I had to see this movie since I've missed the rise of Robert Bronzi.
His look is uncanny to that of the late Charles Bronson. At some angles you would easily think it is him. Almost creepy.
However, about this movie.
Hardly original concept. Guy gets in trouble, framed, goes to jail, gets a promise of reduced sentence, gets into fights and everyday prison dilemmas.
As far as the story goes, it's not that bad, in spite not being an original idea (in any way), what's particularly bad with it, is the acting, or should I say lack of it.
I do appreciate the use of non-actors as they usually shows more realistic expressions, but unfortunately some over-act, smirks and just doesn't give that feeling that they know how to act. You notice this with the most of the inmates when they're in frame. Can't help to almost focus more on their so called acting rather than the movie itself.
Choreography is also really really bad. Clearly someone haven't seen enough fight scenes (while filming, from other angles etc) to make it believable and authentic looking. You can see blows a mile away, almost in slow motion in some scenes and clearly see them missing by inches.
We can only hope that some director sees this and it's potential (Not a bad story, really, just poor writing) and do a remake with Bronzi. Maybe even make it play out during the 80-90's so that it would fit better with Bronzi's fighting style, then hire someone who can write a proper plot, re-cast a few of the inmates, and above all, direct the actors so that they look the part.
I think they could do better with CGI which is really visible at times, and also leave out some of the gore or at least not have it in frame like they did. Instant lowering of the movie expectations!
I rated this 5, but that extra star was for Bronzi and that he's a near copy of Bronzon, 4 is for the story, which I would've given otherwise.
As far as directing and thereby controlling actors, I'd rate 3, possibly 2.
