MOTOR CITY

(director: Potsy Ponciroli; screenwriter: Chad St. John; cinematographer: John Matysiak; editor: Joe Galdo; music: Steve Jablonsky; cast: Alan Ritchson (John Miller), Shailene Woodley (Sophia), Ben Foster (Reynolds), Lionel Boyce (Youngblood), Amar Chadra-Patel (Singh), Pablo Schreiber (Lt. Savick), Dominic Bogart (Porthos), Mister Fitzgerald (Aramis), Rafael Cebrian (Athos), Ben McKenzie (Detective Kent), Jack White (Piano Player); Runtime: 103; MPAA Rating: R; producers: Greg Silverman, Jon Berg, Cliff Roberts, Chad St. John, Alan Ritchson, Joshua Harris; Independent Film Company/Stampede Ventures; 2025)

“The dialogue is scarce.”

Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz
   
Potsy Ponciroli (“Old Henry”/”The Rescue”) directs and Chad St. John writes (ha,ha,ha) this predictable but unique revenge crime drama set in Detroit in the 1970s. The dialogue is scarce (except for a few profanities), as a soundtrack of 1970s pop songs continuously plays songs such as Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love”  and “The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac.

The ex-con John Miller (Alan Ritchson) proposes to his pretty girlfriend, Sophia (Shailene Woodley) just as the police arrive to toss smoke bombs into the home. The big shot, wealthy and ruthless criminal, Reynolds (Ben Foster), and a corrupt cop, Lt. Savick (Pablo Schreiber), set John up for a coke bust. Miller is sentenced to 25-years in prison, as Reynolds marries Sophia and further taunts him by a prison visit where he shows John his honeymoon pictures.

After years in prison, John returns with only revenge on his mind. This leads to an action-packed last act, ending with a wild car chase.

The gimmicky film seems smart but is unfulfilling.

REVIEWED ON 7/25/2026  GRADE: C
dennisschwartzreviews.com