When our own Chris Bumbray’s review for STARRED UP suggested that it was a must-see movie "jam-packed with brutal violence", I figured many people including myself would be sold on the indie movie. Now with the latest trailer there’s no excuse, this movie looks amazing. As far as bleak prison dramas go (BRONSON being a favorite) I'm more than a little excited to finally see this one.
Here’s the official synopsis:
19-year-old Eric, arrogant and ultra-violent, is prematurely transferred to the same adult prison facility as his estranged father. As his explosive temper quickly finds him enemies in both prison authorities and fellow inmates—and his already volatile relationship with his father is pushed past breaking point—Eric is approached by a volunteer psychotherapist, who runs an anger management group for prisoners. Torn between gang politics, prison corruption, and a glimmer of something better, Eric finds himself in a fight for his own life, unsure if his own father is there to protect him or join in punishing him. Written by prison system therapist Jonathan Asser, STARRED UP is a merciless, uncompromising portrayal of a dehumanizing life behind bars.
The trailer highlights the great performances from Jack O’Connell (who will soon play the late Louis Zamperini in Angelina Jolie's UNBROKEN) and Ben Mendelsohn, not to mention the cringe inducing violence. I love a good prison drama and this looks like a straight up win in every way. I will be checking this one out for sure when it hits iTunes on August 26th 2014 and theaters on August 29th 2014.