Bring Him to Me (2023) Poster

User Reviews

Review this title
34 Reviews
Sort by:
Filter by Rating:
4/10
Can't make up it's mind what it wants to be!
rwbchill-8898621 January 2024
This flic could have have been so much more. It tried to be an action movie but there wasn't a lot of action, instead it centered mostly around driving in a car. It tried to build up emotion for a good revenge movie but it all came too late and then it just abruptly ended. It tried to be a message movie about how crime doesn't pay, but even that simple message got messed up. It even tried to be a straight forward crime drama, but because of the wanderings of the script it didn't even really succeed at that.

The script was definitely sub par, with no continuity at all, despite having some decent actors. The atmosphere was ok, dark and rainy, but it didn't pertain to anything useful in the plot. I do like Barry Pepper, his character acting is great, but the script didn't allow him to come across in any meaningful way; Jamie Costa's performance was also good, but again, he was wasted due to the poor script. Though without him I probably would have rated this more of a 3. Sam Neill's role was one of the few in the movie that made sense, though quite short. Rachel. Griffiths role was quite good as the dragon lady, but even that was pulled down because of all the silliness going on in the end scenes.

All in all, a movie that had the opportunity to make a defining statement, but failed utterly to do so.
3 out of 10 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Better than a lot of recent films
ThatDoesntMatter20 January 2024
This movie about criminals, a heist gone a bit awry, money missing, and someone has to pay for that, the motivations, the tempers - has a bit of a timing and editing problem, and the story starts generic enough, then turns into a road movie drawn out, and takes a few unexpected turns down that road.

It is not really deep, but worked to make me care for the two mains. And some of the other characters are fun.

Some cookie-cutter bad guys, some chase scenes, and a successful underlying tension of what will happen when / if they get there.

This film is about seeing it through, but what and why gets twisted.

It was good acting, and it has a nice ending.
12 out of 16 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
1/10
Awful try-hard
doc-away6 January 2024
Terrible script. Awful accents. Nice lighting though!

Clearly an Australian-shot film trying to be American, but failing badly. Why do this? Australian crime dramas are perfectly fine, no need to USA-it at all?

So funny to see them drive on the right-hand side of the road, but then to see other cars parked on the left.

Rachel Griffiths' accent was the worst - she'd be embarrassed. Was she from Boston or Queensland? Maybe born in one but raised in the other?

It tried so hard to be moody, but the random insertion of 'deep' dialogue made it comical.

The worst movie I've seen in a long, long time.
39 out of 64 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
7/10
A decent Australian film
arnolddroverrr22 January 2024
This movie races into the cinematic scene with a relentless plot as a getaway driver faces a moral dilemma dictated by a ruthless crime boss. The film, while far from a laid-back watch, offers an engaging experience without taxing your brain. Its concise duration distinguishes it from today's lengthy blockbusters, making it a convenient choice for a casual Friday night. The narrative, though straightforward, weaves in enough surprises to maintain audience interest. This action-packed film is a quintessential guy's movie, encompassing intense shootouts and heart-pounding driving sequences. A quick, thrilling story with the right blend of elements makes it a solid recommendation, especially for those seeking a high-octane escape.
15 out of 18 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
3/10
What a waste of time
adrianmaguire7 November 2023
Boring, storyline all over the place, the story uninteresting, basically 2 guys in a car driving and talking for a majority of the movie. 2 American leads, primarily an Aussie cast and filmed in Queensland Australia.. why bother making it set in America?! I can't tell what accent Rachel Griffiths was going for, Boston? Cause it sounded more Australian if anything. Its just a meh, forgettable movie. Not sure the other reviewers saw the same movie then I did. Don't know, just did nothing for me. Thankfully it was only 96 minutes. And what was with that ending?! It just stops! Don't see this in the cinema, lol.. I had no one else in my theatre.
33 out of 57 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
7/10
[6.9] Breath while you can
cjonesas20 February 2024
A sort of simple yet powerful, suspenseful, thrilling movie, well-acted throughout with believable performances, good score, some irrationality and illogical plots that are forgiven in the whole screenplay and a good above-average vibe and flow.

It drags a little, could have been tighter in runtime and edited 5-7 minutes less and have a much more convincing ending, showing rather than guessing.

It has become a habit to finish productions on notes 300m above grounds.

  • Screenplay/storyline/plots: 5.5
  • Development: 8
  • Realism: 7
  • Entertainment: 7.5
  • Acting: 7.5
  • Filming/photography/cinematography: 7
  • VFX: 8
  • Music/score/sound: 7
  • Depth: 6.5
  • Logic: 5.5
  • Flow: 7.5
  • Crime/drama/thriller: 7
  • Ending: 6.
4 out of 4 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
2/10
Shot in 1 week
Neptune1653 February 2024
Warning: Spoilers
This movie had middling acting, a plot which was somehow both rote and novel for all the wrong reasons, and the ending was incoherent (I think they're setting up a sequel?).

Barry Pepper is the man though, I wish it the movie was better because he was fun in it.

Little Bit boring in the middle. They just killed 2 guys and they're just sat in the car talking about their kids and fathers etc. Like get out of dodge buddy. Just slow drag. Still confused by the ending. Meh...they need to stop trying to make middle aged women menacing villains. Although Lena Headey in Dredd pulled it off. Terrible, terrible, awful movie. SN NZ.
6 out of 9 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
7/10
Good crime noir
rns-232304 November 2023
Worth a look just for Barry peppers performance alone.

Slow burn with satisfying ending, filmed in my local town so I enjoyed it on another level.

Movie tell of a heist gone wrong and the price you pay pay for your actions and inactions. Don't be fooled this film doesn't shy away from the hard reality of life and crime.

Supporting cast from the always reliable Sam neil and racheal Griffith but the true star is Barry pepper the man as a face for this and could easy replace as the new Clint Eastwood for our time.

Story may not be new but it's never dull or lazy.

And the action for a low budget product was effective and brutal, what we come to expect these days.
21 out of 42 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
3/10
Some redeeming moments but poor direction and problematic plot
o_s_k_r23 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
I like the tone and the vibe of this thing. But it's massively flawed.

SPOILERS FOLLOW:

The biggest problem is the ending. The story trips and stumbles a few times on the way there but the movie completely gives up on trying to make sense in the last ten minutes. The Rachel Griffiths character kills the young hero and the guy who was a bit too wild. Meanwhile she knows all the time that it's the driver who ripped her off and she pays him and lets him go. Why? Who knows. The movie makes no attempt to justify this.

As soon as she lets him go she sends her other henchman to hunt him down, even though nobody would think that would be easy. Miraculously the henchman finds the driver and they fight and the driver wins. He then calls the police and only says that the younger character is dead. No information that would lead to either his body or Rachel so why is that useful? What sort of ending is that? What is he going to do? Where is he going to go? He's even more lost than at the start of the movie.

The direction is also problematic. Way too many shots of the gun in the glovebox. Characters talk and shout in ways that don't feel natural. Repeated shots of the same text message! And whose phone sends them sequential messages when they get close to their destination?

I'm pretty skeptical that the very high scoring reviews here are authentic.
7 out of 15 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
9/10
It's a beaut'
danbrownn30 January 2024
"Bring him to me" takes you on a wild ride right from the get-go produced in Queensland, but the crazy thing is, you'd swear it's set in the good ol' USA. Barry Pepper, the gritty Driver, is like a true-blue Aussie battler, working for the ice-cold crime boss Veronica, played by Rachel Griffiths (who could have had a better accent....)

This flick is a ripper of a journey through a stormy night, packed with dodgy characters and a decent showdown.

Director Luke Sparke pulls it off without breaking the bank, making it look like they threw ten times the cash at it. And would you believe, there's a fair bit of heart in this crime yarn? Tom Evans' script is a breath of fresh air - you never know which way it's gonna swing. And that car? It's a beaut!

Chuck "Bring him to me" on your must-see list, you won't be disappointed!
10 out of 13 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
3/10
Derivative as it gets.
MK_Ultra_25 January 2024
Trailer looked like a lean and mean noir and right up my alley.

I guess the trailer showed me too much or the script was AI generated (I kid?). Let's start with cinematography. It does pay homage to Mann's style but when the scriptwriting is weak, and when you're looking at the cinematography for a redemptive need or want to finish the film, then well, I can see why some would just shut this off and go outside for a walk for the last hour.

It's a formulaic crime "thriller" shrouded in finger pointing with the weight of the red herring in the room (and every scene) as you can feel the familiar twist just waiting to divulge itself. It finally does and it really has lost most of its own steam when it does, as it was more of an "ah" moment versus an enthusiastic "AHA!"

It's not a terrible film, it's just a straight line operation, no one to route for, no single character stands out, the crusty ole veteran criminal, the young prodigy trying to earn a living the wrong way, and a garage full of criminality lead by a strangely accented woman...is that a comedic take on a Boston accent from a film made in Australia?

Yikes.

Boring, derivative, and just suffers a serious case of low energy.
5 out of 11 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
1/10
Mostly Monologue
burgif24 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
What a massive waste of talents on this movie, you have Sam Neil who shows up in this movie for maximum 5 minutes give or take, then you have the talented Liam McIntyre who shined in the role of Spartacus in the series and here in this movie you can count the sentences he utters as if he is newcommer or just random cast. I pointed in the title (mostly monologue) because most of the movie revolved around talkative young man and a non talkitive driver, the back story regardless how wierd it is hardly explained through flashbacks while the passenger and the driver take a very long drive. If the makers of this movie meant for it to be action, they failed, they are even bigger failuer if they meant for this movie to be thought provoking,. Too long for no logical reason.
2 out of 14 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
2/10
Sam Neill how could you?
TheDome813 May 2024
MovieJunkieMark here!

This movie looked like it had potential. When I saw Mr. Neill was in it, I figured it had to be decent. Wrongo! It may be the first stinker I've ever seen him in.

For starters, the writing is mediocre at best. It uses just about every cliche in the book. Over and over. And the dialogue is totally meaningless. Just endless drivel.

Then there's the acting. What can I say. The actors seem like they're just phoning in their lines. There's absolutely no passion whatsoever They all seem like they're on autopilot

Well, Sam Neill was pretty decent as usual. But it almost seemed like he was dragged down by everyone else in the film.

This is one of those rare films that I quit halfway through. And from what I read from other reviewers, the ending is terrible. So I only had 45 minutes invested in the movie.
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
9/10
Not as bad as it's rated...
tanyabrownbabyyy29 January 2024
Despite initial reservations due to its low IMDb score and mixed reviews, I took a chance on this movie. After enduring Mean Girls 2, I was pleasantly surprised by this film's engaging cast, thrilling action, sharp dialogue, and overall enjoyable experience.

Unlike my recent viewing, I was fully engaged, never reaching for my phone, and would gladly watch it again.

In a world where quality Australian productions are scarce, especially post-COVID, this movie stands out with its impactful storytelling, familiar faces, and a craving for more. I'm a fan and eagerly anticipate sharing it with my friends!
9 out of 12 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
9/10
Give me more!
nikkiwahlberg29 January 2024
"Prepare for a thrilling rollercoaster ride in 'Bring Him to Me'! The vibrant cinematography and unique style create an electrifying atmosphere of suspense and action. With a multitude of heart-pounding sequences, the film keeps you on the edge, providing an exhilarating high-speed car action led by the charismatic Barry Pepper himself. Brace yourself for jaw-dropping gun events that will leave you startled and craving for more.

The perfect runtime ensures a seamless unfolding of the plot, swiftly transitioning into action-packed sequences filled with intriguing events involving gangsters. Sam Neil's unexpected presence adds an extra layer of excitement to this stylish movie, while Barry Pepper delivers a truly professional performance as the skilled car driver. Every actor's contribution is phenomenal, making 'Bring Him to Me' a must-see on the big screen. Don't miss out - catch the excitement ASAP!"
8 out of 12 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
That car was sickkk!
goodmanshow24 January 2024
"Bring Him to Me" took the drama game up a notch, and who saw those mind-blowing car scenes coming? That sleek, classic beauty stole the spotlight, turning a drama into an adrenaline-pumping spectacle.

Sam Neill and Barry Pepper making appearances was a stroke of genius - an epic duo that added another layer to the intensity.

Honestly, I didn't expect to be glued to the screen, but it was like discovering a hidden treasure. We need more films like this in the mix.

Picture the Aussie Sopranos, sprinkle in some American magic, and you've got a masterpiece served up with cinematic finesse. Don't miss this one - especially if you're a sucker for big-screen, heart-pounding moments. Highly recommend!
10 out of 16 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
Proper good chaos all the way through
BirkOrtell6 November 2023
A real dad movie. Bring him to me was somewhat of a non-planned movie. A friend asked I wanted to go to the movies and this was what was on so I thought why not.

While not relaxing at all, a relaxing movie which you can follow and does not make you think too much while watching it. Also quite short, which is good compared to a lot of other big name movies that are out now. Probably one of those movies that you can put on on a Friday night when you're drinking some beers with a mate or with your dad. A short and concise story with some twists that has everything you need in a guy's movie. Shooting, driving, what else do you need? A recommended watch.
21 out of 39 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
Simple, yet enjoyable!
marksimmonsss31 January 2024
In "Bring Him to Me," a getaway driver faces a moral dilemma as he follows orders from a ruthless crime boss to transport a crew member to an ambush execution. The film unfolds during a tense and lengthy drive, challenging the protagonist's conscience.

Review: "Bring Him to Me" turned out to be an unplanned movie experience for me, chosen on a whim for a night out with a friend. The movie offers a straightforward plot that doesn't demand too much mental effort. The movie's brevity is a refreshing departure from longer blockbusters and makes it ideal for a casual Friday night with friends or even a father-son bonding session.

It's a quintessential "dad movie" that delivers on the basics - a concise narrative with unexpected twists and the right mix of action elements like shooting and driving. If you're seeking an uncomplicated yet engaging movie for a laid-back evening, "Bring Him to Me" comes recommended, providing the necessary ingredients for a guys' night in.
5 out of 7 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
Something different
stanleyquinn22 January 2024
Immersive ensemble, coupled with a well-crafted plot, ensures an evening of sheer entertainment! The car scenes, expertly executed, elevate the viewing experience, while Barry Pepper's charismatic portrayal injects an intense and captivating attitude.

Highly recommend this gem if you're a fan of drama, Australian productions, and stellar performances by great actors.

Anticipating the next creation from Luke and his brilliant, talented team! Big things lie ahead, and I'm eagerly awaiting the cinematic brilliance they'll unveil!

Go and see it on the big screen if you can for the full experience 👏🏻
9 out of 15 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
9/10
Fair dinkum!
dustylifeme24 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Mate, this film was a ripper! But fair dinkum, that mob boss's accent was dodgier than a kangaroo on a unicycle. I reckon they should've snagged an American actor - doesn't matter if they're not top-shelf, at least their accent wouldn't be as mixed up as a goanna in a blender.

The rest of the cast was spot on, though. Aussie films usually bore me more than a lecture on driver safety, but this one had me hooked from the get-go. Visually, it was sweeter than a Tim Tam slam in Sydney Harbour!

Even the missus stayed awake for the whole thing - a miracle, I tell ya!

Give it a burl, mate - fair dinkum recommend. Can't wait to chuck it on the telly again, maybe with a cold one in hand. Cheers!
8 out of 13 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
9/10
What a ride!
dylanknightlife22 January 2024
"Bring Him To Me" delivers a thrilling joyride as a getaway driver grapples with morality under a crime boss's orders. Despite the tension, it's surprisingly easy to unwind with - perfect for a laid-back Friday night. The film's brevity stands out among longer blockbusters, making it an ideal choice for casual viewing. The storyline, though not overly complex, packs in enough twists to keep things interesting. This guy's movie serves up a satisfying blend of action - from intense shooting scenes to adrenaline-pumping drives. It's a concise, gripping tale that hits all the right notes for a recommended watch, especially with a cold beer in hand and company to share the ride.
9 out of 16 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Luke steps out of his comfort zone
russelldeena24 January 2024
Get ready to buckle up and dive into the cinematic thrill ride of the year with "Bring Him To Me"! Luke Sparke's Aussie blockbuster is a wild rollercoaster fueled by an all-star cast, snappy dialogue, and enough action to make Vin Diesel jealous.

In a world where Covid kept us away from decent films, Mr Sparke delivers a much-needed adrenaline shot to the film industry, especially here Down Under. "Bring Him To Me" doesn't just compete with Hollywood heavyweights - it kicks their blockbuster butts and takes names!

Sparke Films takes a bold leap from the war scene and plunges into drama, proving they've got something for everyone. Trust me, you're gonna want a front-row seat for this cinematic extravaganza. Bring on 2024 & 2025 - Sparke Films, we're counting on you to keep the awesome rolling! 🎥🍿
8 out of 14 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
A neo-noir road trip with a kick
steveinadelaide7 November 2023
Barry Pepper, Jamie Costa, and Sam Neill hit the screen in Luke Sparke's thrilling Aussie flick, Bring Him to Me. It's about a getaway driver (Pepper) given the job of safely delivering a new crew member (Costa) to the crime boss following a botched heist. But when they learn their boss's enemies are on their tail, trouble starts brewing.

Bring Him to Me is a crafty thriller that tips its hat to the classic noir style. It's stylish and tough, and you can feel the tension right off the bat. The storyline is simple yet clever, drawn out with precision to be both gripping and fascinating. It'll have you guessing until the end, and trust me, it's worth the wait!

The movie focuses on character, loyalty, and the intricate relationships among them. It really got me thinking about loyalty and its pros and cons. Loyalty can lead to treachery and violence, yes, but it also delivers strength and support. It has a dark, intense tone, but with a dash of humour. Violence isn't shy in the film, but it's portrayed realistically and stylishly.

Acting in Bring Him to Me? First-rate. Barry Pepper as the getaway driver performs powerfully with loads of nuance. Jamie Costa does a believable and sympathetic portrayal of the young crew member. Sam Neill adds a terrifying element as a major antagonist, providing extra thrills and suspense. His character's choices deeply affect the plot and other characters' destinies. The rest of the cast is solid, all contributing to the movie's success.

In Bring Him to Me, director Luke Sparke reels in viewers through engaging suspense. The film's look is quite stunning, with top-notch production design. The soundtrack plays well in building the film's deep, mysterious vibe. Mostly set in a car, the movie uses this setting to symbolise both freedom and entrapment. Smooth editing keeps the pace lively throughout. The dialogue is snappy, real-sounding, and helps shape the characters and their bonds.

There are some outstanding scenes. One follows the characters as they drive through an empty city, having been beautifully filmed and having great suspense. Another memorable scene involves a face-off between the characters and their adversaries in a warehouse. This scene is brutal but also well-directed and thrilling. You'll no doubt find your own favourite scenes.

Bring Him to Me is a neo-noir thriller, much like Drive (2011) and Nightcrawler (2014). The film has a shadowy, gritty feel to it, strongly focusing on crime and violence, enhanced by its slick visuals. However, it stands out with its unique elements. The focus on loyalty and character growth over pure action sets it apart from many thrillers. While it might be a tad predictable at times, its strong acting and suspenseful storyline make up for any weaknesses. If you're into dark, gritty thrillers, I'd highly recommend Bring Him to Me.
14 out of 34 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
Great local produced movie, must see.....
rteganaustralia4 November 2023
The colour and style of filming give a very intense feeling about suspense and action. Numerous action scenes keeps things moving reasonably fast and interesting.

Exciting high speed car action driven by Barry Pepper himself and the gun events are startling and shocking to give intense frighten effects. The length of the movie is exactly right to get the plot to unfold then get into action and progress with many interesting events with the gangsters. Sam Neil was a great surprise to see in this style of movie and Barry Pepper really made a very professional delivery as the car driver. All the other cries did a fantastic job. I recommend you get out and see it on the big screen ASAP.
15 out of 38 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
One of the better "Australian" movies!
baxxxtheman1 February 2024
Although 'Bring him to me' falls short of a being a perfect 10 movie due to minor issues like Rachel's crappy accent and a desire for more car scenes, it stands as a commendable film.

Being an Australian-made production by a local independent team adds to its charm. In the realm of challenging competition with Hollywood blockbusters, this movie delivers with a strong cast, a compelling storyline, and visually impressive moments. The choice of using an stunning classic car adds another layer of appeal.

I definitely recommend checking it out for yourself and contribute to the support of Australian filmmaking 👏🏻
4 out of 7 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
An error has occured. Please try again.

See also

Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews


Recently Viewed