Jack-Reacher-style thrillers based on the lone protagonist hitting town and enacting justice are as old as the Shane movie. Rarely do they offer much more than diversionary entertainment. Rebel Ridge, written and directed from an aspiring wunderkind, Jeremy Saulnier, is a welcome exception. The film kicks right into action with our hero, an ex-army martial arts tyro, being rammed off his bike by two country cops. From there the action is tightly and splendidly scripted, as the hero is swallowed up and spat out by a corrupt town, and then embarks on a mission of revenge and justice. What makes Rebel Ridge stand out are the relentless pace and superb action staging, and the lead actor’s clever, principled performance by Aaron Pierre. Need to lose yourself for a couple of hours? Sink into this satisfying, mature thriller.
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