By Josh Tarpley
“Brawl In Cell Block 99” is the next project from “Bone Tomahawk” S. Craig Zahler and will be an action-thriller about a former boxer who gets into a life a crime. While the subject material may suit the director, known for grittier topics, “Brawl in Cell Block 99” will be a major change of pace for its star, Vince Vaughn. The film will have its world premiere at the upcoming Venice International Film Festival before an October theatrical release.
Click beyond the jump to read more about “Brawl in Cell Block 99.”
From The Hollywood Reporter,
“Zahler’s script centers on a former boxer (Vaughn) whose life is crumbling: He loses his job as an auto mechanic and his troubled marriage is about to expire. At this crossroads in his life, he feels that he has no better option than to work for an old buddy as a drug courier. This vocation improves his situation until the day he finds himself in a gunfight between a group of police officers and his own ruthless allies. When the smoke clears, the man finds himself in prison in a no-win situation as his enemies force him to commit acts of violence that turn the place into a savage battleground.”
Whether it be “Hacksaw Ridge” or season two of “True Detective,” one can definitely see that Vaughn is trying to break the mold of what is expected of him. The actor, primarily known for his comedic roles in “Wedding Crashers” and “Dodgeball,” has seen some rough releases these past years. Movies like “The Watch,” “The Dilemma” and “The Internship” have proven that the Vaughn of the past simply won’t do in today’s movie-going landscape.
With the writer/director of “Bone Tomahawk,” a supporting cast featuring Jennifer Carpenter and Don Johnson, and a plot synopsis like “Brawl in Cell Block 99,” this has the chance to be a career-changing role for Vaughn. On one hand, the film’s subject material and performance could lead to some awards talk and we see Vaughn have a rebound comparable to Matthew Mcconaughey. On the other hand, this could be another “The Accountant” or “The Gunman,” just a by-the-numbers thriller cashing in on a known star.
However it ends up, we will not have to wait long to find out. The movie will have its debut at the Venice Film Fest this September. ALJE Films, the company that released “Bone Tomahawk,” will oversee distribution when it hits theaters on October 6, 2017.
What do you all think? Could Vince Vaughn break into awards conversations? Are you looking forward to “Brawl in Cell Block 99?” Let us know in the comments below!
You can follow Josh and hear more of his thoughts on the Oscars and Film on Twitter at @JoshTarpley7
