American Hangman (2019) User Reviews

Pretty Predictable

[lkemplewis · 6/10 · 7 January 2019]

Not a bad movie, my guess is they spent most of the budget on Donald Sutherland, but money well spent. Others talk about how this movie reflects on the criminal justice system, and it does, but I think it does so just as well on court of public opinion, the media, and social media. It does beg the question of how anyone does get a fair trial in today's 24 hour news cycle and viral social media.

The Great White North Harshes on The Red, White & Blue in "American Hangman"

[jtncsmistad · 5/10 · 21 August 2019]

"American Hangman" is a made in Canada crime thriller that fires plenty of pot shots at the American judicial system. While the points are laid on a bit thick, there is still much to chew on here. Well intentioned. Well acted. And the great Donald Sutherland (a native Canuck) classes up any joint.

Good for a B movie

[garymathe-76173 · 6/10 · 11 January 2019]

Sutherland's appearance as the only A-lister is surprising but his performance is solid as always, while the rest of the cast is good considering they are virtual unknowns. The story is fairly unique and full of potential even if the execution is a bit silly. It brings up valid concerns about the justice system and social media, although for me it's a little too preachy. Verdict: Worth watching as long as expectations are kept fairly low.

Solid watch.

[jack122121 · 6/10 · 5 January 2019]

I was impressed with the attention to detail and what I liked about this film was that it is current. It highlights real world faults in the criminal justice system and it was well thought out. Clearly a low budget film, not many settings other than the 'basement' and the police station, however, it's well presented and it's interesting even more so because it highlights how criminal intelligence is increasing. A number of good actors put in brilliant performances. I wouldn't say it's a must-watch but it's definitely a solid film I would go to if you are struggling to find something! Not too long and not too short. Strange ending, although these films alway do have them!

A bit choppy in places but a fun ride nonetheless

[jtindahouse · 7/10 · 18 January 2019]

During the first scene of 'American Hangman' I thought to myself this seems an awful lot like 'Saw'. Then one of the characters actually mentioned the scenario being similar to 'Saw' (without ever actually mentioning the title) and I realised this film may just be smarter than I anticipated. Thankfully it turned out I was right.

The film is a fun ride from start to finish. The pacing is the best thing this has going for it. I was never bored for a second. There were multiple different angles the story was being told from and each served its purpose well. It was also twisty without being overbearing or obvious.

The only real let-downs were some clunky dialogues (particularly near the start, things seemed to improve as the film went along) and an ending that I felt could have been handled better. It was a smart film and I felt it could've been smarter in its conclusion. Overall though I had a great time with 'American Hangman' and would highly recommend that people give it a look.

Interesting but fails at the end

[chad-963-334113 · 4/10 · 9 May 2019]

Maybe a story that has been told in a way, but it is interesting take. A few problems. 1) Donald Sutherland's mustache, seriously trim that, totally distracting. like nose hair coming out of his lip. 2) If the killer wanted to get caught just turn yourself in 3) At the end. no way they go in just randomly shooting. also he had the choice not to hold the gun. stupid saying the killer gave me the gun. don't take it, or drop it. the cops knew exactly where the hostage was and what he looked like. they could have easily pin pointed the killer of which they knew what he looked like and what he was wearing.

sutherland are still alive

[ops-52535 · 7/10 · 5 January 2019]

Well , this is a film that tells the story of how random life can be and what the consequences may be of living, and who are the best to judge that , you, me , the jury,the people or simply the judge.....law isnt my strongest part ,and american law are far to complex to understand under these circumstances, coup d'etat or marshal laws and pure anarchi are some clues to this film

donald sutherland has grown old for sure, but he still delivers, and makes this film very suspensfilled and keeps you on the edge of the chair almost till the end. its a new angle of involving social media as a max factor in the movie world, and passes through very well, though the truth-factor are questionable.

to summarize,its yet another example of the power of going viral on social media. recomendable it is.

Meh

[Headturner1 · 5/10 · 26 January 2019]

Not realistic. Someone is usually on death row 25 plus years before they're put to death. How old was this supposed guy who says he did it? And if he really was a sociopath he would be glad they got the wrong person. watchable but kind of ridiculous. Never find out anything or any back story on the main protagonist.

Interesting yet implausible. Very weak ending.

[brandonlewissmu · 6/10 · 1 August 2019]

Pretty cool premise. It held my attention throughout. Man kidnaps a judge who wrongly sentenced a man to death. It falls apart, however, when the kidnapper's motives are revealed. The kidnapper's self righteous attitude is now seen as ridiculous. The judge, on the other hand, never becomes likeable. I found myself not caring what happened to either character. Maybe this was the director's intention. Who knows? To the ending..Rushed and illogical. How so? 1) Apparently the kidnapper not only knew his location would be discovered, but also the precise time. 2) Seems he also was able to miraculously predict the police would handle the intervention like amateur hour. Fire away, guys. Oh, and hey Your Honor, hold this gun so they'll take you out too. Overall, a decent opening that goes sharply downhill and eventually falls off the cliff.

Rush to Judgement

[nogodnomasters · 4/10 · 31 January 2019]

PLOT SPOILER.

Judge Straight (Donald Sutherland) is abducted and held captive in a basement with a lot of cameras. His captour is holding a trial claiming the judge who presided over a high profile murder case, got the verdict wrong and put an innocent man to death.

It doesn't take long to figure things out as this is supposed to be some kind of criticism of the American judicial system that was done very poorly. The film reminded me too much of "Harodim." It is slow and boring. The only real issue the film resolved is that Donald Sutherland is indeed still alive.

Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity.

Under-rated.

[dnob-58707 · 8/10 · 9 March 2019]

I hate "Thesis Reviews". Good flick. Intriguing story. Sutherland is exceptional & the others hold up really well. The Media appear "in it for themselves" which is rather apt. If you enjoyed Law & Order Criminal Intent" over the years, this is for you. There are far worse ways to spend 99 minutes.

President Snow impeached by Pete Campbell

[tfminfl · 6/10 · 4 August 2019]

349. American Hangman. A Canadian film, shot in Missouri. It begins with two guys waking up in a basement after being kidnapped. One of them comes to the conclusion that they are in a situation similar to 'that movie with the hacksaw' and that it was 'crap', you may recognize this actor from the film Jigsaw, and unfortunately for his character, Ron, its kinda true... The other guy, played by Don Sutherland, is Judge Straight, a title, not like Judge Reinhold. :) And finally, the kidnapper. His name is Henry and he has an ax to grind with the judicial system, and he's a wiz with that whole internet thing the kids are talking about these days, so he decides to hold Judge Straight accountable for a case he presided over in which a man was convicted and put to death for the kidnapping and murder of a 14 year old girl, a case Henry feels the man was wrongly convicted, and broadcast it on the internet and the public gets to vote guilty or not guilty. Is there a twist, of course there is! And its a pretty sweet one, tho perhaps predictable. Its not going to win any awards for best acting, Vincent Kartheiser was cool as Henry, and I was satisfied with its conclusion. A film that also makes you say, well, he has a point... And poor Ron, he was just there as a prop to prove a point, oh well.

4 Stars for Donald, the rest is 1 star maybe

[ala-49478 · 4/10 · 9 August 2019]

My first issue is the world is watching this, as are the police and they are not even scrambling to find where this is coming from... instead they are talking about retirement and the past. Plus the news lady is so awful and the FCC and FBI would never let this air on TV. Donald S is always a great actor, I only lasted watching it because of him. The end was RIDICULOUS .. these officers that go in don't just start shooting anything. Lastly I don't think as a society we've gotten so uncaring that we'd vote guilty to watch an old man be shot live SMH

Court in Session!

[lavatch · 6/10 · 8 June 2019]

"American Hangman" was a well-produced, low-budget film. The premise of the live streaming of a vigilante's trial of a judge was clever and at times insightful. The most memorable portions of the dialogue were the arguments about the inherent flaws in the American legal system.

Donald Sutherland is convincing in the role of the judge, arguing the case of his life. The filmmakers were successful in avoiding a static, single room environment by incorporating the response of the local police and the media. There was an interesting batch of characters, including the veteran police officer about to retire, the rogue tech expert tracking the courtroom scene, and the detective involved in the case that convicted an innocent man. It was apparent at the outset that the detective was defensive about his work and knew that the case was flawed. There was only room for improvement in the characterization of the perp, which was nondescript and bland.

A weakness of the film was in the ending, which was abrupt and lacked any sense of denouement. The audience needed to learn something about the aftermath of this bizarre and painful saga.

everyone gets a vote

[ferguson-6 · 6/10 · 4 January 2019]

Greetings again from the darkness. Two men are kidnapped, bound and gagged, and dragged into a secure basement. Soon enough, the disoriented men (and we as viewers) realize this is to be a trial conducted via social media - and the stakes are very real. Writer-Director Wilson Coneybeare presents the kidnapper as a quiet dude with an intricately well-designed, though quite demented, set-up.

Ron (Paul Braunstein) and the ironically named Judge Straight (Donald Sutherland) are the two men held captive, while Henry David Cole (Vincent Kartheiser, "Mad Men") is their captor. Ron is the high strung type who constantly threatens Cole despite being handcuffed and otherwise tortured. The Judge, on the other hand, remains calm and composed as he tries to reason with his captor ... and even talk some sense into Ron. Despite the circumstances, we find a bit of humor in Ron's bull-headedness and his frantic comparisons to the movie SAW, which of course the Judge has never seen. On a side note, Paul Braunstein actually appeared in JIGSAW (one of the SAW sequels).

Cole begins the live broadcast via social media and we periodically see the graphics for time (go live at 1:11pm) and counter of viewers tuned in. Also tuning in are the local cops led by a retiring police lieutenant (Oliver Dennis) and a detective (Joanne Boland), and a top notch hacker (Jess Salguiero). Cole's basement set up includes numerous computers and cameras strategically placed around the room. His own moves are choreographed in a manner that keeps his face from being seen on social media. The Judge and Ron see him (and his awful haircut), as do we as viewers.

An ambitious news reporter is working her own contacts, but much of the suspense occurs inside the basement. It takes a while to unfold, but we soon understand Cole's thought process and why he believes a publicly broadcast trial makes sense. Some of the issues touched upon include a justice system that is "ignorant, corrupt and blood thirsty", as well as the power and peril of the news media and social media. As the public "votes" online for guilt or innocence, all parties end up in full-throttle CYA mode by the end of the film ... and that may be the biggest statement here. It's a decent little thriller that surprisingly generates some thought.

An attempt to be more than superficial

[RvBreukie · 3/10 · 5 January 2019]

It's starts off exciting, but then it turns into a dragfest. It's just a combination of crime/thriller flicks with no original ending. A movie that seems like it has a story to tell, bu if you fall asleep halfway through you wouldn't miss anything.

Donald Southerland Is A Treasure

[rose-57741 · 7/10 · 13 January 2019]

This movie is a prime example of why movies are made. It entertains, shocks, and holds a mirror in the face of society. Not only does it show the imperfections of the judicial system, it also shows the desire that we have for swift justice, even though many of us don't know or understand the law. It's nothing over the top. The storyline and acting are solid and, as they should, make this movie great. Donald Sutherland, Sidney Poitier, and Kirk Douglas all true treasures

Potentially Good Story Idea That Fails Spectacularly

[pdbordelon · 1/10 · 6 August 2019]

Interesting idea for a movie that starts to fall apart quickly.

SPOILER ALERT

The bottom line is the killer is responsible for the death of the girl, the falsely accused, the roofer, and the judge. So why is he acting all high and mighty like as if he his somehow a victim in all this, has an axe to grind, and is looking for justice???

Also how stupid are the voters? Would the circumstances of the "trial" and actions of the murdering nut not be enough to vote him not guilty?? Also insulting is how the police are depicted as basically corrupt and stupid. The whole movie is frustrating to watch.

Only the press are depicted accurately here: morally bankrupt, sensationalized opportunist.

This movie could have been a real social commentary that would make a person think. Instead it implodes on itself with poor writing, illogical potholes, etc.

The great Donald Sutherland acts well in this so watching this may be worth it if you are a fan. Otherwise skip this one. Its like comparing Jaws The Revenge (American Hangman) to Jaws (12 Angry Men).

if you think this was trying to be like saw your were not paying attention

[natcalgary · 6/10 · 9 February 2019]

A lot of people saying this was trying to be like saw, but this was no way similar to saw at all. 2 completely different concepts and the reasoning behind the abduction brilliant. In fact this movie was way better than saw. Kept me watching and pretty much sums up society and are addiction to online streaming, reality tv, and our desensitization.

6.5

Interesting concept, but...

[spfaded · 5/10 · 4 August 2019]

I found the concept interesting, but the idea that a majority would rule to kill the judge seems ridiculous. Shoot, in this day and age people would know that their vote could probably be ultimately discovered and they might be held accountable for. So, to think so many people would take the risk and kill a person they don't even personally know is stupid.

Good film...

[bairjohn · 8/10 · 5 January 2019]

I always see someone saying they've seen films like this before...I have not. It kept my attention all the way through, and the only reason I did not give it a 10 was because the direction, and editing had a B movie feel to it.

All of the actors did well except for a few of the extras but again I think that was more direction, and camera work. They were trying to keep everything at a streaming level which really did not work well.

Vincent Kartheiser, and Paul Braunstein did very well, Donald Sutherland. what can you say he's a pro. The writing was very good but the plot was right on the nose. I would watch again.

Donald Sutherland Nailed It

[budanome · 6/10 · 2 August 2019]

With Mr. Sutherland's role: 6 stars. With out Donald: 1 star.

Out Acting the Writer

[zjcuda · 3/10 · 6 September 2019]

The writing was absolutely horrible from the way the killers sense of the judicial system works to the way a swat team operates. Not to mention the thought process of the voting outcomes. The only thing that kept me watching was the superb acting of the one and only Donald Sutherland which played his part well and made it somewhat bearable. Advice to a writer do some research on you're story content.

Good watch with tension

[belleabu · 7/10 · 9 February 2019]

I enjoyed this movie and the way the story unfolded. Donald Sutherland played his character well, a beaten and tired retiree of the 'legal profession'. The character of Ron was a smackable guy yet I felt sorry for him. Loved his dog at the original Saw. This kept me engaged. Good B thriller

Donald Ain't No Lame Duck!

[tuckerorrni · 6/10 · 14 January 2019]

Donald Sutherland is the glue that holds the pieces together in this finely detailed movie. I'm glad I decided to watch this. Sutherland is elegantly captivating in his role.