The Aggression Scale (2012) User Reviews

Home but not alone

[kosmasp · 7/10 · 1 January 2013]

To say that I thought the plot was predictable would be an understatement. But to say I didn't enjoy watching the movie would be a lie. It has some graphic scenes mind you (and while you might have seen better special effects, this still can be called gruesome at times), so it is not for the squeamish.

There's not a lot of plot involved in the story, but I still will not say anything about that. You shouldn't care too much about it anyway and let the underdog story carry you through it. You'll understand my summary line too (especially if you have seen a movie I'm obviously referring, though this is of course a somewhat adult version of that). All in all a decent thriller movie, that can be entertaining

Ignore the budget and the "special" effects, and you have a good movie

[viridel · 7/10 · 6 May 2012]

Things that bug me about the movie: Made-for-TV quality acting / Special Effects that are truly "special" / Stereotypical cute-but-useless girl/sister that causes more problems than she solves / Rampant and unnecessary/pointless murders

Everything else, you know what? Not too shabby. An interesting and well written flick, well worth the time to watch - perfect for Netflix or movie channels.

IMDb - WHY DO YOU NEED 10 LINES!?!

I have nothing more to add. If you get a chance to see this on the cheap (or even free), definitely do it!

Not Amazing, But Better Than the Average Movie

[gavin6942 · 6/10 · 24 May 2012]

Four heavily armed hit men and two unusual teenagers go to war over $500,000 of stolen cash.

The film is advertised as "Home Alone" with more death. And, yes, I can certainly see that. Granted, it is not funny (unless you spend your 85 minutes making fun of the lead character's stupidity and terrible outfits). And it is not Christmas. But, the basic concept is there.

The real selling point for me was the reunion of Dana Ashbrook and Ray Wise ("Twin Peaks"). If you have not seen Ashbrook in a while, you may not recognize him (twenty years later and he is no Bobby Briggs). I can only imagine what it must have been like being on set for the scenes they share.

The plot in general is a bit convoluted. Just a bit. You might wonder how the first half is in any way connected to the second. They run together, the film just has a few false starts before it gets going. But, it is relatively short, which I think is a strength -- rather than drag on, the creators knew how to keep the pace going.

Does the stuff Chris Columbus wouldn't dare...

[natashabowiepinky · 7/10 · 10 March 2014]

Ever wondered what would REALLY happen if someone fell prey to all of Kevin's traps in Home Alone... and they weren't treated like cartoon characters like the Wet Bandits were, by simply shrugging off their injuries? Well, look no further, as four nasty men get their comeuppance when they kill the parents of a pair of young siblings, while searching for stolen money. It just so happens the young lad has been diagnosed with a psychotic illness, and exacts his revenge in the most brutal way possible... by setting up some Rambo-style traps and maiming each one, to the point where perhaps they wished they'd knocked on someone else's door that day...

It's always been a passion of mine to see ordinary people having to resort to extreme methods to stay alive, and here it's undeniably satisfying to witness these children use the most common of household objects to dismember these thugs a piece at a time. There's no doubt they deserve their horrendous fate, so don't feel guilty if you feel a sense of catharsis while the slaughter is enveloping. True, it could be better edited, and needless to say the plot requires a pill the size of an elephant to swallow.

But you know what? It doesn't matter... and as that Landrover was about to smash into that trailer just before the end credits, I realised I felt something I haven't for a long time while watching a movie: Complete And Utter Gratification. As sick as it may sound... 7/10

A worthy effort but a bit slow to get going.

[shoutatthesky · 7/10 · 22 July 2012]

Overall this film was a worthy effort. The concept was an interesting one, dealing with the concept of psychopathy in a juvenile. Some people erroneously think of psychopaths as all evil, yet this was not a mistake made by the creators of this film. The main character, Owen, was portrayed as a kind of child savant possessing a very unique set of skills and the emotional ability to use those skills. Owen was also shown as a member of a family with a dedicated father who lovingly puts Owen to bed and puts a record on for his son like doing so was a treasured bedtime ritual. Therefore, instead of the usual one dimensional, all evil psychopaths, as usually portrayed, we instead had a realistic, multi-dimensional psychopathic character.

The main failing of the film was the slow beginning. I felt that the way the characters were introduced could have followed a different format that did a better job of setting the feeling for the rest of the film. Instead of slow, dialog-heavy scenes there needed to be a bit more action and a better attempt at setting up the family's situation.

Altogether a very enjoyable movie and a fascinating concept that I hope can be expanded upon in more films to come.

My second favorite serial killer.

[garycbelleville · 18 September 2012]

Not bad. Not bad at all. When it first started I almost stopped it due to the visual aspect of it. I really can't explain it it just looked cheap. But then I got to see a few actors I recognized and decided to give it a chance. I am actually glad I did that. turns out the movie had me on the edge for a good time. Not the entire length but a good portion. I really liked the kid, turns out he is my second favorite serial killer. My first of course being Dexter. hihihi

There was one cast member that I could have done without and I must say that it's not really the actors fault either. The girls. Boy oh boy I just hated every time she would scream. I mean she is there trying to hide in the woods from 4 killers and she screams her lungs out.A little later she does the same thing and they attach a few sound effects to it to try and make it even more shrilling. It annoyed me more that anything else. Derek Mears, wow I love watching this guy. He was awesome.

I really enjoyed the face the step brother made when he saw his step sister kill the first bad guy. hihihihihi He just lit up, from a odd young lonely kid to someone who just found a new best friend. hihihi Great face. I kind of wish there were more bad guys. hihihihihi I really enjoyed this. I realize this movie brought nothing really new to the screen but hey remakes are made all the time, year after year. Doesn't mean there all bad. as one already stated, another home alone but more violent. Hey, Home alone was good. Oh and just for the record I don't normally take for the serial killers hihihihi. Only when they are good. hihihi

A movie with something different from average recovery of money type

[adi_2002 · 7/10 · 8 March 2014]

A family moves into a new house and they barely manage to accommodate until a bang at the door will change everything for the couple and the two children after four massive mans enters in their home in order to recover an amount of money that Bill has stolen from Bellavance. They kill the parents only to discover that the real problem is his son Owen that is a danger and a menace to society and he should be locked up in a hospital but Bill has get him out of there with the help of the money he has stolen. But is that kid so though that he can beat four mercenaries?

The movie will come with a surprise for many and as a shock for others. Like similar movies with the same principle, the grown peoples took the war within themselves in contrast to this where the roles are reversed. The scenario is unlikely to happen in real life but besides that, the acting was good, that kid did a fantastic job protecting the ones around him, and the movie is not boring at all and aside from the unrealistic story could be a good choice.

Home alone on an aggressive scale

[OJT · 5/10 · 27 January 2014]

Let me warn you right away. The aggression scale is just what it sounds like, this is one brutal movie. And it starts right away. Without any warning, or rather the opposite, the film shocks you right from start. I would categorize this as a slasher.

We see a couple with two teenagers moving out in the countryside, obviously moving away from something. We don't really know why, but we've got a hunch. Amongst the things, are getting away from bullies, because the boy is mute, due to this. The film starts with a brutal gangster boss, Bellavance, just out if prison, missing no less than $ 500000, and that's not acceptable to him. On his command, his hoodlums start a killing spree.

A scary undertone fills the first part of the movie, beautifully filmed in a thriller/horror way, just before something happens the film slows down to slow motion film. Quite neatly done.

I can see some referring to this as bloody Home alone, and they have a point. The inventiveness of the teenagers are above average, you could say. They have had to watch a lot of violent movies to get this brutal.

Another interesting point is the two Twin Peaks actors, Robert Wise and Dana Ashbrook, one very recognizable, the other you've gotta watch the eyes to recognize. They are both brilliant. It's more to scrutinize with some of the other's acting. The girl Is OK until she is hurt, Then she turn plain bad. The mute kid is better.

The film is also too unrealistic when it comes to the hits and the walking from the woods on broken bones. This puts me off a bit. I enjoy a good slasher, but I like it to be plausible. Some great talent here, but not all is functioning in this low budget slasher. Still it's able to keep a certain tension. Director Steven C. Miller is on his way up, and this is his best film so far.

Jason; the younger years

[raptor9393 · 7/10 · 21 May 2012]

Sometime it happens that opposites happen when watching a movie. To take the whole cake the movie was based on a usual happening i.e. robbery and movie restoration. This is an old topic and cannot be mingled with a movie that can only be described a mediocre. This movie surprises from the start reason being its plot unfolding and sitting inside the action. Good movie to watch, to start with, but as the latter parts unfolds and climax is near, the film becomes a laughing stock, as you can even before the end a clear prediction can be made what is going to happen. The climax just flushes the movie. It made me laugh when the villain gets dead with a mode of death that really makes the movie understandable. The male teenager plays its part very nicely, but towards the end it seems that Jason is in the making, and this film may well be a breeding ground for or retrospectively a Friday thirteen younger years movie. Overall nice experience and some nice and laughable scenes.

Movie is simply terrible.

[habanerobreath · 3/10 · 25 June 2013]

I completely agree with the review from F_Jenkins.

The premise is the only redeeming factor, but unlike him, I could not finish the movie. I discovered this movie because it had the kid from "Gummo", but his role in this movie is

The lead bad guy is just horribly miscast. His character coincides better with House from the TV show than it does as a lead killer thug. Not convincing at all.

The sound effects are poor and stand out. For example, when a thug whips his shotgun up, you hear a very cartoonish "hwhoo" sound. Terrible.

The kid is okay but mainly because he doesn't speak. But like the review from F. Jenkins, I was never convinced he was capable of what his character was doing.

Last of all, all of these reviews spouting a R-Rated Home Alone... if this were actually the case, I would have enjoyed the movie. Don't expect elaborate traps and clever ways to take down the enemy. Nothing clever here whatsoever.

Life is short. This movie is crap.

What did I just watch?

[bobmichigan1 · 9/10 · 28 April 2012]

At first I thought I was watching a poor mans "B" movie with the typical torture the parents until they get what they need. By the end i was watching Home Alone 4 rated R style and zero jokes. This movie was downright brutal.

This kid was awesome, now some of the acting is stale but the silence of the young man made this a better movie. The bad guys in this flick were also very good, they came in to get what they want and didn't waste our time torturing them but straight up killing.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for Saturday night popcorn flick. Turn off your brain and enjoy the action!

A movie for professional viewers

[alshwenbear1 · 6/10 · 1 May 2012]

This movie is not for people who grew up with home alone, the film could go all the way back to "The Lord of the Flies" because it's the pure reflection of every kid who existed, in the past or the present. The difference? Not all of the kids act (fortunately) on the actions of every demon that a human being carries inside, regardless of being a kid. How many kids, wish to mess up a bully so bad, a mad man or everyone who has crossed our path on a bad way? My dad, who used to be the nicest man in the world, told me a couple of times, "respect everybody in your life and try to be respected, but if ever in your life someone hurts you badly, hurt them back in such way that they dig a hole in the ground wanting to hide themselves and pull the dirt over their own head." Well, I never did, but the kid's character does it! People, who did not like the movie, need to have a better knowledge about hundreds of movies as I do, yes, I watch movies from all over the world, and even before I knew my ABC's I knew what the real concept of movie making was. This young actor was extremely convincing from playing dumb and dull to to wicked with that evil smile, I could go on and on but I will leave you with this: if you are good with movies, watch this one! PS, the ending has not much to do with Bonnie and Clyde, if you make this comparison, you might as well try to compare it to Thelma and Louise, so both assumptions are ridiculous.

Screams mediocrity

[saadgkhan · 3/10 · 21 May 2012]

The Aggression Scale – TRASH IT (C) The Aggression Scale should have been called "Home (Horror) Alone". From beginning to end, it screams mediocrity. They must be thinking we are making something clever, though don't get me wrong the script is good but it's the execution and continuity of the movie which is horrible. The teen boy (Ryan Hartwig) and girl (Fabianne Therese) did a decent job in running around. all other cast was very tacky and let down from the lead teen actors. There are very few moments which are really gruesome but overall movie is so tacky and pretentious that it loses its focus. No one should waste their time.

Just This Side of a Gore-Fest

[LeonLouisRicci · 7/10 · 24 August 2012]

There is something here that subversively attracts and repels concurrently. That's its edge of persuasive power to compel the viewer to take part in its revenge, self-defense operandi.

Some stylish atmosphere and splatter effects paint the picture just this side of a gore-fest. It moves along at a low-budget, jerky, jump-around pace that makes the ride a bit bumpy, but there is enough gratification to allow the shortcomings to pass as a production restriction rather than a flaw in the design.

Tightened up a bit, and yes, just a bit more of the outrageous, this might have gone to that place of cult status reserved for the Psychotronic intelligentsia. Still it has its place in what used to be called "drive-in" movies and grind-house flicks.

Not bad at all, surprising

[calicut110 · 6/10 · 22 September 2020]

This is low budget. This has mostly b actors. That said, I was really on the edge of my seat for many parts of the movie. It was well paced and had some interesting action scenes. Definitely worthy of a watch if you can't find any a-list movie out there. Surprisingly decent!

Whats up????

[elo-824-765235 · 1/10 · 22 October 2013]

I could write 100.000 words about how horrible this so-called movie is, but that would not even justify it enough, but what chocks me the most is to see how high IMDb has rated it. This, and this alone, was my reason to give it a chance, but I must say that IMDb ratings is not as trustworthy as it once wore. I think one of the previous reviews nails it down pretty well by saying "if this movie had been rewritten by a better writer, directed by a better director and recast, it would have been pretty good" Well, I think it would take much more then that but OK. Maybe, and just maybe, it could have been an average film. But come on guys.. What a disrespect for the viewers. How little effort can you possible have put in the creation of this horrible excuse for a movie. If I only could get those 85 minutes back.. Oh well.. At least Im not the one putting my name on the back of that piece of C**P

Surprisingly enjoyable

[CabbageCustard · 7/10 · 23 June 2021]

I really didn't expect to like this but, to my surprise, I did! I have to start off by saying that nothing about this is even remotely believable. It's best not to think too critically at all actually, because the plot is really quite preposterous. A teenage boy, recently released from some sort of institution for Seriously Disturbed Adolescents with Violent Tendencies, spends the first part of the movie in an almost catatonic state but suddenly switches into full on commando mode when his family is attacked by a bunch of nasty hit men. Actually, he's more than just a commando. He also channels McGyver with his mastery of fashioning elaborate booby traps out of a few sticks and some bubble gum or string or stuff like that. Other reviewers say that this reminded them of a rather bloody version of Home Alone and that occurred to me too.

There is a lot of blood in this, but it is not full on gory. Certainly don't watch it with the kids, but if you can suspend credulity for a little while you will find this movie is 90 minutes or so of mindless and satisfying enjoyment.

More Fun Than Washing Socks

[emfgds · 2/10 · 3 January 2015]

There have been a lot of Home Alone comparisons in other reviews and I thought exactly the same thing as I was watching this idiotic mess of a film. Take the Home Alone sequel script that was dug out of a dumpster somewhere, sandwich it against the First Blood:The Teenage Years script that didn't quite take off and then hire someone with little command of the English language to skillfully weave it all together. I've seen better dialog written for WWE banters and better acting to boot! I'm not going to even bother recapping the film, because I just don't want to think about it anymore.

Should've known when Ray Wise popped up...

A horror Home Alone

[killercharm · 6/10 · 29 February 2020]

This didn't seem so much aggression as an autistic-savant . A new composite family are set upon by four hit men in search of the money stolen from their convicted-killer boss.

Ridiculous And Poor Production Values

[lwmswm · 3/10 · 11 November 2019]

Shoestring remake of Home Alone with poor production values, mediocre to bad acting, and some ridiculous violence that was kind of funny (hence 3 stars instead of 1). The set up for the home invasion took 34 minutes and could have been done in 8. If you want to watch a mute kid invent kind of funny ways to inflict pain & suffering on some really stupid bad guys in a cheesy movie then enjoy.

Vicious little home invasion thriller

[Leofwine_draca · 8/10 · 29 April 2013]

Many people have been describing THE AGGRESSION SCALE as HOME ALONE for adults, and while it does feature some home invasion-style nastiness, for the most part I would say they miss the mark. Despite the prevalence of the household setting for much of the action, THE AGGRESSION SCALE has more in common with the likes of the recent MOTHER'S DAY remake, featuring a gang of remorseless criminals and some unwilling victims who decide to fight back rather than take what's coming to them.

It's a surprisingly decent little production, well staged with maximum suspense wrung from the simple premise. The likes of Ray Wise, Derek Mears and in particular Dana Ashbrook make for some unpleasant bad guys, the sort you'll love to hate, while Ryan Hartwig's maladjusted young lead is atypical and intriguing, a true antihero who the scriptwriter doesn't bother trying to make sympathetic. The film is more effective because of that, refusing to give the viewer an outright protagonist to cheer on, instead enmeshing them in violent subterfuge as the titular scale goes through the roof.

There are occasional missteps, like the ridiculous detour into a car park in which none of the characters act as they really should, but it all comes together for a deliciously nasty climax that doesn't disappoint, given the set-up that comes before it. THE AGGRESSION SCALE has an edgy, modern feel to it that lifts it above other recent home invasion flicks to make it one memorable B-movie outing. It's this kind of fresh, inventive, lower budgeted fare that gives the big blockbusters a run for their money these days.

BULLY ME. MAKE MY DAY.

[nogodnomasters · 7/10 · 14 September 2018]

A mob boss (Ray Wise) wants his stolen money back and everyone who might be involved, killed. He also wants proof which requires the use of a Polaroid (seriously?). After 3 people are snuffed we switch to the subplot. A family of four...recently married move into a new home. The son Owen is creepy and silent. He is interested in things that kill. Lauren (Fabianne Therese) is his 17 year-old step sister who showers with her back to the camera...end of eye candy.

It isn't hard to figure out how this grindhouse plot and family drama come together. When Owen gets a chance to escape, rather than take it...cue heavy metal music as the quiet teen opts to fight 4 grown armed men. In this "Home Alone" tale, Macaulay Culkin is a psycho, who, like a cat, likes to play with its prey before the kill.

Derek Mears, one of the bad guys has that creepy Michael Berryman look to him, but acts more like a pansy. I found his character to be darkly comical as things happen to him. Dana Ashbrook comes across as George Cloony light. Good old fashion home break-in with some new twists. Excellent blood splatter. "B" movie fun. I would have given the film 10 stars had they played Talking Heads "Psycho Killer."

F-bomb, no sex, no nudity (Fabianne Therese- side breast). pot smoking

What was this good for?

[p_imdb-238-926380 · 1/10 · 6 June 2012]

I voted awful, yes awful.

There was not reason for this film to be made. It has nothing special, the story is boring. The score is crappy and does mostly not fit. I fast forwarded after my patience dropped to 0.

Why did someone decide to make this film, was he expecting that anybody could be interested in such a lame, and copycat-ed story?

Also the actors, where did they come from? Some circus freak show? The problem with such films is: 1) They are worth nothing, but you payed 2) They cost time, where you could do better things 3) You rage afterward, as you realize fact 1 and fact 2 4) Your mood is near to 0 after completing point 3

Please, if anybody in charge for this crap reads this, stop making films or finance it etc. Also please stop posting reviews that this is the best film in the world. It stinks, the whole flick stinks.

Home Alone on acid.

[peterp-450-298716 · 7/10 · 21 January 2015]

Aggression Scale : (noun) A psychological test measuring the frequency of overt aggressive behaviors that may result in physical or psychological injury to others.

Actually it was my intention to begin with a quote from Owen, the teenager who's at the core of this bloody home invasion, but this is impossible because he says not a single word throughout the film. Not a sound even. I was expecting a typical B-movie but as the movie progressed, I was pleasantly surprised. You can call it "Home Alone" for adults ("The Aggression Scale is like Home Alone on crack." I read somewhere) : bloody, vicious and sometimes straightforward explicitly violent. Compared with Owen, Kevin looks like a wimp. And the viciously tricks and booby traps that Owen constructs for his attackers, are worse and more deadly than those of Kevin.

Essentially the story isn't that extraordinary. A certain Bellavance (Ray Wise) just left prison and wants to leave to a safer place together with his son. The only problem is that his hard-earned money is stolen. Four loyal gang members are instructed to find the money. And this task is tackled in a simple way: you take a list of all people who had something to do with it and you start off from the top of this list. Those who can't answer the questions, are unceremoniously provided with some fresh ventilation holes. And that's the first image you get to see in "The Aggression Scale". Immediately a bluntly and senseless slaughtering. The victim didn't even get the time to answer the question anyway. But it had effect, this "in-your-face" violence. I must admit I immediately sat straight after that moment. A real attention grabber that clarifies which direction it'll go.

What Lloyd (Dana Ashbrook) and his companions weren't expecting, was the presence of the young scion Owen (Ryan Hartwig) of the family Rutledge, which was next on the list. This silent boy carries a fairly destructive secret with him. The Rutledge family has just moved into their new home where they wanted to start a brand new life. Lauren (Fabianne Therese) isn't happy about this course of events and clearly shows that. She doesn't feel like babysitting the weirdo Owen in this reconstituted family. However, she doesn't realize that she should be happy that this youngster stands at her side.

Clearly it's a low-budget film, but one that was enormously appreciated by me. A fast-paced aggressive film that keeps your attention all the way. The continuous flow of violent scenes is perfectly dosed and the thoughtful actions of Owen make it interesting. Although he sometimes looked like a youthful MacGyver who used far-fetched methods which were successful because of the necessary amount of luck and coincidence. Also the performances can be praised. Ray Wise, who of course became known as Leland Palmer in "Twin Peaks", his contribution wasn't extensive. But the moments he came into the picture, he managed to portray a ruthless gangster.

Also known from "Twin Peaks" is Dana Ashbrook (as Bobby Briggs). I surely didn't recognize him with that graying hair and rounded beard. He made me think of Ruben Block, the singer of Triggerfinger. But what charisma he exuded on the screen. The atmosphere changed immediately when he appeared. A threatening and unapproachable posture. He's surrounded by a few stereotype individuals : the mindless muscle bundle with a tremendous resilience, a moronic idiot and the cowboy-type with a "Je mon fou" attitude. But it's Ryan Hartwig who excels in his wordless role. In the beginning he looked like a retarded autistic boy but soon he grows out into a clever and inventive survivalist when he and his family are in danger The only one who irritated me immensely was Lauren. When trying to escape cold-blooded killers, you don't start running through the woods like a hysterical teenage girl screaming your lungs out. Luckily she calmed down near the end and gained control over herself again.

There are several movies that show how someone can collapse psychologically and starts to react extremely aggressive. "The Aggressive Scale" however, shows how far one can go in his aggressiveness. It's a disturbing thought that someone is unable to control his aggressiveness without medication and constantly threatens others. But it's a starting point that's suitable to weave a fascinating concept around. The best hidden item in this film was the way Owen and Lauren grew together. They began as two strangers who interacted apathetically with each other and end up as a kind of Bonnie and Clyde. Inseparable and deadly vengeful.

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