Director – Vincent Turturro (Oh Lily, What a Silly Way to Die)
Starring – Winston Shaw, Kenny Borland, and Lucy Peterson
Release Date – 2018
Rating – 4/5
Tagline – “Young, unemployed, constipated, and no one cares how it all comes out”
Vinegar Syndrome may have become one of my favorite companies in recent years but I will never turn my back on my first love, Troma. Over the years I’ve seen and reviewed numerous Troma releases. Some I’ve loved and others were a bit of a waste of time but I always love adding a new Troma release to my collection.
Several months back Troma released the 2018 dramatic comedy Victor Goodview from director Vincent Turturro. I got a copy for my collection and honestly had no interest in checking it out. The artwork was uninspiring and the trailer just made the film look like a boring mess. I love Troma but sometimes the films just are not for me. The film was on my shelf for a few months collecting dust until I finally decided to toss it in. I’m a fucking idiot for waiting so long to check it out.
**Spoiler Alert**The film follows Vincent (Shaw) who is an addict that is unemployed, lonely, and severely constipated. When he gets his utilities turned off for non-payment he ventures out of his apartment looking for some quick cash to get them turned back on. When he crosses paths with Black (Borland) he is able to get high and smoke his troubles away. That is until he gets his ass beat and mugged by a known prostitute just a short time before an interview for a dead end job he desperately needs. Black, feeling sorry for Vincent, helps him get his wallet back and clean him up for his interview. **Spoiler Alert**
I honestly didn’t know what kind of film Victor Goodview was going to be but I’d be lying if I didn’t say that this is my favorite Troma release of recent years. There is room for improvement but the overall film was surprisingly entertaining.
The acting in this one is shockingly great. The film’s lead, Winston Shaw, is absolutely fantastic as Victor who has no aspirations in life. He just goes with the flow and handles, to some extent, the situations he finds himself in. I fucking loved his performance and I hope I see him in more films in the future. The supporting cast is just as entertaining as well. After checking out their imdb pages I’m shocked to see that most, if not all, have no other credits.
The story for this one is simple, straight forward, and fucking real. We all know a guy a lot like Victor. Whether it be an uncle, cousin, dude you went to high school with, or that is always standing in front of the gas station. We all have met a guy with no drive in life and has hit their fair share of struggles but is still a genuinely nice dude. I was pulled in by the story and how real it is. The drug epidemic all over the country mixed with characters that we can find in any town or any city makes this film stand out. Every scene pulls you in and you can’t look away.
Finally, this dramatic comedy has a little smidge of blood but those looking for some serious bloodshed will be very disappointed. The film mainly focuses more on the characters and situations they find themselves in. Overall, Victor Goodview is the sleeper hit of Troma. The movie doesn’t look like much on the outside but once you hit play you will find yourself fully immersed in a gritty dramedy that will leave you feeling dirty and entertained. Check it out now on blu from Troma.
