he doesn't need dialogue to communicate. He can do so much with just his eyes and the fact that it all syncs up really well with H. Jon Benjamin's suitably over the top voice over is just a bonus. Plus he has an adorable rapport with Quinn Copeland. Andrew Koji isn't given a chance to show off his physical prowess but is given the time to show how surprisingly great he is at comedy.
Mortiz Mohr's direction nails the balance between self awareness and sincerity, translating some of the language of video games to cinema effectively. With cinematography by Peter Matjasko, the camera moves with the action rather than against it. It's always fluid and bloody inventive, saving the best fight for last. It's the kind of final fight where the choreography is impeccable, the blows are nasty and it goes on for so long it's exhausting in the best ways.
Bill Skarsgård proves he doesn't need dialogue to communicate. He can do so much with just his eyes and the fact that it all syncs up really well with H. Jon Benjamin's suitably over the top voice over is just a bonus. Plus he has an adorable rapport with Quinn Copeland. Andrew Koji isn't given a chance to show off his physical prowess but is given the time to show how surprisingly great he is at comedy.
Mortiz Mohr's direction nails the balance between self awareness and sincerity, translating some of the language of video games to cinema effectively. With cinematography by Peter Matjasko, the camera moves with the action rather than against it. It's always fluid and bloody inventive, saving the best fight for last. It's the kind of final fight where the choreography is impeccable, the blows are nasty and it goes on for so long it's exhausting in the best ways.
If you are bored with the same plot line and tropes of every revenge film, this one is for you my friends. Our main protagonist, does psychedelic drugs, has regular hallucinations, and from the years of severe mental and physical abuse, becomes an unhinged but likable monster.
At this movie's heart it's really a dark comedy, narrated by the lovable and hilarious H. Jon Benjamin a legend for his voice work on Archer and Bob's Burgers, and many more. Mr. Benjamin is the inner dialogue for our protagonist because he is deaf and mute!
The plot of this movie is fun but rather bland because the story mostly progresses through non-stop action sequences, but the action is pretty funny and gory.
This film is also a satire on other action movies, and is a stern warning to the Western World if it succumbs to the neofascism which is strongly coming back in countries like Italy and America.
At this movie's heart it's really a dark comedy, narrated by the lovable and hilarious H. Jon Benjamin a legend for his voice work on Archer and Bob's Burgers, and many more. Mr. Benjamin is the inner dialogue for our protagonist because he is deaf and mute!
The plot of this movie is fun but rather bland because the story mostly progresses through non-stop action sequences, but the action is pretty funny and gory.
This film is also a satire on other action movies, and is a stern warning to the Western World if it succumbs to the neofascism which is strongly coming back in countries like Italy and America.
- vitalymakievsky
- May 12, 2024
- Permalink
After his family are killed by a tyrannical post-apocalyptic dynasty, a young boy is trained by a mysterious shaman (Yayan Ruhian) to become a deadly assassin hellbent on revenge. Grown up and ready for action, the Boy (Bill Skarsgård) teams up with resistance fighters Basho (Andrew Koji) and Bennie (Isaiah Mustafa) to try and kill the head of the dynasty, the wicked Hilda Van Der Koy (Famke Janssen).
I love a brutal revenge movie, and God knows this one doesn't shy away from the graphic violence, but the script is incredibly weak, while the comic book approach, with its offbeat humour and crazy characters, strives too hard for cult appeal. The film relies very heavily on its kooky comedy, most of which falls flat; it is, more often than not, very irritating, particularly the Boy's inner voice, his imaginary little sister Mina (Quinn Copeland), and Mustafa's incomprehensible Bennie.
Fortunately, the frequent action is, for the most part, well handled, with a nasty fight involving a cheese grater, an impressive scene with a mini-gun, and a suitably hard-hitting and bloody two-against-one final fight in the villain's bunker (those claws gouging their flesh - yowch!). I can't help but think that if the film had been played more seriously, minus the lame attempts at being wacky, it would have been a far more satisfying watch.
I love a brutal revenge movie, and God knows this one doesn't shy away from the graphic violence, but the script is incredibly weak, while the comic book approach, with its offbeat humour and crazy characters, strives too hard for cult appeal. The film relies very heavily on its kooky comedy, most of which falls flat; it is, more often than not, very irritating, particularly the Boy's inner voice, his imaginary little sister Mina (Quinn Copeland), and Mustafa's incomprehensible Bennie.
Fortunately, the frequent action is, for the most part, well handled, with a nasty fight involving a cheese grater, an impressive scene with a mini-gun, and a suitably hard-hitting and bloody two-against-one final fight in the villain's bunker (those claws gouging their flesh - yowch!). I can't help but think that if the film had been played more seriously, minus the lame attempts at being wacky, it would have been a far more satisfying watch.
- BA_Harrison
- Apr 30, 2024
- Permalink
- Blue-Grotto
- Sep 26, 2023
- Permalink
I wanted to like this more than I did.
The fight scenes were fun, and the gore was excessive, but I couldn't bring myself to care all that much.
I think it might have to do with the mismatch between John Benjamin's voice and the actor playing the boy.
I couldn't quite reconcile them as being the same person so it felt like the entire movie was being narrated like MSTK or something.
Also some of the shaky camera fights were hard to make out in between limbs breaking.
I was relieved to see a new IP and it deserves to be supported, but I would say this was more of a rental or even a matinee movie.
The fight scenes were fun, and the gore was excessive, but I couldn't bring myself to care all that much.
I think it might have to do with the mismatch between John Benjamin's voice and the actor playing the boy.
I couldn't quite reconcile them as being the same person so it felt like the entire movie was being narrated like MSTK or something.
Also some of the shaky camera fights were hard to make out in between limbs breaking.
I was relieved to see a new IP and it deserves to be supported, but I would say this was more of a rental or even a matinee movie.
- crazyperson-10193
- Apr 28, 2024
- Permalink
Boy Kills World is unique, outrageous, over-the-top, violent and bloody. It's dark and fun at the same time. The premise is highly intriguing, especially when it comes to the main character and a few of his attributes. Everything I just described makes it seem like this movie is catered specifically for me. These are the exact kinds of movies I go for.
So why didn't I like it more? It's hard to say. Aside from a few really cool fight scenes, I maxed out at "mildly enjoyable." It wasn't hooking me like it should. For most of the movie I felt like, "it's fine."
The action is sometimes awesome, fast-paced and brutal. A scene involving a cheese grater stands out. But other times, the fight scenes are hectic, shaky and unclear. This can also describe the story as a whole. It always feels off. And later in the movie they introduce story elements I didn't buy at all.
One thing I'll concede, this movie is highly relevant. We continue to see totalitarian governments around the world silencing dissent using brutal methods. Dehumanization is prevalent. The answer to the quote in my headline is... not hard at all. I won't specify because my review will be taken down. But we've seen massive boycotts of companies profiting from mass murder. Not to mention the educational institutions as we watch mass protests on college campuses across America.
(1 viewing, early screening Marcus Mystery Movie 4/22/2024)
So why didn't I like it more? It's hard to say. Aside from a few really cool fight scenes, I maxed out at "mildly enjoyable." It wasn't hooking me like it should. For most of the movie I felt like, "it's fine."
The action is sometimes awesome, fast-paced and brutal. A scene involving a cheese grater stands out. But other times, the fight scenes are hectic, shaky and unclear. This can also describe the story as a whole. It always feels off. And later in the movie they introduce story elements I didn't buy at all.
One thing I'll concede, this movie is highly relevant. We continue to see totalitarian governments around the world silencing dissent using brutal methods. Dehumanization is prevalent. The answer to the quote in my headline is... not hard at all. I won't specify because my review will be taken down. But we've seen massive boycotts of companies profiting from mass murder. Not to mention the educational institutions as we watch mass protests on college campuses across America.
(1 viewing, early screening Marcus Mystery Movie 4/22/2024)
The setting is similar to the Hunger Games with its totalitarian state, televised culling, opulent ruling class and underdog revolutionaries but it's a bit tone deaf, swinging between quirky black humour and serious political issues. The plot has one too many surprises and pacing issues and it doesn't really develop its larger than life characters, although they do look quite iconic. The fight scenes were mostly good if completely unbelievable with plenty over the top violence - one in particular was very bizarre and entertaining - but something about them, and the production as a whole, looked and felt off.
- sbweightman
- Apr 26, 2024
- Permalink
Boy Kills World joins many of these 'one person crusade' type films, and I must say it is a pretty presentable example of the genre.
The most important thing with any of these films is the action, and it is pretty impressive in this film. It is brutal, gory, consistent, and well shot throughout. There's nothing about it that is particularly revolutionary but it is all very effective. I don't think I can really fault the film from this perspective.
Then there is the story which is again relatively decent. There are some good twists and turns and it keeps a decent momentum throughout.
The characters are a bit 2-dimensional for my liking so there isn't much to get stuck into in this respect. The performances are all decent enough, particularly Skarsgard in the lead with a strong silent performance, but there's nothing too remarkable.
Another thing that just didn't click for me was the humour. This, alongside large parts of the script, just felt a bit awkward and cliche. This isn't necessarily a deal breaker but the script could have been tightened up.
Overall though I was thoroughly impressed and entertained by this film. If you're in the mood for some riotous action and a propulsive plot, this is the film for you!
The most important thing with any of these films is the action, and it is pretty impressive in this film. It is brutal, gory, consistent, and well shot throughout. There's nothing about it that is particularly revolutionary but it is all very effective. I don't think I can really fault the film from this perspective.
Then there is the story which is again relatively decent. There are some good twists and turns and it keeps a decent momentum throughout.
The characters are a bit 2-dimensional for my liking so there isn't much to get stuck into in this respect. The performances are all decent enough, particularly Skarsgard in the lead with a strong silent performance, but there's nothing too remarkable.
Another thing that just didn't click for me was the humour. This, alongside large parts of the script, just felt a bit awkward and cliche. This isn't necessarily a deal breaker but the script could have been tightened up.
Overall though I was thoroughly impressed and entertained by this film. If you're in the mood for some riotous action and a propulsive plot, this is the film for you!
- ethanbresnett
- May 16, 2024
- Permalink
Set in a dystopian city, a deaf-mute named Boy (child: Cameron Crovetti, adult: Bill Skarsgard, narration: H. Jon Benjamin) trains with the Shaman (physical: Yayan Ruhian, voice: Francois Chau) honing himself into a living weapon to take revenge of Hilda Van Der Koy (Famke Janssen), matriarch of the Van Der Koy family who rule over the city and who killed his mother and younger sister Mina (Quinn Copeland). Having honed his skills, Boy returns to the city and cuts a violent swath of bloody destruction as the Van Der Koy's prepare their annual "Culling" of those who went against their power.
Boy Kills World is the feature debut of German director Moritz Mohr who previously had a couple of short films to his name. Along with creative partner Armend Remmers, the two created an initial short film pitch for Boy Kills World with the pitch getting support from producers Sam Raimi and Roy Lee with Arend Remmers adapting the script alongside Tyler Burton Smith previously of the Child's Play reimagining. Boy Kills World from its marketing and presentation is poised to deliver highly kinetic and darkly comic bloody genre fun and for the most part it does, but it also suffers from having an overly long runtime and tonal issues in the back half that undercut its core strengths.
In terms of handling the very elaborate and involved action scenes, Mohr shows a good eye for staging and planning action beats with some very creative and immersive sequences complete with some very elaborate camera movements that despite their constant movement still manage to capture everything. Bill Skarsgard does well in the very physical role of Boy handling not only the complicated action but also the facial expressions needed to create character without speech. The inclusion of Archer and Bob's Burgers voice actor H. Jon Benjamin as Boy's "inner voice" is a nice touch of the film's humor especially when you learn what the origin of the voice is within the movie's universe.
Despite Boy Kills World starting off very strongly, it is the kind of movie that overstays its welcome and makes some mistakes in its third act regarding its tone. In terms of the kind of movie it is, Boy Kills World belongs to that genre of high concept hyper stylized action thrillers like Crank, Shoot 'Em Up, or Guns Akimbo where less is typically more and the best examples keep themselves under 100 or 90 minutes to ensure the concept or audience doesn't get exhausted and Boy Kills World overshoots being just under two hours. The movie also takes a more serious tone once the third act comes around as we see a decrease in both the humor and Benjamin's voice-over narration and it is a move that just doesn't work as it feels ill fitting with the tone established in the first half.
Boy Kills World is a decent debut for Mohr who shows promise as a director, but his concepts could probably benefit from some more outside polish. It's decent enough for what it is, but it's the kind of movie that you can wait for when it becomes available through whatever streaming service you happen to have.
Boy Kills World is the feature debut of German director Moritz Mohr who previously had a couple of short films to his name. Along with creative partner Armend Remmers, the two created an initial short film pitch for Boy Kills World with the pitch getting support from producers Sam Raimi and Roy Lee with Arend Remmers adapting the script alongside Tyler Burton Smith previously of the Child's Play reimagining. Boy Kills World from its marketing and presentation is poised to deliver highly kinetic and darkly comic bloody genre fun and for the most part it does, but it also suffers from having an overly long runtime and tonal issues in the back half that undercut its core strengths.
In terms of handling the very elaborate and involved action scenes, Mohr shows a good eye for staging and planning action beats with some very creative and immersive sequences complete with some very elaborate camera movements that despite their constant movement still manage to capture everything. Bill Skarsgard does well in the very physical role of Boy handling not only the complicated action but also the facial expressions needed to create character without speech. The inclusion of Archer and Bob's Burgers voice actor H. Jon Benjamin as Boy's "inner voice" is a nice touch of the film's humor especially when you learn what the origin of the voice is within the movie's universe.
Despite Boy Kills World starting off very strongly, it is the kind of movie that overstays its welcome and makes some mistakes in its third act regarding its tone. In terms of the kind of movie it is, Boy Kills World belongs to that genre of high concept hyper stylized action thrillers like Crank, Shoot 'Em Up, or Guns Akimbo where less is typically more and the best examples keep themselves under 100 or 90 minutes to ensure the concept or audience doesn't get exhausted and Boy Kills World overshoots being just under two hours. The movie also takes a more serious tone once the third act comes around as we see a decrease in both the humor and Benjamin's voice-over narration and it is a move that just doesn't work as it feels ill fitting with the tone established in the first half.
Boy Kills World is a decent debut for Mohr who shows promise as a director, but his concepts could probably benefit from some more outside polish. It's decent enough for what it is, but it's the kind of movie that you can wait for when it becomes available through whatever streaming service you happen to have.
- IonicBreezeMachine
- Jun 23, 2024
- Permalink
An over-the-top action with a darkly comedic atmosphere. While the plot prioritizes a straightforward revenge narrative over intricate character development, the film shines in its visual spectacle. The animation is a vibrant assault on the senses, and the action sequences are balletic displays of gore. If you're looking for a film that explodes with style and doesn't shy away from graphic content, "Boy Kills World" will leave you wanting more.
Director Mortiz Mohr makes a daring choice in rendering Boy, the protagonist, both mute and deaf. While this grants the character a unique presence, the wild choice for Boy's voice, mimicking the last video game narrator he remembers aka H. Jon Benjamin's voice, is the cherry on top. Bill Skarsgård's performance is commendable, striving for believability in portraying this unconventional character. However, a sense of monotony creeps in at times. Thankfully, the film redeems itself with Boy's impressive action sequences, where his physicality more than compensates for any limitations in emotional expression.
For rest of the cast Andrew Koji as Basho delivers a surprisingly reserved performance. Famke Janssen, as the film's antagonist is underutilized. Her character, suffers from underdeveloped characterization.
Sum up - A stylish action film prioritizing spectacle over plot.
Director Mortiz Mohr makes a daring choice in rendering Boy, the protagonist, both mute and deaf. While this grants the character a unique presence, the wild choice for Boy's voice, mimicking the last video game narrator he remembers aka H. Jon Benjamin's voice, is the cherry on top. Bill Skarsgård's performance is commendable, striving for believability in portraying this unconventional character. However, a sense of monotony creeps in at times. Thankfully, the film redeems itself with Boy's impressive action sequences, where his physicality more than compensates for any limitations in emotional expression.
For rest of the cast Andrew Koji as Basho delivers a surprisingly reserved performance. Famke Janssen, as the film's antagonist is underutilized. Her character, suffers from underdeveloped characterization.
Sum up - A stylish action film prioritizing spectacle over plot.
- FilmFrameByFrame
- Jul 29, 2024
- Permalink
If you like revenge movies with a twist and tons of mindless goons being evicerated for your entertainment then you will enjoy this movie 👍🏻 I am one of those people 👍🏻 My expectations were quite low but by the end I had a great time and it was much better than I originally thought. The fight scenes are really well done and there are some laughs thrown in (especially when Boy played by Skarsgard is trying to lip read someone) Bill Skarsgard is awesome in this and I hope he continues to do more action roles. Don't watch this if you dont like blood on screen, have an irrational fear of cheese graters or your with your nan 👌🏻
- chronic_nightmare
- Apr 28, 2024
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If you've never watched Archer or Bob's Burgers do yourself a favor and see a few episodes of each before watching this. It's the same voice actor in all of them. He narrates for the main character who is deaf. "Boy" the main character does Archer type stuff with Bob's style of speaking. This adds a new comedic level to everything he does. I think it is on purpose but either way it made me laugh several times.
It is a parody of sorts, but I found it much better than Jackie Chan movies or the Jean Claude VanDamme movies it lampoons. It's closer to a Jason Statham movie for the fight scenes. So if you enjoy them, you should enjoy this as well.
It is a parody of sorts, but I found it much better than Jackie Chan movies or the Jean Claude VanDamme movies it lampoons. It's closer to a Jason Statham movie for the fight scenes. So if you enjoy them, you should enjoy this as well.
- anthonyiaclaims
- May 22, 2024
- Permalink
Saw the trailer and was convinced this was my type of film, funny, action, gore and horror and seemed to be imaginative and fresh. However watching it it felt like ideas from about 7 movies squeezed into one but it just doesn't feel like it works well in any genre.
Some of the humour is great, as are the fight scenes but the story is genuinely awful, the characters aren't remotely interesting or ones you really care about. You'll probably float through thinking it's fine, but then when you get out, you'll have forgotten everything.
The cast have no real chemistry either, some of the choices were baffling, seemed they just had jokes in mind they wanted to get in.
Some of the humour is great, as are the fight scenes but the story is genuinely awful, the characters aren't remotely interesting or ones you really care about. You'll probably float through thinking it's fine, but then when you get out, you'll have forgotten everything.
The cast have no real chemistry either, some of the choices were baffling, seemed they just had jokes in mind they wanted to get in.
- chris_rowe-881-168820
- Apr 30, 2024
- Permalink
I came with no expectations (Monday mystery movie) and left quite intrigued. It is an odd combination of action, humor and splatter style gore, but it works in its own way. The story seemed cookie cutter at first, but then did surprise me at points. The acting is more than adequate and the action choreography simply phenomenal, with exceptional camera work.
At many times the movie felt like an homage and some of the shots maybe not looked, but felt familiar to me.
If you like John Wick, you more than likely will enjoy this tremendously. I can't quite see myself rewatching it, though, which is why it's only a 9/10.
At many times the movie felt like an homage and some of the shots maybe not looked, but felt familiar to me.
If you like John Wick, you more than likely will enjoy this tremendously. I can't quite see myself rewatching it, though, which is why it's only a 9/10.
The authoritarian Van Der Koy family rules over a police state city. Hilda Van Der Koy (Famke Janssen) is the matriarch who selects 12 victims to be executed in the Culling, one day every year. A young boy somehow escapes after his mother and daughter are murdered. He is raised by The Shaman as a deaf-mute. As a man (Bill Skarsgård), he is given the revenge mission to kill Hilda.
This is a surreal fun blood-filled action ride. The sister reveal is too obvious and the movie runs too long. Most of this type of movies are best served with a running time closer to ninety minutes. I love the hallucination sister and the bad lip-reading. Hopefully, this gains an audience rather than being washed away into the streaming.
This is a surreal fun blood-filled action ride. The sister reveal is too obvious and the movie runs too long. Most of this type of movies are best served with a running time closer to ninety minutes. I love the hallucination sister and the bad lip-reading. Hopefully, this gains an audience rather than being washed away into the streaming.
- SnoopyStyle
- May 31, 2024
- Permalink
I love violent cheesy action movies but this just didn't work for me. I don't why but it felt like it thought it was more funny than it truly was. Like I said I love bad action movies but this was just a drag to watch. I don't know, I lost interest fast. The story started out interesting but even that became a bore. The little sister thing got old fast too. Overall, I would have been very upset if I paid to see it in the theater. It looks and feels like some random Netflix movie you might put on at some point. Some of the action scenes are awesome but at the same time some seem to be ruined by the editing and directing.
Last but not least while I did not have high hopes to begin with, this mess really lowers the crow remake expectations lol.
Last but not least while I did not have high hopes to begin with, this mess really lowers the crow remake expectations lol.
This is a crazy, hyper-violent dystopian action film about a world controlled by a warlord family and a deaf man's quest for revenge for the murder of his family. It is a visual mix between Into the Badlands and a video game. The dialogue is smarmy and sarcastic. The story is simple. The visuals and fight choreography are very fast and very bloody and violent. There are some real stars in here, but much of the acting is pretty "b" rated. Bill Skarsgard is good as an action hero and his physical prowess and fighting are impressive. He is deaf and mute but they have David Kieth voicing his thoughts, which is an interesting choice.
- tkdlifemagazine
- Jul 20, 2024
- Permalink
I'm not a huge fan of violence & gore and Tarantino films are not my thing , although this had nothing to do with Quentin , you could see the influence
The fact that this was an original story straight to film was impressive , it had the feeling of a well established game or comic but the influences are definitely there and I can see this being spun into a franchise with sequels, games & comics
With it dystopian theme it had hallmarks of films like The Hunger games & running man and to an extent Total Recall . There were also hints of Rollerball , Westworld & Logan's Run with a touch of Pythonesque humour around the violence & gore
All in all it wasn't a bad film , it was above average & it worth watching if this is your genre , it's not mine but I didn't dislike it , I thought it was ok
Pad. A 6/10.
The fact that this was an original story straight to film was impressive , it had the feeling of a well established game or comic but the influences are definitely there and I can see this being spun into a franchise with sequels, games & comics
With it dystopian theme it had hallmarks of films like The Hunger games & running man and to an extent Total Recall . There were also hints of Rollerball , Westworld & Logan's Run with a touch of Pythonesque humour around the violence & gore
All in all it wasn't a bad film , it was above average & it worth watching if this is your genre , it's not mine but I didn't dislike it , I thought it was ok
Pad. A 6/10.
- Padreviews
- Apr 30, 2024
- Permalink