Genre fans should brace themselves for director Jenn Wexler‘s “The Last Temptation of Becky,” a gloriously graphic and super violent historical romp that puts a spin on the popular movie series. This time around, the film takes the franchise’s bloody revenge formula and turns it into an over-the-top spy thriller. Now a CIA agent, Becky (Lulu Wilson) goes undercover at a former Nazi bunker in Poland to stop a neo-Nazi family from launching a Fourth Reich. It’s a ridiculous premise, but that’s part of the fun.
The movie gets off to a corny start, feeling more like a network television drama than the twisted action thriller it eventually becomes. Things pick up once Becky enters the picture, bringing plenty of brutal violence, dark humor, and campy spy movie absurdity.
Wilson is great as Becky, making the transition from rebellious teenager to CIA operative feel natural (and not at all ridiculous). Neil Patrick Harris is also a lot of fun as the cartoonishly evil villain. The cast fits into their roles like a glove, and they gleefully play to the material’s strengths.
Fans of the Becky movies will be pleased to know that the action delivers, but I was disappointed by the excessive use of CGI blood. The earlier films had a grittier, more convincing practical gore style, and the digital effects here occasionally take you out of the moment. I can’t help but think about how much better the action sequences would’ve been if Wexler didn’t rely so heavily on computer generated images.
The story also gets bogged down in exposition, especially when it tries to connect Becky’s personal history to a much bigger conspiracy. Luckily, the fast pacing and outrageous action keep things entertaining. There’s something satisfying about watching Becky take down such despicable villains, even if her own methods are downright psychopathic. Then again, that moral tension has always been part of the franchise’s appeal.
“The Last Temptation of Becky” is a fun, messy ride. It’s not the strongest entry, but Wilson delivers, the violence is entertaining, and the ending leaves room for another sequel. Fans of the franchise should have a good time.
By: Louisa Moore
