Vendetta 2 (2025)

Vendetta is a 2022 American action-thriller directed by Jared Cohn, starring Clive Standen, Bruce Willis, Theo Rossi, Mike Tyson, and Thomas Jane. The film tells the story of William Duncan, a former Marine whose world is shattered when his daughter is murdered in a violent gang-related attack. Frustrated and disillusioned by the failure of the justice system to hold the perpetrators accountable, Duncan decides to take matters into his own hands. What follows is a brutal quest for revenge, as he tracks down those responsible one by one. The film explores themes of vigilante justice, family loyalty, and the personal cost of violence.

Clive Standen delivers a solid performance as Duncan, portraying a man driven by grief and rage but also marked by military discipline and determination. Bruce Willis plays Donnie Fetter, the father of one of the gang members, providing a complex counterpart to Duncan’s quest, showing the complicated dynamics of family and loyalty within a violent world. Theo Rossi, Mike Tyson, and Thomas Jane round out the cast, each contributing to the gritty atmosphere and tense confrontations. Despite the promising cast, the film suffers from a formulaic plot and predictable action sequences.

The direction by Jared Cohn emphasizes raw, straightforward action with little subtlety. The film relies heavily on violent confrontations and revenge tropes common to the genre, but often lacks depth in character development or storytelling. The pacing is fast, aiming to keep audiences engaged through a series of escalating conflicts, but this comes at the expense of emotional resonance or originality. Cinematography and production values are modest, reflecting a low-budget feel that occasionally detracts from the immersive experience.

Critically, Vendetta was met with largely negative reviews. Many critics pointed to the implausible plot and cliché dialogue as significant weaknesses. However, some viewers found the film entertaining as a simple, revenge-driven action movie. Mike Tyson’s involvement was noted as a surprising highlight, providing a unique presence that stood out amid otherwise uninspired performances.

In conclusion, Vendetta offers a gritty but generic revenge story that may appeal to fans of straightforward action thrillers. While it does not break new ground or deliver a particularly memorable cinematic experience, it fulfills the expectations of its genre with enough intensity to hold attention. For those looking for a visceral, uncomplicated tale of personal justice, Vendetta is an option, but it falls short of becoming a standout film.