YOU CAN’T RUN FOREVER

(director/writer: Michelle Schumacher; screenwriter: Carolyn Carpenter; cinematographer: Pete Villani; editor: Evan Abrighan; music: Joe Simmons; cast:  J.K. Simmons (Wade), Fernanda Urrejola (Jenny), Allen Leech (Eddie), Isabelle Anaya (Miranda), Nathan Vincenti (Davis), Graham Patrick Martin (Deputy Martin), Andres Velez (Deputy Morgan), Olivia Simmons (Emily), Alet Taylor (Sally), Randy Gonzalez (Miguel), Mikaela Poon (Garleigh), Spencer Kramber (Burly Man), June Clemons (Louise), Max Garfin (Ben), Matt Flanders (Chuck), Parker Fenady (ParKer), Kevin Quinn (Todd); Runtime: 103; MPAA Rating: R; producer: Randle Schumacher; Lionsgate; 2024)

“Does it matter?”

Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz

Writer/director Michelle Schumacher (“I’m Not Here”/”3 Geezers!”) and writer Carolyn Carpenter present a flawed thriller with a clunky screenplay, a contrived plot and a trashy story. J.K. Simmons (Schumacher’s hubby) plays the cold-blooded psychopath killer Wade, who goes on a senseless violent rampage while on a motorbike.

At the gas station in town, Wade randomly shoots some people. Someone asks: “Why are you doing this?”; Wade replies: “Does it matter?” The reveal as to why Wade is such a monster comes in the second half.

The family of the pregnant Jenny (Fernanda Urrejola) and Eddie (Allen Leech) become Wade’s target. They are soon expecting a child to join the family made up of the bright teen daughter Emily (Olivia Simmons, the daughter of J.K.) and the anxiety-driven from a past incident Miranda (Isabelle Anaya). In a panic, Miranda runs into the Montana forest to escape, as Wade chases after her. Meanwhile the young deputy sheriffs (Graham Patrick Martin & Andres Velez) are ineffectual in trying to keep things calm as the body count grows.

Tension builds in the forest chase, as we learn more about the complex Miranda who takes a psychedelic mushroom while on the run (which sounds as a kind of weird thing to do under those circumstances).

Despite efforts to fill in some psychological depth to the characters, it never amounts to more than a violent irrelevant tale. Though competently shot and acted, it’s not worth seeing unless you adore the Simmons clan.

To complete the family affair, the director’s son Joe is the composer and Randle the producer.

REVIEWED ON 10/3/2024  GRADE: C
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