Drinker's Chasers - Citizen Vigilante: Underground Hit Or Trashy Exploitation?

Overview

A discussion centered on Citizen Vigilante, a Uwe Boll action/revenge film starring Armie Hammer, being released on VOD (the hosts suggest it may land “today or tomorrow”). The panel frames the movie as an exploitation-style revenge thriller designed to connect with contemporary outrage.

Key Takeaways

Uwe Boll as an exploitation filmmaker

• Chris describes Uwe Boll as an “exploitation” director who typically doesn’t care about critics.
• Boll is said to often make controversial, poorly received adaptations, but still delivers effectively within genre expectations.
• The panel notes Boll has a reputation for “boxing his critics,” which they treat as part of his appeal.

Timing and use of current events

• The plot is presented as a revenge story deliberately tied to contemporary real-world events in Europe/UK (specifics aren’t detailed).
• A highlighted clip is said to underscore the idea of going after people who “aren’t getting away with it.”
• The film is described as tightly focused (about 90 minutes) and engineered to resonate with current anger.

Expected controversy

• The panel predicts the film will be highly controversial.
• It’s likened to the kind of split reception seen with Sound of Freedom:
  • Some will view it as cathartic/just
  • Others may criticize it as problematic or inappropriate to dramatize

Genre comparisons

• The movie is compared to revenge-thriller precedents such as:
  • Law Abiding Citizen
  • Vigilante/revenge themes reminiscent of Dirty Harry
  • Liam Neeson-style revenge frameworks
• Consensus: it’s not highly original structurally, but it’s effective as exploitation.

Performance and casting context (Armie Hammer)

• Chris argues Armie Hammer is strong in the film, partly because his career was effectively derailed.
• The conversation pivots to Hammer’s off-screen scandal, including claims that:
  • He faced backlash during the broader Me Too era, including being falsely accused of being a cannibal
  • He admitted accountability for certain text messages, but claimed they weren’t meant literally (framed as misinterpretation and sexual joking rather than literal wrongdoing)
• Despite the controversy, the panel leans toward Hammer having “made amends,” and praises his acting here.

Violence depiction and viewer sensitivity

• When asked if sensitive viewers should avoid it, Chris suggests it may feel emotionally satisfying rather than gratuitous in the usual sense.
• The panel describes it as not lingering on explicitly showing the act, while still being intensely connected to the subject matter.

Political targeting angle

• The film is said to go beyond punishing individual perpetrators and also targets political figures allegedly complicit.
• This is presented as a major reason the story feels tightly “current-events” specific.

International availability / restrictions

• One host notes the film is banned in Germany.
• They also state it appears available to rent/buy on platforms such as Fandango.

Presenters / Contributors

• Chris (main contributor)
• Drinker (host/participant referenced throughout)
• Alan Ning (mentioned as someone who may co-review it)