'Boy Kills World' Review Roundup: Bill Skarsgård's chaotic Deadpool-meets-Mad Max flick is a must-see riot
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Boy Kills World', which premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, is scheduled for release in theaters on Friday, April 26, 2024.
Starring Bill Skarsgård, Jessica Rothe, Michelle Dockery, Brett Gelman, Isaiah Mustafa, Yayan Ruhian, and Famke Janssen in pivotal roles, the film revolves around Boy (Bill Skarsgard), a deaf-mute who embarks on a violent quest for revenge after his family is murdered.
Viewers can look forward to a thrilling cinematic experience, as 'Boy Kills World' promises an explosive showcase of adrenaline-pumping action scenes.
With heart-stopping stunts to intense fight sequences, the film promises to deliver a rollercoaster ride of excitement, sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
Ahead of its release, let's take a closer look at some of the early reviews of 'Boy Kills World.'
‘Boy Kills World’ receives praise for its action sequences and video-game elements
Derek Smith from The Slant Magazine says, "The film’s limp, puerile script leaves Boy sounding less like an enraged man who’s been stewing in his anger for over a decade than a petulant, quippy teen who’s spent his adolescence re-watching Deadpool."
"'Boy Kills World' is a bloody action thriller revenge comedy built for hyperactive, video game addled 12-year-old boys," says Adam Graham from The Detroit News.
Chase Hutchinson, a critic from The Seattle Times, has given the film a rating of 2.5 stars out of 4. "The film is abundantly silly, but the craft behind the action is serious business and impeccably realized. It’s not quite on the level of something like the “John Wick” series, which Skarsgård recently starred in the fourth entry of, but it’s still sufficiently fun," says Chase.
'Boy Kills World' is "a cheeky post-Deadpool comedy – irreverent to a fault – with grindhouse aesthetics that tend to feel inspired by Quentin Tarantino rather than the movies that inspired Quentin Tarantino," says Radheyan Simonpillai from The Globe and Mail.
"Director Moritz Mohr tries to put a new spin on it with Boy Kills World by transplanting the setting to a zany, capitalism-fuelled dystopia, infusing it with video-game elements, and turning the violence up to 11," says Sophie Butcher from Empire.
Nate Richard from Collider says "The film's production design and imagination are so zany and wonderful. From the jungle home of the shaman to the futuristic decaying city that Boy travels to, there's so much passion put into these details."
Kyle Smith from The Wall Street Journal said, "Boy Kills World is a very silly, very violent revenge saga that amounts to a zesty mix of ingredients shamelessly borrowed from other movies."
'Boy Kills World' might appeal to young fans of 'Deadpool'. It packs a punch with its blend of action and humor, although some may find its jokes a bit crude, said David Ehrlich from IndieWire.
David pointed out that 'Boy Kills World' sets the stage perfectly for 'Deadpool & Wolverine', sharing a comparable tone and style. Both films showcase witty and unconventional anti-heroes.
David said, "Good news for 12-year-old kids who talk about Deadpool as if he’s Jean-Luc Godard, and just can’t wait until July for another noxiously self-aware cartoon bloodbath about a disfigured anti-hero who dresses in red and simply refuses to shut up: Boy Kills World is here."
"It is a dark, twisted, and exhilarating film that viewers are bound to relish," says Bill Goodykoontz from The Arizona Republic.
'Boy Kills World' is undeniably a very violent movie, resembling the spirit of action films from Hong Kong. Its distinctive fusion of dark humor and intense action sequences highlights Mohr's storytelling prowess and visual flair, says Bill.
'Boy Kills World' stands out as one of the most violent films of the year, delivering a relentless onslaught of graphic and intense action sequences, says Richard Roeper from the Chicago Sun-Times.
'Boy Kills World' boasts remarkable production design and cinematography reminiscent of films such as 'The Hunger Games,' 'The Purge,' and the 'John Wick' franchise, Richard said about the film.
Skarsgård manages to convey a wide range of emotions and intentions through subtle facial expressions and body language, much like the silent film star Buster Keaton, says Catherine Bray from The Guardian.
Is 'Boy Kills World' worth watching?
The film is a blend of different styles and influences, combining the comic violence of 'Deadpool' with the dystopian worldbuilding of 'The Hunger Games.'
One interesting aspect of 'Boy Kills World' is that the main character, Boy, doesn't speak because his tongue was cut off when he was young. Instead, viewers hear his thoughts, which are voiced by H Jon Benjamin.
Despite its dark subject matter, 'Boy Kills World' manages to blend elements of fantasy and reality in a way that is both compelling and thought-provoking.
'Boy Kills World' doesn't pull punches in its fight scenes. From using cheese graters to Gatling guns, the characters in this movie use a variety of unconventional weapons. This distinctive tone sets the film apart from other action films.
'Boy Kills World' is a must-watch film for fans of action movies or those who appreciate the irreverent humor and dynamic storytelling akin to the 'Deadpool' franchise.
'Boy Kills World' trailer