Director Potsy Ponciroli shifts gears for his third feature in “Motor City,” produced by IFC Films. Chad St. John penned the film’s screenplay, which was actually on the 2009 Black List and spent several years in development hell before finally getting underway.
Set in Motown in the 1970s, the film introduces us to John Miller (Alan Ritchson), an ex-con turned blue-collar worker who is madly in love with his girlfriend Sophia (Shailene Woodley). While they don’t have much, John is ready to propose marriage, and she gladly accepts.
However, before they can make their way to the altar, Reynolds (Ben Foster), a corrupt cop who wants Sophia for himself, frames John by planting drugs in his car. Accepting his fate, John is devastated when he learns that Reynolds set him up. Fueled by revenge, he sets out to reclaim his woman and unleash havoc on Reynolds and anyone who gets in his way.
One thing potential viewers should know about “Motor City” is that the film contains only around five lines of dialogue, opting instead to use a rock soundtrack and action scenes to drive the plot forward. Silent films in the modern age can be a tough sell, especially within the action genre. I have to admit that if John Woo didn’t nail the concept in 2019 with “Silent Night,” I had low expectations for this film, despite my fandom for Alan Ritchson.
To my surprise, the film kept me fully engaged. Ponciroli kicks things off with a circular narrative, giving us a glimpse of John in action before taking us back to where we became invested. Ritchson portrays John as an everyman, allowing viewers to relate to him, especially if you’ve ever been in love and want to do right by your partner.
Shailene Woodley, whom I’ve always admired, is also strong in this role. She shares an organic chemistry with Ritchson, from their initial meeting to their breakup, and the two convincingly portray a real couple. As the main antagonist, Ben Foster continues to impress as a character actor, bringing just the right amount of beta male insecurity that he tries to mask as alpha confidence. You can’t help but look forward to seeing him get his comeuppance.
The script wisely avoids portraying John as a brute in prison, allowing the action to build up effectively. I can assure action fans that the climactic action sequence is worth the wait.
With a creative premise and a flair reminiscent of a 1970s Sidney Lumet film, “Motor City” offers enough entertainment for a solid night out.
Final Grade: B+
“Motor City” opens in theaters today.
