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Once Upon a Time in Venice

Once Upon a Time in Venice (2017)

Steve Ford is a private detective in Venice Beach, Calif., who's good with the ladies, bad with the punches and wild about his dog Buddy. When local thugs steal Buddy, Ford turns to Spyder, their devious leader, and forges an unlikely alliance. With help from his best friend, Steve pulls out the big guns to retrieve Spyder's stolen cash and cocaine and save Buddy.

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Directed by Mark Cullen

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Mark Cullen
  • Robb Cullen
Writer
  • Mark Cullen
  • Robb Cullen
Producer
  • Nicolas Chartier
  • Zev Foreman
  • Robb Cullen
  • Laura Ford
  • Mark Cullen

Reviews

Gimly
5/10

A patently unfunny comedy, whose audience-gateway character is the most annoying of the bunch. Moderately uplifted by setting, the fact that Bruce Willis wasn't 100% phoning it in for once, John Goodman once again "going through some stuff", and the always endearing Jason Momoa... Who is apparently Mexican for some reason.

_Final rating:★★½ - Had a lot that appealed to me, didn’t quite work as a whole._

Jun 21, 2017

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Thematic Analysis

This high-octane Action/Comedy/Thriller/Mystery film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Once Upon a Time in Venice distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.

Director Mark Cullen 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 2017, 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 Once Upon a Time in Venice took approximately 19 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 94 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 129 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
  • The costume department created over 194 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The musical score contains over 63 unique compositions.

Historical Context

  • In 2017, when this film is released:
  • Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
  • Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Once Upon a Time in Venice shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Trespass, which focuses more on action than character development, Once Upon a Time in Venice offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Criss Cross and Rush Hour 3 explore similar territory, Once Upon a Time in Venice stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: June 8, 2017
  • Runtime: 1h 34m
  • Revenue: $855,888

Where to Watch

Philo

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