Cast
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Thomas Jane
as Malone
Ving Rhames
as Boulder
Elsa Pataky
as Evelyn
Doug Hutchison
as Matchstick
Leland Orser
as Murphy
French Stewart
as Frankie the Crooner
Gregory Harrison
as Whitmore
Eileen Ryan
as Gloria
David Andriole
as Pencil Stache
Chris Yen
as Mauler
Patrick Treadway
as Jerry
Armand Jalayeri
as Security Guard
Brandon O'Neill
as Scumbag Thug
Gretchen Oyster
as Malone's wife
Crew
Director
- Russell Mulcahy
Producer
- Erika Anderson
- Johnny Martin
- Brian Oliver
- Richard Rionda Del Castro
- Richard Salvatore
Reviews
Per Gunnar Jonsson
This movie is kind of difficult to rate. In one sense it is the kind of hardboiled private investigator taking no shit and dishing out his own kind of justice that I like. However it is also, at times, a really silly movie with rather a silly script and a main character that takes a ludicrous amount of beating and still pops up and kicks ass.
In the end I decided that I did indeed like this movie. I liked its rather “noir” atmosphere and the fact that the character indeed is tough as nails and kicks some serious ass. There is plenty of action in the movie and it is quite violent and sometimes a bit silly but it fits the movie and I think this particular movie would be less to my liking without it.
There are some interesting bad guys in the movie as well. There are of course the basic thugs which are disposed of rather quickly but there is the lollypop girl which is adding a bit of flavor, there is the big black guy which is really not so much a bad guy but a worthy adversary of Malone and then there is the totally whacko pyromaniac, Matchstick. This guy is insanely scary. I quite liked him, not as a person of course but as an element of the movie.
The story is sometimes as whacko as some of the characters in the movie so do not expect a good mystery or even a coherent story out of this movie. Sure it has a red thread going through it and there is an explanation at the end but sometimes what the characters do and how we get from start to finish seems rather ad-hoc to me. Still, the overall wackiness of all the various elements of this movie combines to something that I did indeed like.
The end was a wee bit disappointing though. Sometimes, when watching a movie, it is clear that there was an intention to produce a sequel but end a feature movie with a “To be continued…” text is really stupid unless you already have a signed contract for the sequel. Luckily the actual story is brought to a good enough conclusion and it is just a few of Malone’s personal loose ends left at the end of the movie.
Sep 23, 2014
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Crime/Action/Thriller film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Give 'em Hell, Malone distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Russell Mulcahy brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2009, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Give 'em Hell, Malone took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $15.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 96 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 140 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2009, when this film is released:
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Give 'em Hell, Malone shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Fifth Element, which focuses more on action than character development, Give 'em Hell, Malone offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Short Sharp Shock and Killing Zoe explore similar territory, Give 'em Hell, Malone stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 4, 2009
- Runtime: 1h 36m
- Budget: $15,000,000
Where to Watch
