Danielle Solzman
Thomas Nicholas shows the potential to be an action star in his new starring role as a rideshare driver in the new thriller, Adverse.
Ethan (Thomas Nicholas) has it out for revenge upon learning his sister, Mia (Kelly Arjen) owes a lot of money to a drug dealer. Adverse may be more of a low-key thriller but the action here is intense. When he’s not out for revenge, Ethan meets with social worker Dr. Cruz (Lou Diamond Phillips). Ethan starts taking action immediately upon learning Mia is missing. Ethan starts working as a driver for crime boss Kaden (Mickey Rourke) when he learns that he is the reason for her disappearance. He’s got to do what he needs to do in order to get revenge. This starts by taking care of Kaden’s underlings before eventually making it up the crime ladder. Sorry John Constantine fans but Matt Ryan is not a nice character here.
That’s the gist of the film in a nutshell. However, I would be remiss if I did not warn you right now: there is quite a bit of blood. I honestly had to look away from the screen a few times but that’s just me. You do you.
I grew up watching Thomas Nicholas in Rookie of the Year and later on in the American Pie movies. Actors can’t do the same type of roles forever but it’s really different seeing him take on this kind of role. I mean this in the good kind of way. Nicholas’s performance in this film shows an expansion of his range as an actor from what audiences are used to seeing. The actor has a commanding presence throughout the film. But once the third act comes around, the actor really takes charge of a tire iron. If you’re coming into this film knowing Thomas Nicholas from American Pie, prepare to be surprised.
Matt Ryan, Andrew Keegan, Samm Levine, and Ayla Kell are among those that round out the cast. If you stick around for the credits, you might note that there’s a John Constantine listed as executive producer. Maybe it’s my being a fan of the DC series but it’s kind of funny to think of the Legends of Tomorrow character as a film producer. But hey, these films don’t get off the ground without the backing!
The film premiered last year just before the pandemic shutdown. As you can imagine, it took almost a year to make its way into theaters. Almost a month after its theatrical release, Adverse is finally available to watch from the couch or bed. It’s quite the late night thrill ride!
DIRECTOR/SCREENWRITER: Brian A. Metcalf
CAST: Thomas Nicholas, Lou Diamond Phillips, Sean Astin, introducing Kelly Arjen, with Penelope Ann Miller and Mickey Rourke
