J.K. Simmons has a remarkable talent for portraying sociopaths. It's intriguing to watch an actor like him seamlessly transition from the friendly face of a typical suburban neighbor to a complete maniac, complete with a chillingly timed sinister grin. In “You Can’t Run Forever,” he seems to be thoroughly enjoying himself, and the fact that this project was co-written and directed by his wife of nearly thirty years likely added to the experience. Unfortunately, he appears to be the only one relishing the moment, as viewers may not share in his enjoyment.
To give credit where it's due, “You Can’t Run Forever” kicks off with a striking scene that sets the tone for the film, but it also foreshadows the inconsistencies that follow. Simmons’ character, Wade, arrives at a remote gas station just in time to witness a confrontation between a couple sitting outside and a man shouting at his noisy dog. Wade takes matters into his own hands by shooting the dog owner and the couple before speeding away. His character is truly unhinged, going beyond the typical movie villain. In one unsettling moment, he even finds pleasure in a photo of the wife of one of his victims. There’s a version of this film that could have embraced a more intense, violent narrative akin to “High Tension” or “Martyrs.”
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The issue lies with director Michelle Schumacher, who seems hesitant to fully commit to that darker vision. She struggles to maintain a consistent tone throughout the film, directing scenes with a lack of energy that leaves Simmons adrift in a story that doesn’t know how to utilize his talents. The plot picks up when Wade crosses paths with Eddie (Allen Leech) and his stepdaughter Miranda (Isabelle Anaya), leading to Eddie's demise and forcing Miranda to flee into the woods. Meanwhile, her very pregnant mother, Jenny (Fernanda Urrejola), is in a panic at home, and the bumbling local police struggle to piece together what appear to be the first murders in their town. One of the film's highlights features a hapless deputy fumbling through a manual on how to handle a crime scene.