The new B-movie version of “Most Dangerous Game” is upon us, and Hunt Club brings a refreshing take on the classic tale with its women empowerment twist. Starring Mena Suvari and Mickey Rourke, Hunt Club is a tale of a woman who unwisely agrees to participate in a hunt on a remote island for $100,000, only to realize that she and other women are the “hunted.” With the help of other captives, she transforms into the “hunter.” Here’s our take on the film.
Cheering for the Female “Good Guys”
One of the film’s commendable aspects is its focus on empowering women. You can’t help but root for the held-captive females as they bravely fight back against their captors. Suvari delivers an outstanding performance as the lead character, Cassandra. Casper Van Dien also gives a commendable performance as Cassandra’s unlikely ally, Carter.
Household Names Can’t Save the Project
Unfortunately, the film devotes too much time to drunk rich guys and hicks tossing F-bombs at each other in its second act. While it’s amusing to see Van Dien and Rourke share the screen, they don’t share it enough. Moreover, Suvari deserves a better script that allows her character to be fleshed out more.
The B-story of Jackson (Will Peltz) pursuing Cassandra as a love interest is interesting but isn’t enough to elevate the film.
Although director Elizabeth Blake-Thomas adds a new aspect to her directing repertoire in Hunt Club, it’s evident that the efforts of many women behind the camera don’t compensate for the film’s overall shortcomings.
Hunt Club is available on DVD/on demand/digital.