Buffaloed

The triller genre has some extensions into subtopics that don't necessarily have to deal with the action intensity often associated in that range. Sometimes they can dive into those concerning cash swindlers, hustlers, and other types of scammers trying to pull off big schemes while attempting to avoid getting caught. Not all of them need to be serious in tone as the Ocean's series leans more towards a somewhat light-hearted feel that's having some fun with its crew. These tend to succeed with audiences due to interesting characters, the stakes of being caught, and obstacles to overcome. This brings us to a new entry in that subgenre, Buffaloed, which was directed by Tanya Wexler and starred Zoey Deutch. It was shown in a few film festivals last year before being publicly released to video on demand this year. I haven't heard about this movie until it was brought to my attention when a reviewer who's a YouTube content creator mentioned about it being a hidden gem of 2020. Renting it on Amazon it, I went in blind to see what value it had and was pleasantly surprised by the results.  

What's it about? The story follows hustler, whose actions put them in deep trouble, becoming a debt collector in order to raise money to leave Buffalo, TX, encountering competition on the way. The way these events are fleshed out is fascinating to watch as we experience the protagonists views of escaping a life of mediocrity early as a child as it then transitions to her attempts to make something of her life. The conflict surrounding her goals is interesting to watch the reasoning of her ideals vs her family's way of settling with something safe. The competition the debt collecting aspect comes into play adds more of a fast pace nature with the unpredictable cat and mouse game. The packaging of these main elements flows very well with one another due to how engaging it all feels.

That being said, however, there are some issues that hold it back in its quality. The first act is a little bit slow as it tries to reach the more interesting main meat of entertainment. The humor doesn't hit work that well in terms of the writing and needed a punch up more since the talent cast here are more than capable of telling some nice jokes/one-liners.  

 

How are the actors? In regards to story importance, the actors to focus on are Zoey Deutch, Jermain Fowler, and Noah Reid. Zoey does a great job as the lead in a character role that isn't necessarily likable but knocks it out with her fast talking nature (I had the subtitles turned on to keep up with her) and competitive streak. Jermain does a solid performance aiming towards the lawfully good side of the story and solid chemistry with Zoey. Noah gives a nice portrayal as a supportive role that puts a spotlight on the main protagonists perspective along with a fun brotherly playful banter with Zoey.  Honorable mentions go to Jai Courtney and Judy Greer due to the former shining well as a sleazy crook who's full of himself in wanting to stay on top while the latter has great rapport with Noah and Zoey in trying to steer the children in healthy directions.  

Overall Consensus: Buffaloed has a surprising shine in quality due to an engaging story, fascinating main character, and good fast pace but has a kinda slow first act and lackluster humor. ⭑⭑⭑⭑ Runtime: 1 hour 35 minutes R

 

Reasons to watch it: You like any of the aforementioned actors. You saw Zoey Deutch in Zombieland 2 and wanted to see her taking a leading role. You enjoy stories that involve fast talking hustlers. You want to see someone talk about hating Buffalo, Texas. 

 

Reasons to avoid it: You dislike any of the aforementioned actors. You saw Zoey Deutch in Zombieland 2 but didn't wanted to see her taking a leading role. You are bored with stories that involve competitive scammers