Dust Up (2012)

Dust Up Poster

Dust Up is a kick ass action comedy served up by Ward Roberts and starring Amber Benson that will make you laugh, gasp and punch the person you're sitting ...

Introduction
"Dust Up" is a 2012 action comedy/horror movie directed by Ward Roberts and starring Amber Benson. The film presents a distinct blend of humor, intense violence, and an eccentric cast of characters.

Plot
The plot focuses on a psychologically disturbed former soldier-turned-desert hermit called Jack (played by Aaron Gaffey). A deadly incident happened during Jack's military service which led him to live a reclusive life in the desert. Jack supports himself by working as a handyman, and it is through this work that he meets and befriends a young mom named Ella (played by Amber Benson) and her spouse and baby.

One day, Ella's other half gets himself into financial obligation with a vicious and psychotic cannibalistic drug dealership named Buzz (played by Jeremiah Birkett). In order to pay off his debt, he provides his better half and baby as security, leading Jack to step in. He attempts to save Ella's family from Buzz's clutches, resulting in a wild, hallucinogenic, bloody showdown.

Characterization
"Dust Up" is characterized by its big ensemble of eccentric characters. Jack, the lead character, is a war veteran experiencing PTSD who wears an eyepatch made from a human skull and interacts with a fictional buddy named Buddy.
Ella, the woman Jack tries to rescue, is a stay-at-home mother having a hard time to keep her household afloat while dealing with her negligent hubby.

Buzz, the antagonist, is eccentrically violent. He's a drug dealership and cannibal who rules his domain with a sick pleasure. Supported by his devoted henchman, he includes a component of unpredictability and worry to the movie.

Themes
"Dust Up" checks out themes such as survival, morality, friendship, and redemption. Regardless of his distressed past, Jack battles to protect Ella and her household, functioning as a moral compass throughout the film. His battle for redemption is a critical component of the story, with the character grappling with his past errors and trying to get forgiveness through his actions.

Design and Tone
"Dust Up" is a crepuscular movie filled with grit and outlandish comedy. It is understood for its eccentric tone, blending humor with extreme violence. The desert setting mean desolation and isolation, matching Jack's mindset.

The movie uses a mix of slow-motion, quick cuts, and significant close-ups. The humor in the movie is dark, applied in both the dialogue and the absurdity of the situations.

Critical Reception
"Dust Up" amassed mixed reviews from critics. Some applauded its uniqueness, style, and eccentricity, and others slammed its excess of violence and dark humor. It is considered a cult movie due to its over-the-top characters and bizarre plot aspects.

Conclusion
"Dust Up" is a distinctive blend of funny, action, and scary. Its strange characters, eccentric plot, and distinct design enable it to stand out. The film is an unrestrained trip for the viewers who appreciate non-traditional storytelling. Its taking on of complex styles and outlandish circumstances produces a seeing experience that is both unusual and interesting.

Top Cast

  • Amber Benson (small)
    Amber Benson
    Ella
  • Jeremiah Birkett (small)
    Jeremiah Birkett
    Buzz
  • Aaron Gaffey (small)
    Aaron Gaffey
    Jack
  • Devin Barry
    Mo
  • Travis Betz
    Herman
  • Ezra Buzzington (small)
    Ezra Buzzington
    Sheriff Nathan Haggler
  • Al Burke (small)
    Al Burke
    Mr. Lizard
  • Mike C. Nelson (small)
    Mike C. Nelson
    Keith
  • Galicia Vaca Lopez (small)
    Galicia Vaca Lopez
    Tammy
  • Christian Badami
    Shakes
  • Victoria De Mare (small)
    Victoria De Mare
    Diane