DVD Corner

Rumble Through The Dark Blu-ray Review

Aaron Eckhart gives it his all in “Rumble Through the Dark.”

Based on the novel “The Fighter” by Michael Farris Smith (who also penned the script), “Rumble Through The Dark” is a thriller that revolves around an aging, scarred, broken down cage fighter (Jack “The Butcher” Boucher) who is in dire straits. He’s broke, he’s in debt to crime lord Big Momma Sweet, his mental state is deteriorating, his mother is in the hospital, and his childhood home is on the verge of being foreclosed on. After obtaining the money to pay off Big Momma via gambling, Jack loses the money in an accident. A carnival worker (Annette) finds the money at the scene of the accident but doesn’t want to keep it for herself. In a twist of fate, Annette meets Jack which changes the course of their lives. Now, Jack just might be able to turn his life around. 

Directed by Graham and Parker Phillips, “Rumble Through The Dark” may be rough around the edges, but it’s an intense southern thriller nonetheless. The plot is nothing new. A down and out person (in this case a fighter) seeks to redeem himself and get himself out of the predicament he’s in. Through his journey he makes a surprising discovery. There’s a very convenient plot convenience (Jack and Annette meeting) and a lot of familiar dramatic tropes and beats here, but the well paced movie grabs your attention with an involving character arc and some intense action (including the climactic fight).

The real reason to see this movie though is Aaron Eckhart. Sure, Bella Thorne (Annette) and Marianna Jean-Baptiste (Big Momma Sweet) turn in credible performances here, but Eckhart goes all out here with a truly physically and mentally taxing performance. It’s the type of performance that makes you wonder why Eckhart is not in more Hollywood movies in this day and age instead of smaller indie productions. He’s the heart and soul of the movie and makes every single scene better.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 1080p. Grade: A-

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. Grade: A-

Extras include a “Rumble Through The Dark” trailer, a DVD copy and a Digital copy.

January 4, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Aaron Eckhart, Fighter, Rumble Through The Dark Blu-ray Review, Rumble Through The Dark Movie, thriller