Cult director George A. Romero returned to movies after a lengthy hiatus with this film about a loser, who finally strikes back at society after listening to a talk show where a listener commits suicide. Jason Flemyng (Jekyll/Hyde in The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen) stars as the put upon Henry, who first has horrible visions and then receives a white mask from the only person he has a friendship with. This mask becomes the catalyst for his acting out and asserting himself in ways he would otherwise not be able to do. It's a conscious protection of his own identity, which he feels those around him have stolen, as an employee, friend, husband, and person. Romero is noted for his social commentary in his films and Bruiser is no exception. The performances by the actors are uneven at best and Peter Stormare's performance as Milo borders on camp, intentional or unintentional. The script is tedious at times, failing to establish suspense or tension, and the film seems to plod along with little fanfare, which we've come to expect from Romero in the past. We don't necessarily identify with Henry in any way either. The finale/epilogue seems almost metaphorical in terms of losing one's identity. Stormare's finale is...well...penetrating. The film could have used a boost from better actors and a better script that explored what made Henry a doormat to begin with. Instead, we have a loony guy losing it soon after the movie starts for reasons not immediately known. This went straight to video and it shows. * of 4 stars.
Review of Bruiser
