Everybody Has A Plan: DVD Review

Everybody Has A Plan: DVD Review

Rating: M
Released by Vendetta Films

Viggo Mortensen stars in a dual role in this Argentinian thriller which ought to be enough to satiate some of his fans.

He stars as a frustrated paediatrician Augustin who's determined (for reasons not fully explored or explained) to escape a life; his chance comes with the sudden death of his twin brother Pedro. Taking his place, Augustin finds the grass is not always greener on the other side, as his brother was involved in the criminal underworld.

The problem with Everybody Has A Plan is how cool and aloof it begins, without ever really dragging you into its world and characters. A lack of explanation over why Augustin wants to move on is fatal, and underpins the lack of real engagement with the piece.

Broody visuals do much to set the tone of the world, but do little to bring you into it. Mortensen is quietly impressive in the dual roles (and his Spanish is spot on) but with little dramatic tension the piece slows to a lull and gradually doesn't quite hit all of its marks.

Everybody may indeed have a plan - but seeing them play out in this painfully slow thriller is difficult to endure; thankfully, Mortensen's turn relieves some of the dullness but it can't fully save the day.

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