Theatrical Review: The Voices (2015)

(aka Van Wildest.)
Release Date: February 6th.
Country: USA.
Rating: R.
Written by: Michael R. Perry.
Directed by: Marjane Satrapi.
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Anna Kendrick, Gemma Arterton, and Jacki Weaver.

Ryan Reynolds playing a Serial Killer? Anna Kendrick and Gemma Arterton as his potential love interests? A talking dog and cat, you say?

Well hell, we're in.

Jerry is a happy, upbeat, odd, socially inept, creepy bastard who works in a warehouse, and seems to be thrilled with his life. He's also "special" in that he can hear his cat and dog speak, which allows them to be the best of friends. He's also insane. He's also off his meds.

JERRY IS HALF A BUBBLE OFF PLUM.

He's also hot for his sexy British co-worker, Fiona, and he goes out of his way to get a date with her, even though it's obvious that she thinks he might be slightly 'tarded. Meanwhile, the other hot chick in the office, Lisa, is hot for Jerry, and she goes out of her way to get him in the sack. All the while, his dog urges him to be a good man, and his cat constantly pushes him to kill bitches.

"KILL THE BITCH THEN RAPE HER, JERRY. IT'S BETTER THAT WAY."

When Jerry's crush on Fiona goes terribly wrong, his reality starts to unravel, and his life slowly begins to spiral out of control. We don't want to say too much more about the plot here, because why ruin the fun, but we will say that Jerry's cat is the worst kind of enabler, Anna Kendrick really needs to start getting naked in movies, and the way that this movie ends is... well, insane.

IT'S ALL THE BUNNY MONKEY'S FAULT.

Despite an ending that had us staring at the screen in confused disbelief, we really enjoyed The Voices. We're not exactly sure why so many people, critics or otherwise, are saying that it sucks so bad though; it was clever, funny, gruesome at times, and Ryan Reynolds is the most likable that he's been in forever playing the role of Jerry... so honestly, what's not to like here?

This movie did a great job at letting us see how an insane person's mind works as well. We were particularly impressed at how Jerry saw the world in different ways, depending on whether he was on or off of his meds, the former of which provided the movie's creepiest moments. Speaking of creepy, the "Skylight" sequence was pretty intense. There were enough emotional and creepy moments throughout to make it a worthwhile effort overall

If we're being honest though, it was the dog and cat that made this one so fun, as they provided almost all of the movie's funny bits. We'd definitely watch a sequel starring Bosco and Mr. Whiskers, although I'm not sure how they could make that one work.

As creepy and unlikable as Ryan Reynolds' character is in this movie, he comes off as surprisingly likable. I know that sounds like it doesn't make any sense, but that's just how great Reynolds was in this movie; we should hate and fear Jerry, but it's almost impossible not to like, or at least sympathize, with the guy... even when he's doing horrific things to innocent people. We also could have sworn that Scottish actor extraordinaire Peter Mullan was doing the voice of the cat, but no, Ryan Reynolds voiced all of the animals in the movie. He really should be proud of his Scottish accent.

NOT THE BOOBS, MAN!

Those closing credits... what in the hell was that!?!

YOU'VE CAT TO BE KITTEN ME RIGHT MEOW!

Ryan Reynolds is a better dramatic actor than most people give him credit for, and because he tends to pick projects that end up sucking, he may never get the love that he deserves. Check out The Nines, Fireflies in the Garden, or Buried for proof that he's more than just a funny guy.

ALL HE NEEDS IS SOMEONE TO LOVE HIM, RIGHT, DUMMY?

A few murders, some severed heads that talk, and fairly disturbing scene in which a body is disposed of; there's definitely some gore in this one, but it's never too intense, and most of it is played for comic effect.

HE'S GOING TO BE EATING LEFTOVERS FOR WEEKS.

Aside from one quick and tame love scene, there's nothing sexual in this movie.

Always take your meds. Also, never trust the weird guy.

IT WOULD BE KINDA COOL TO BE ABLE TO TALK TO YOUR PETS THOUGH...

We had a really good time with The Voices. Ryan Reynolds was great as the tortured and insane Jerry (as well as being hilarious giving voice to various animals throughout the movie), and we're just happy to see him in something that we didn't hate for a change.

If The Voices is playing at a theater near you (in Limited release), then take a chance and go see it. If not, then just click the link below and check it out on VOD. Either way, if you dig Black Comedies, then this movie should definitely be in your wheelhouse.

B+

The Voices is available now in Theaters (Limited) and on VOD.

Anna Kendrick and Gemma Arterton make us hear voices of our own; horrible, inappropriate voices.