It’s a story of hope, wrong judgement and a lot of mishaps on the road to a chance for reconciliation of a debt as brothers travel to San Francisco to try for a $100,000 prize for winning a fist fight. Well-acted, nicely directed, dramatic and compelling, Jungleland keeps you glued to your seat to it bitter end. In this well written road trip movie is available now on DVD.
Compassionate for his brother Lion (Jack O’ Connell), Stanley (Charlie Hunnam) has been his father figure since they lost their parents many years back. At this point we find Stanley coaching Lion as he prepares for another fist fight that will bring in much needed money. But, this time it’s to repay a debt owed by Stanley to a loan shark.
When things don’t go so well for the two men, they are givin a chance at clearing their debt by transporting a woman (Jessica Barden) to a San Francisco crime boss. But, getting there is no easy trip.
The film takes a lot of twists and turns as the three make their way across the USA. Director Max Winkler (Flower, “New Girl”) puts on a good show with some very realistic fist fights as he feeds out the very gripping storyline. His actors are excellent in developing their characters and showing the angst, power of brotherly love, torment with trying to beat the odds against them and life changing experiences that mold an unexpected relationship.
Jungleland has been rated R by the MPAA for pervasive language, some sexual content, violence and nudity. It is available on DVD January 12, 2021and distributed by Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment. My rating is a must watch 5 out of 5 stars.
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
