When I first saw the preview for Straw Dogs, I really had no clue what to make of the movie beyond the fact that it was being billed as a thriller and that it seemed to promise some mature themes. This was certainly not the first time that James Marsden and Kate Bosworth had been paired together as a couple (though I cannot blame most for forgetting 2006’s Superman Returns), so I was curious to see what these two could accomplish with this little reunion. As I watched more sneak peeks, the plot became a little clearer, with a timid man being pushed to the breaking point by tormenters and eventually unleashing significant brutality…intriguing to say the least. Promotions were pretty straightforward, but there did not seem to be any standout draw that would be sure to fill theaters. Still, with a familiar cast and a decidedly dark plot, I was more than willing to give Straw Dogs a fighting chance.
Stylish directing and pacing may have done a good job in keeping the atmosphere tense throughout the narrative and delivering a thrilling and intensely climactic ending, but beyond those accomplishments, there is not much that makes Straw Dogs all that special. The story may stretch conventional logic at a few points, but by-and-large the sequence of events that ultimately unfolds is pretty believable and sheds a rather unflattering light on human nature and tendencies towards violence. James Marsden is convincing as the straight-laced husband forced into a chaotic situation with few choices, and Alexander Skarsgård is just menacingly psychotic enough as the primary antagonist, but few other performances are memorable. I certainly enjoyed Straw Dogs, as it reminded me of the kind of tense drama that one would find on a strong made-for-television movie, but in considering today’s audiences and type of thrillers we have all come to expect, this film still felt outdated. In no way is Straw Dogs a bad film, as it does have more than a few entertaining moments, but if you are expecting anything truly special, I guarantee that you will walk away disappointed.
Overall Recommendation: Medium
