donderdag 1 september 2016

Urge (2016)

Summary
A weekend getaway takes a dangerous turn when a mysterious nightclub owner introduces a group of friends to a new designer drug. Stripped of their inhibitions, they start living out their wildest fantasies - but what starts out as a fun night of partying quickly turns deadly, as the island paradise deteriorates into a tropical madhouse.

Genre : Thriller
Country : USA

Cast :
Pierce Brosnan : The Man

Danny Masterson : Neil
Justin Chatwin : Jason

Director : Aaron Kaufman

My opinion :

“This weekend's gonna be epic.”

How the hell did the makers of "Urge" convince Pierce Brosnan to join them? Pierce Brosnan, better known as the legendary 007 and his participation in light humorous romantic comedies. And sometimes he even tries to showcase his musical talent, as in "Mamma Mia!" for example. But I've never seen this top gentleman as devilish and evil as here. The acting of Brosnan is also the only positive part in this movie. And also the only thing that fascinated me.

Neil (Danny Masterson) is a young, wealthy entrepreneur, who's used to a life where he gets everything. An arrogant guy whose group of friends probably consists of artificial friendships that live off his amassed fortune. One day he and his so-called friends Vick (Chris Geere), Danny (Nick Thune), Joey (Alexis Knapp) and Denise (Bar Paly) go to an island to enjoy a great weekend together in his ultra- modern villa. This could well be an epic weekend. That's what he promised his secretary and semi-lover Theresa (Ashley Greene). However, there are two surprises awaiting them. The first in the form of Jason (Justin Chatwin), the uninvited would-be artist and enfant terrible, but yet Neil's bosom friend. And the second surprise is the drug "Urge" which is presented to them in the exclusive nightclub Volcano.

Clearly it's not a typical night club. There are eyes projected at the wall and randomly they choose someone to grant him exclusive access to the club. Once inside they are welcomed by a kind of Oompa Loompa person. And the audience seems to be under the influence of some chemical drug. The moment Jason meets the charismatic and Delmore Schwartz citing owner, who's known as "The Man", he's offered an exceptional brand new drug. A unique experience will await him and his friends. Provided they only use it once. Too bad for Jason. Seems like it has no effect on him.

It will come as no surprise that this gang of idiots will break the golden rule. The result is complete hysteria with everyone's deepest desires and bizarre fantasies taking an unrestrained form. With all its consequences. An outbreak of violence and sadistic savagery is the result. A kind of "Clockwork Orange" frenzy. And this hysteria takes over the entire island. It seems as if the entire population has consumed a bit to much "Urge" and forgot about that important rule.

Afterwards I was wondering what the ultimate message was behind this story. What was it the creators wanted to show? The decay of our society? The danger of hallucinogens and other chemical mess? Or were they trying to prove that each individual has a dark side? Actually, I expected a kind of sado masochistic story after seeing those ladies with delicious curves and dressed in red latex in the beginning of the movie. Ultimately, "Urge" is like a space cake without space. Or a mushroom that should give you hallucinations, but turns out to be an innocent champignon. Nothing mind-blowing or exciting. Afterwards you'll get a sort of Machiavellian interpretation, but the meaningless and disappointing ending spoiled it somewhat. It would have been sublime if a package of "Urge" was being delivered with this film. Just to keep an open mind, while watching this rather disappointing film.