I had to see this movie, because it featured two of my favorite actors, Samuel L Jackson and Vincent Cassel, but what disappointment it all turned out to be...

The bad: this movie was cheaply made and it shows! Everything from photography to sound and supporting actors looks and is mediocre. The only good thing going for it are these 2 stellar actors, but even they cant elevate a cheaply made product into something worht watching.

More bad: there is NO real supsense or thrill. And that is the whole point of this sort of movie. It should have been exciting, but it turned into quite a sleeping pill. And what's with Vincent Cassel trying to talk English? Kinda cringeworthy...

I couldn't say why the writers wanted Samuel L Jackson in Scotland. Possibly Gianni Capaldi, one of the three writers and co-star, simply wanted to meet him.

A local Scottish detective (Capaldi) has a US cop (Jackson) help with a case due to the similarity of some murders in the States. He then enlists the help of a Frenchman (Cassel) and former colleague who happens to be in London and the unlikely trio attempt to solve the mystery as more murders occur.

The premise is implausible. Jackson phones in his performance. Foreboding moments are neon signs. The twists and ending are unsatisfying.

There are a couple of good performances from Laura Haddock and Kate Dickie as the wife of the Scottish detective and detective Kessler respectively but they by no means lift the film above average.

It really was an unsatisfying conclusion. In itself the reason for the review.

The movie "Damaged" features Samuel L. Jackson as seasoned detective Dan Lawson, sent from Chicago to Scotland to investigate a hideous murder resembling unsolved cases from his past. In Scotland, he reunites with his former partner, Walker Bravo (played by Vincent Cassel), now retired. Together with local detective Glen Boyd (played by Gianni Capaldi), they investigate a series of killings where victims are dismembered and posed with religious symbolism. Suspects include a suspicious neighbor and a mechanic linked to a fringe religious group. Jackson delivers his typical theatrical performance, often seen with a bottomless bottle of whiskey (a small one). Cassel's attempt at an American accent is funny, while Capaldi is trying to match Jackson's colorfulness. Technically, the film captures Scotland's impressive beauty sufficiently. However, despite its attempt to keep the audience guessing, "Damaged" ultimately fails to provide a convincing conclusion, leaving audiences to question the film's purpose and the actors' motivations, particularly Jackson's involvement, possibly driven by financial gain or a desire for a scenic trip to the Highlands. Strong acting performance from Vincent Cassel and Gianni Capaldi, the usual Samuel Jackson performance (not outstanding) and that was it for me. Nothing outstanding, a plot that is kind of predictable with holes to fill. We do not get to know the different characters better etc. Feel that a lot more could have been done here. However, I did enjoy the movie.