John Doe: Vigilante (2014)

Powerful

Highly Overrated But Still Good

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

The storyline feels a little thin and moth-eaten in parts but this sequel is plenty of fun.

The Conundrum of Vigilante Justice has been the Topic of Many a Movies and the Message is Delivered here with a clearly Different Style and Tone. That makes it Worth a Watch because it isn't just More of the Same, it is More of the Same but Served with a bit of Low Budget Grittiness, coupled with some Clever Turns, that adds to the Film's Gravitas.Sometimes the Indie Budget Betrays and Exposes some Weaknesses, like a Muddled Montage and Mediocre Acting, that at times is so "In Your Face" that the Suspension of Disbelief teeters. On the other hand its Standoffish Camera gives the thing a Detached Demeanor. Being Removed from the Proceedings the Audience is in essence Layered and Given a Pass from the Guilt that John Doe states is not as Easy as the Killings.There Never is an Easy Answer to the Questions Posed in this Scenario and John Doe makes all the Necessary Points with an Occasional Outburst from His Detached Demeanor. The Film borders on the Exploitative at times but does Hold Back enough to be Engaging to say the least.

One of the best movies i have watched in years and oh boy...i have seen a lot of them. The actors? The plot? The scenes? Excellent. It makes you wonder and google if it is a real story and what would you do if something like that would have happened to you. A story about a man that takes law in his hands. Has he done the wrong or the right thing? Which was his motives? If you were one of the juries would you have find the defendant guilty or not? I can't say much cause i don't want to make a spoiler for you guys so i will say one thing. This film gave me chills and i think everyone should watch it. First review here and i submitted just to give this film the credits it deserves. Do your self a favor and watch it! You will understand a lot about people and about yourselves.

John Doe asks a valid question, "What if law fail to protect civilian?". It's a very intriguing premise, and the film succeeds in involving the audience to mentally invest in the dilemma. For the sake of enhancing the social nuance, it portrays the story with back and forth pace as well as accounts from journalists, lawyers and polices. However, it's also very heavy-handed in its execution, many other movies have done better with more refined production.The title is pretty self-explanatory, this is the story of a vigilante called John Doe, who kills repeated offenders. Unlike most movies, it's presented in almost exclusively in cameras' point of view, such as recorded interviews, homemade video or CCTV. This semi-mockumentary approach does have its merit, it's easier to produce participation for viewers as though they are watching news or investigative journalism. Unfortunately, it's a tad too ambitious in creating layers as well as multiple perspectives on its timeline.Most of the recording feels awkward, it tries to reveal information in order for audience's benefit, like Social Network. As the killing becomes well known the situation escalates, creating more perspectives from many other characters, most are delivered with the same found footage style. This becomes convoluted and restricted, as too many accounts are choppily edited for shock effect. At some points it becomes too fervor in delivering its message, it literally screams at audience. While it could be effective, V for Vendetta and Dark Knight films have done better with subtler method.Its strong point lies in the visual. The graphic is crisp and pristine, the scenes are very polished, which makes the mockumentary style more confining. It could have portrayed the scenes with poise, and links them together smoothly. For the acting, its main characters perform well, especially John Doe himself. Characterization has a few problems though, they might be one-dimensional and the plot exaggerates John Doe's ability, dumbs down the law and vilifies his victims till the point of Satan incarnation himself.This film might make audience contemplate on its theme, if so it has already succeeded, but the means for that goal is crude, almost preachy. It could have reached out more with elegant, delicate and rich discussion.

A really well thought movie. It is gripping, emotional, and powerful simply because the plot of the story, some could say it address real world issues that the public face every day. Somewhere within our human minds there is a part of us that does see that these crimes of rape, murder, and sexual abuse deserve no forgiveness and if anything should result in death. The movie is also very touching as further on you discover who John Doe is, his motive for achieving justice, and the symbolism that Sally was during the end of the movie. The ending of the movie was okay but nothing of memorable moment; people heard Doe's call and continue his campaign. Dismissing the seemingly dull ending, the plot and logic of the movie seemed accurate and no over imposed murder or stunt scenes to try and spice up the visual effects. Overall a great on look to a fictional character that could exist in the society we live in today.