Uncle John

Although John Ashton is best known for supporting turns in ‘80s action comedies like Beverly Hills Cop, he's enjoyed a career in movies and TV for more than 40 years, and has the rare opportunity to shine in a lead role in this odd but fascinating combination of melodrama and romantic comedy from director Steven Piet. Ashton is excellent as John, an aging handyman liked by everybody in his small Wisconsin town. But John might have killed a fellow named Dutch (Laurent Soucie), a bully who had recently turned over a new leaf and begun confessing his past misdeeds. Dutch's angry brother, Danny (Ronnie Gene Blevins), certainly begins to suspect that John is responsible for Dutch's disappearance. That story, however, alternates with another that initially seems entirely separate—a good-natured romance between Ben (Alex Moffat) and Kate (Jenna Lyng), co-workers at a Chicago graphics firm. The two narrative strands come together when the young couple decides to visit the uncle who brought Ben up—John. And during their stay, Danny decides it's time to take his vengeance on the man he believes killed his brother. A slow-burning thriller that ultimately pays off in unexpected ways, this is recommended. (F. Swietek)