Guns Akimbo

This very busy, cynical, anxious dark comedy offers surface commentary about the evils of the internet, but eventually Radcliffe and Weaving manage to add some welcome humanity to the story. Unfortunately, Guns Akimbo is somewhat tainted by the controversial online behavior of its writer-director, Jason Lei Howden. But those who can separate the movie from these events may find something worthwhile. Its first section starts like a staccato attack, with a torrent of foul language, violence, noise, rage, and cynicism -- as well as frequent, ugly shots of death-obsessed viewers watching and cheering the online killings (which will definitely be a turn-off for some).

During this time, Miles comes across like a slothful, uncaring jerk, and Nix is a drugged-up, unrepentant killing machine. But after a while, the movie slows down a little and gives both characters a chance to come to life. And, amazingly, they both become likable, especially after they decide to team up against a greater foe. Guns Akimbo is shot and edited like a rollercoaster: It's quite sadistic and insanely violent and vulgar, and it won't be for every taste. But a small cult audience (say, viewers who liked things like Crank, Crank: High Voltage, and Hardcore Henry) may find Guns Akimbo similarly entertaining.