Action sci-fi movies have never been so violently constructed until Riot Girls. Not the band from the underground 90s movement “Riot Grrls” but a similarly enthusiastic duo trying to survive the apocalypse. Luckily these Riot Girls have a lot of fun in between fighting for their lives. The film suits the teen angst set or those looking for a next-level teenage drama.
The music-driven and colorful punk-addled action movie’s director Jovanka Vuckovic is best known for her work on “XX segment The Box.” XX is from the anthology series released in 2017 (Netflix.) Vuckovic and writer Katherine Collins imagined an apocalyptic universe where the story wipes all the adults from Earth. This time it’s a disease that has made all the moms and dads disappear.
Instead of the brain-dead zombies from our favorite films and television, the scenario follows two factions of teens. In cartoon, comic strip fashion, the introduction sets the scene of a mysterious illness that wiped anyone over a certain age, off the planet. And that’s where our Riot Girls come in. They indeed represent the hard-core feminists that I’m sure the title is aimed at.
What’s left is a story of two sides, the East Side and the West Side as the groups go to war. On the East Side, are the ‘good guys,’ and on the West Side is a ruler who punishes. Anyone who breaks his rules and ethics is dealt a vicious hand. I was immediately reminded of Lord of the Flies only these guys have weapons, cars, and plenty of teenage angst. Oh, and tons of Punk Rock music to mash up against their newfound freedom.
Riot Girls Not Riot Grrls
It’s the girls who lead a rescue mission when Nat’s brother is captured. And it’s the girls that show how to survive on the power of love. There are plenty of young able-bodied males in this new world, but the girls get things done.
For myself, the film failed to hit the heights of dramatic tension but for the younger set, looking for a quick fix will get exactly what they came for. Mixed performances between the cast did tend to bring some of the scenes down, however, most won’t notice or care. Especially if you get to see a doughnut-sized hole replace the bit on your face where your eye is supposed to be. There are plenty of stylish kills involving various guns and weapons, some off-screen and on-screen face pulverisations.
I also did enjoy the chemistry between Riot Girls’ two main characters, Scratch and Nat plonked in to represent the LGBT community.
Surprisingly, this action sci-fi combo, Riot Girls movie is slow to start. What’s more, there’s a bit of dead space here and there. However, it’s emphatically a very enthusiastic film for the right audience. It’s hard to find action sci-fi movies you could see with older kids and not feel too left out, but Riot Girls will keep you entertained for the most part.
I give Riot Girls
2.5 f*cking road trips out of 5
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Need More Science Fiction Movies to Watch Next?
There weren’t any zombies in this particularly average apocalyptic drama. For a dystopian thriller and horror movie with zombies, watch Cargo next. For a film that has rock music in it’s soundrack watch Studio 666 next.
Action Movies for Teens With A Sci-Fi Kick
- Riot Girls Cast includes Paloma Kwiatkowski, Munro Chambers, Madison Iseman, Alexandre Bourgeois, Ajay Freiese, and Atticus Mitchell.
- Directed by Jovanka Vuckovic as well as written by Katherine Collins.
- Riot Girls premiered at 2019’s Fantasia International Film Festival.
Riot Girls 2019 Action Movies For Teens - Mother of Movies
Director: Jovanka Vuckovic
Date Created: 2019-07-06 22:41
2.5
