PLOT: Shaw has cherished Rule since she noticed him, however Rule doesn’t see her as an acceptable match, however an evening of consuming and secrets and techniques leads them to query if they are often collectively with out ruining their relationship…or one another.
REVIEW: The theater expertise has struggled over time, with mid-budget comedies and romance movies being the largest victims. The answer to this has been to launch the movies for a restricted time in theaters by way of an organization like Fathom or Icon Occasions. And it appears to offer movies that may often be relegated to streaming, an opportunity at success in theaters. Marked Males: Rule + Shaw might be a movie that ought to have simply stayed streaming because it’s a sadly hole expertise.
Marked Males: Rule + Shaw is the story of—shock, shock—Rule and Shaw, two individuals who have identified one another most of their lives, are attracted to one another, however haven’t gotten collectively for causes. Rule is the stereotypical “bad boy your mother warns you about” and Shaw seems like she’s too younger for the subject material. Rule works at a tattoo store, so a whole lot of the movie takes place in and round that location. I’ve by no means gotten a tattoo however I think about if tattoo artists had been as cringy as they’re on this movie, there’d sadly be fewer tattoos round.
Ever because the first season of Outer Banks, the web has been obsessive about Chase Stokes. Whereas he’s undoubtedly good-looking, he’s by no means actually been in a position to put collectively a layered efficiency. And whereas the writing does him no favors right here, he does job of getting essentially the most out of the fabric. On the web page, Rule basically turns into a completely totally different individual relying on the scene. He’s hotheaded and a jerk one second, and incapable of violence the following. Sydney Taylor is ok as Shaw, however the character’s immaturity is doing her no favors. Not less than she and Stokes have first rate chemistry.
There’s an issue that always comes with these diversifications by way of the unnatural development of the plot. Having to shove these tales into 90 minutes means it strikes at an insane tempo. Breakups, getting again collectively, engagements, all within the blink of a watch. An hour in, the story tries to go Romeo and Juliet, with Rule and Shaw’s social standing immediately turning into a problem when it was merely offered as a private. The issues that occur on this really feel straight out of a foul romance novel… which I suppose it’s. It’s so excessive that I couldn’t assist however snigger at a number of the insane occasions unfolding earlier than me.
There’s a little bit of sloppiness with the filmmaking at occasions, with pictures being out of focus or very apparent ADR the place the lipsync doesn’t match. I’ve by no means been so distracted with the horrible focus-pulling nevertheless it actually stands out. I really like director Nick Cassavetes, however he appeared asleep on the wheel right here. The dialogue is brutally dangerous with traces akin to “It’s not like you like him do you? You do!” actually getting throughout the subtlety on show. One of many solely pure moments happens when Natalie Lynd convinces Rule to pursue Shaw. Sadly, Lynd is hardly within the movie and the second passes straight away. There are some intriguing components, just like the lack of Rule’s brother which clearly affected the dynamics of his household. However this and moments prefer it are pushed apart for extra absurd fare.
Marked Males: Rule + Shaw seems like a short concept that was then expanded right into a full-length characteristic movie. Moments really feel fully contradictory to those who precede all of them whereas managing to hit almost each stereotypical story beat you may think about. I’m certain followers of Stokes will nonetheless present up and have time, however these in search of a satisfying movie expertise higher look elsewhere.
MARKED MEN: RULE + SHAW IS ONLY IN THEATERS ON JANUARY 22ND AND 23RD, 2025.
