Dragged Across Concrete

S. Craig Zahler one of the most interesting and distinctive directors of recent years. After the western Bone Tomahawk and the brutal prison thriller Brawl in Cell Block 99, he brings us a solid raw crime film starring Mel Gibson and Vince Vaughn. Although it’s mostly dialogue and takes place mostly in a car, it almost doesn't matter, because watching two excellent actors critique the social situation in America and hilariously stick it to us is a blast. The highlights are definitely the uncompromising bank robbery and the final shootout, which takes pulls no punches. Uncompromising, violent, surprising and actually unpleasant, that's Zahler. Some may be bothered by the 160-minute running time, but surprisingly the film passes quickly. 80% (03/26/2019)

S. Craig Zahler has the audience, as well as his characters, absolutely in the palm of his hand from the beginning and does absolutely whatever he wants with them. While the characters have no choice but to struggle, we have no choice but to watch because it's that great. Grim atmosphere, unexpected situations, impeccable actors led by Mel Gibson in his best role since Signs... As far as violence goes, it's not quite as murderous as Brawl in Cell Block 99, but the tension and pervasive bleakness make up for it all. However Zahler does it, he's once again written and directed one of those films that people call unforgettable. (01/26/2020)

Zahler chose a more accessible style, but that doesn't mean it's predictable or less brutal. He presents very contemporary topics in this movie, which moralizes about two cops whom the system has driven to the edge of the law. Gibson has a successful comeback in terms of acting and Vaughn is great as his partner. And he has to be. A considerable portion of the picture involves them sitting in a car and chatting. There isn’t much action, but when there is, it’s realistic and brutal in typical Zahler fashion. The fate of the supporting characters is often shocking. The film's slow pace makes sense. (03/25/2019)

A procedural analysis of a (non-)police crackdown with a long exposition and an unpredictable climax. A dark, cruel alternative to the beloved mainstream Lethal Weapon, in which Lieutenant Martin Riggs finally turns his back on the system and political correctness and, in Dirty Harry style, aims at the hell of an upgraded version of The Big Lebowski’s nihilistic SOBs. Given the length of the movie, not that much actually happens in it. I would cut its events into the first two hours and then use the last thirty minutes to let the real hell break loose, because the movie could use some of that – an inferno where the villain Thomas Kretschmann would get more character development. What can you do? Zahler spoiled us with the more elaborate and achingly perfect Brawl in Cell Block 99. In spite of this, Dragged Across Concrete is still a hell of a ride that amuses with its uniqueness and can be pretty chilling. And Zahler adds some welcome finishing touches to his previous masterpiece, like with Jennifer Carpenter’s character, who kisses the legs of her toddler here. P.S.: I would show the bank scene in its entirety. [Sitges FF] (10/10/2018)

Dragged Across Concrete is another good film by Zahler that may lack the shocking scope of his previous gem and some scenes look as if the talented filmmaker was trying too hard to improve and rip himself off, but patient viewers will not regret the time spent in the company of this mesmeric director’s vision. Pushing your expectations to heavenly heights would be a mistake, but it would be even worse to overlook this old-school and yet original and distinctive piece of craftsmanship. Personally, I will gladly go back to it. (03/27/2019)