Parents' Guide to Motor City

Potsy Ponciroli's nearly dialogue-free revenge thriller is an ambitious idea, even if the execution is uneven. At first, it takes a while to realize that Motor City is intentionally withholding dialogue, saving spoken words for only the most dramatic moments and filling in the gaps with hit 1970s songs and overly expressive acting. Because the plot is straightforward, the visual storytelling is enough to make John's mission clear, but the lack of verbal exposition also slows the pace, particularly in the movie's first half. Once the action ramps up, Motor City settles into its more entertaining acts. Ritchson is in his element as the physically imposing but emotionally wounded John, conveying determination and simmering rage with little more than his body language. Foster is, as always, believably menacing as the possessive Reynolds, and Schreiber is equally convincing as the corrupt lieutenant.

Woodley has comparatively little to do beyond reacting to the two men vying for control of her life, alternating between happiness, heartbreak, and fear as the story unfolds. The movie's most sympathetic supporting character is Ben McKenzie as the detective who's quietly gathering evidence to clear John's name while suspecting that some of his fellow officers are on the take. Ponciroli deserves credit for committing to such an unusual approach, even if the experiment occasionally comes at the expense of momentum. Fans of gritty (and bloody), old-school revenge thrillers will appreciate the movie's stripped-down style and visceral action sequences.