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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Dont believe the ratings

[superteduk · 3/10 · 24 June 2018]

This is poor at best. The characters are unconvincing, poorly cast, annoying and wooden.

the script is dire, no development, no reasoning, no build up and the direction is all over the place.

The score is weak, poorly executed and gives no sense of timing or relevance.

the story is quite original but apart from that its shocking.

Nothing really more to say then this is a very gory extreme R rated version of "Home Alone". I loved it. I say A.

[cosmo_tiger · 8/10 · 2 May 2012]

"We don't have to do this clean, you go down this list and kill them all, then you find my money. You got 48 hours." When a recently released criminal gets out of prison and returns to his life he notices that $500,000 of his money has been stolen. After finding out who took it he hires a group of hit men to get the money back. Things go fine until they reach a house with a boy who fights back. Based on the preview I was intrigued at this. It seemed like a movie I would like but thought it could go either way. I have to say this was a huge surprise to me. This is not a movie for everyone because it is very bloody and violent. The best (and only) way to describe this is that this is an over the top extreme violent version of "Home Alone". If that doesn't want to make you watch it then I don't know what else to say. To me this movie was very fun to watch and I really liked it, it a morbid way. These revenge movies like this are one of my favorite type of movies. Overall, a very over-the-top violent version of "Home Alone" that I loved but is not for everyone. I give it an A...I know but I really enjoyed it.

Home Alone for adults

[david-511-37028 · 8/10 · 25 October 2012]

I wasn't sure what to expect from this film, having seen others I've been disappointed in from this production company. Fortunately, I was pleasantly surprised. The Aggression Scale was a lot like an adult version of Home Alone. The film was suspense-filled, keeping me at the edge of my seat waiting to see how these kids are going to handle everything. Watched with a friend who is very familiar with autistic children, and his reaction was very positive. The portrayal of the main character was spot on for the obsessive habits of an autism sufferer. The cinematography was expertly done, but the soundtrack left a little to be desired. All in all, I recommend this film highly.

Fun, Suspenseful, and Very Entertaining... Blu-ray: Excellent A:9 V:9

[lathe-of-heaven · 8/10 · 12 October 2012]

This was good...

I know I don't normally start off that simply, but it really was quite good. I almost didn't recognize ol' Dana 'Bobby' Ashbrook with his white hair, but hey, it HAS been over 20 years for Goodness' sake! And, how absolutely cool is it to see a film with TWO 'Twin Peaks' alumni in it?! I frigg'n LOVE Ray Wise (he was just about THE best actor in 'TP' with Bobby being the 2nd - He really blew rings around the dull-@ss James character!) But, ol' Ray really doesn't have a whole lot to do here. Actually, if you do like him and you like Horror, the Indie film 'DEAD END' is a much better example of where he really has a chance to shine in his role (I HIGHLY recommend that one!)

Sure, this movie isn't exactly rocket science, but I honestly felt that it was very sharp, competently put together, and very well written, acted, and directed. The extras are kinda fun, watching the interviews and the 'Behind the scenes' stuff. Like the director said in his comments, they tried to create a 'Home Invasion' type film, but with strong, believable, 3 dimensional bad guys. This is a good, solid thriller. And DUDE, whomEVER is responsible for the shorts that the girl wore can have WHATEVER the hell they want! : ) The pacing is very strong. I thought that most of the acting was really carried by the bad guys. I found them extremely intriguing, odd, and interesting. The little bald guy looked like SUCH a dweeb, but he had a certain off-beat vibe going that worked really well. And the big bald guy had a really intriguing depth to his character. I like Dana Ashbrook, but his character here didn't really allow him much latitude in his performance; I actually had his Dad, Buddy Ashbrook as a teacher in an acting class at Palomar college about 30 years ago (In the Northern San Diego area - I live about 3 miles from there now :) I REALLY dug Dana's role in 'TWIN PEAKS'; I truly wish he had had more of a chance to do a lot of other films. I think I first remember seeing him as a teen in 'A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET' (1984) along with a VERY young Johnny Depp in his first role.

Anyway, sorry to meander all around the place here... Basically if you want some good ol' Thriller entertainment where the bad guys take a deserved and gruesome pounding, then you really should enjoy this one. The reviewers here who didn't like it obviously don't like these kind of films and so shouldn't be watching them, and particularly NOT trashing them here... I mean, I personally do NOT like 'Torture Porn' films in any way, shape, or form, but you won't see me coming here, writing reviews dumping all over the 'HOSTEL' & 'SAW' films. What's the point...? Let those who truly LIKE those kind of films talk about them and review them; that way, a person who ALSO likes similar films can hopefully benefit from a helpful review from people who also enjoy them...

A very good Action/Thriller! Highly recommend.

[Michael-Hallows-Eve · 8/10 · 24 September 2012]

This movie was one of those films that was a great surprise. I'd seen the trailer and read a little about this film but I wasn't expecting what I'd just seen. It was great from start to finish, the acting, the story (especially) and the action were all top notch. And Derek Mears played his part very well. It was one of those movies (for me) that I'd be very happy to watch again and again, and I'm glad I own it. The action is quite violent too, which for me is always a huge bonus. I'd put it in the same category as 'A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE' (Viggo Mortensen). If you haven't seen this film, I highly recommend it. So I give it a solid 8 out of 10.

This film IS a reason to like 'home invasion' films

[targetlad72 · 8/10 · 30 September 2017]

This one, even though it's a few years old was very hard to find. After watching, it's rareness DOES surprise me as it is so watchable. The acting of the kids is pretty, pretty, pretty good. The girl who started out annoying but quickly grew on me. More especially the boy. It is refreshing to have a boy who isn't haunted (Paranormal Activity), annoying (The Purge) or Anakin Skywalker. In additional notes it's good to see Ray Wise still working and also appearing is Dana Ashbrook. Ah memories of Lara Palmer.

Solid home invasion thriller with lots of shot gun violence n booby-traps.

[Fella_shibby · 9/10 · 18 February 2017]

Fellas who r comparing it to Home Alone, r not aware of the 1989 Game Over. I first saw this on a dvd which I own in 2012. Revisited it recently.

The plot - a group of armed men attack a family looking for stolen money but they get more than what they bargained for.

There's plenty of shotgun/gun violence, stabbing, bashing, limb breaking, hand skewering, and bloody booby-traps. This is a tense, suspenseful and violent movie, nicely directed by Steven C. Miller n the cast has given decent performances. Ryan Hartwig (the kid) is creepy as hell with an anger issue. His role is wordless and he really nailed it. I have enjoyed Millers Automaton Transfusion n Silent Night but he shud stop collaborating with Bruce Willis.

Awesome!

[karmenjette · 10/10 · 29 September 2019]

Such a terrifically done movie. One of the . Most underrated movies out there!

Housewarming...

[azathothpwiggins · 6 November 2021]

In THE AGGRESSION SCALE, Owen (Ryan Hartwig) is a particularly troubled teen with deep, disturbing behavioral issues. His dad and his stepmom see this as a possible detriment to their marital bliss.

All of this is forgotten when their new home is invaded by ruthless criminals. Owen's "problems" suddenly become valuable assets.

Hartwig is very convincing in his silent, devilishly resourceful role. He dispatches bad guys like he's squashing angry hornets. Owen is the sort of kid that would be watched very closely in school, for fear of what he might be capable of doing. Here, he's a savage savior, turning our ideas about violent youth inside out, making us cheer for someone who would normally cause us to recoil.

This is what an R-rated, non-cartoonish HOME ALONE might have looked like...