American Empire (2011)

Emmanuelle Vaugier as …
Directed by Kevin D. Ward
Written by Kevin D. Ward
Genre Action, Comedy, Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
MPAA rating R (for … )

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Synopsis

This script certainly proves that Betrayal can be a contact sport. Two male underlings plot to steal from their “new world” crime boss but get literally lost while others succeed. And if they had only bothered to check a map, maybe everyone they know wouldn’t now be trying to kill them. While eluding a grunge hit man and his girlfriend who now mistakenly pursue them, the two men who initially get the story moving expose us to the bizarre underworld of eccentric characters and eclectic dialogue that they call their own. It is a film noir “dark comedy” of errors ~ a Downward Spiral of action, angst, romance and intrigue… with a side helping of redemption and conversion.

Renni DeAngelis’ reputation precedes him everywhere. From the inner circle of Florida’s political elite to the youthful crowds that frequent his glistening and kinetic nightclubs, Renni is well known as the modern day Santos Trafficante, a next generation crime lord of unrivaled power and influence. From the very start, the target audience of this film sees themselves in the crowds on screen – a mix of preppy, punk, gothic and trendy “Rave” styled youth. They all have one thing in common; they own the night. And they all have Renni to thank for it.

While Renni’s power descends from his nightclub HQ and reaches far and wide, this does not prevent two pairs of polar opposites from garnering Delusions of Grandeur. Thad and Jimmie tire of just being lowly criminal underlings. Brian and Lisa are rogue cops just living paycheck to paycheck. Both couples opt to steal from Renni, but for very different reasons. The intersection of their divergent plans serendipitously involves the same target of opportunity. Brian and Lisa actually succeed though while Thad and Jimmie fail to understand the difference between Largo and Key Largo and end up hundreds of miles off course.

By the time Thad and Jimmie return, they only know that their target is dead, the unknown stuff is gone and worst of all that they will be the ones blamed for it all. Brian and Lisa have meanwhile already stolen proof of Renni’s political meddling and a host of related illegal activities. They have extortion and a huge payday in mind. While the situation remains cloudy, it is clear enough to Renni that Thad and Jimmie are to be put down. He passes on the instructions to Sonny, a gorgeous femme fatale who is dating the most lethal grunge hit man you will ever encounter.

Early on, we are introduced to Alex’s ruthless efficiency in a character introduction not soon forgotten. We get to see exactly how he handles betrayal aimed at Renni. We also see Alex cope with his chosen career and give one doomed soul a second chance to forestall the Reaper. Thad and Jimmie’s realization of their plight leads to frantic desperation and a good deal of comic relief as they keep exposing us to a number of oddball characters. The two are desperate for anyone to assist them in their dilemma.

We ultimately learn just what Brian and Lisa were so convinced was worth the risk as Jackie, Renni’s right-hand girl, lays down the law about life in Renni’s world to Florida’s next Governor and Lt. Governor. The conversation does not go well though and convinces Jackie and Renni that David, their inside man, is destined to ascend from Lt. Governor to Governor much faster than expected. This overly aggressive move by Renni raises the stakes across the board and heightens the tensions for everyone.

The hunt via Sonny and Alex to track down Thad and Jimmie evolves as the truth becomes known but all too late for Alex. Jackie figures out the agenda of Brian and Lisa when they become part of the Governor-elect’s security detail. Jackie knows just how to make things right, and Sonny compels Thad and Jimmie to make amends by participating in a couple clean-up details. First, they avenge Alex’s death. Then they, with Sonny and Jackie, bring redemption full circle by removing Brian and Lisa from the equation and restoring order and harmony to Renni’s twisted kingdom. Order restored, Renni allows himself to face the reality that he has always liked Sonny. The story ends with their new relationship emerging and Renni even more firmly entrenched in power.