Backlash be damned, this is probably my favorite of the trilogy. It's the smartest, funniest, and sexiest of the three. Although 13 is pretty great. So is 11. While both of those are probably BETTER films, 12 just feels different, and almost necessary for the other two films to be as good as they are.

The second time I've seen this film and it has only further reinforced how much I love this movie. One of my favorites of the young year. As ridiculous and unbelievable as it may sound, Whalberg gives a seriously nuanced and seriously brilliant performance as the deranged Daniel Lugo. This film reminds a lot of Scott Pilgrim VS. The World (what?) in the way each scene is densely layered with different things going on. This movie is seriously misunderstood.

"Yeah, well, I wrote a hit play and directed it, so I'm not sweating it either."

The ultimate crime epic. The end of this film is absolutely astounding; the booming, sweeping synth orchestra combined with the final shot make for a haunting last impression. Amazing film; probably the only film I've ever seen that realistically portrays how fucking LOUD guns actually are. It's a slow burn and has a few unnecessary elements/scenes (mostly concerning Hanna's wife/Natalie Portman's character) but god damn if this isn't the best crime film of the past 20 years. Could be seen as a spiritual predecessor to Nicolas Winding Refn's DRIVE. Drenched in the neon filth of LA, you have to stick to your principles.