Hangman Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Al Pacino and Karl Urban play detective hangman with a guy who’s really committed to his art…of murder.

🍿 Hangman: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction of Detectives and the First Crime

Retired homicide detective Ray Archer is brought back to the force by his former partner, Detective Will Ruiney, to investigate a series of murders. The crimes are bizarre, with the victims posed in ways related to the children’s game ‘Hangman,’ and a letter carved into their skin. A crime journalist, Christi Davies, accompanies them as they investigate the gruesome scenes.

The ‘Hangman’ Killer’s Game

As the detectives delve deeper into the case, they realize the killer is meticulously planning each murder. Each victim represents a letter in the ‘Hangman’ game, leaving the detectives to decode the killer’s message before another life is taken. The pressure mounts as they struggle to understand the connection between the victims and the meaning behind the game.

Connecting the Dots: A Personal Connection

The investigation takes a personal turn when Archer and Ruiney discover that the killer’s motives are linked to their past cases. The connection involves Ruiney’s murdered wife, revealing that the ‘Hangman’ killer seeks revenge for perceived injustices. As they piece together the puzzle, the detectives realize they are not just solving a crime but also confronting their own past failures.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ray Archer (Al Pacino): A decorated, retired homicide detective brought back to help solve a series of Hangman-themed murders.
• Det. Will Ruiney (Karl Urban): An ex-FBI agent and homicide detective who partners with Archer to catch the serial killer.
• Hangman (Joe Anderson): A vicious serial killer who plays a twisted game of Hangman with his victims and the detectives.
• Christi Davies (Brittany Snow): A crime journalist who shadows the detectives and provides insights into the killer’s mind.
• Capt. Watson (Sarah Shahi): The police captain overseeing the Hangman case.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Detective Ruiney: “You still prefer retirement, Archer?” – Detective Ruiney asks Archer if he is enjoying retirement when asking for help on a case.
• Detective Archer: “I never preferred retirement.” – Archer responds to Ruiney when asked if he is enjoying retirement.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10 million
• Domestic Gross: $13,043
• Worldwide Gross: $13,043

💥 Hangman Reviews

Personal Review

I really wanted to like Hangman, especially with Al Pacino involved. Unfortunately, it just felt like a generic thriller that didn’t bring anything new to the table. The plot was predictable, and the characters weren’t particularly engaging. I was hoping for more, but it ended up being a forgettable experience.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of crime thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in serial killer mysteries”
  • “Those who enjoy movies with Al Pacino or Karl Urban”
  • “People looking for a suspenseful, albeit flawed, B-movie experience”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence and gore”
  • “Disturbing crime scenes”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Themes of revenge and murder”

Professional Reviews

• Collider.com: “Hangman follows the well-trodden path of serial killer thrillers, but fails to carve out its own identity. Despite the star power of Al Pacino and Karl Urban, the film lacks the suspense and originality needed to stand out in a crowded genre.
• DailyDead: “While Hangman presents an interesting premise with its twisted take on the classic game, the execution falls flat. The film relies on tired tropes and predictable plot twists, ultimately failing to deliver a truly thrilling or memorable experience.

Audience Reactions

Some viewers found the premise intriguing despite the execution.: The general consensus is that the movie had potential but ultimately fell short due to a weak script and uninspired direction.

Overall Consensus: Hangman is a disappointing thriller that fails to live up to its potential, despite the presence of seasoned actors like Al Pacino and Karl Urban. It suffers from a predictable plot, weak script, and uninspired direction.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The scar on Brittany Snow’s forehead is real and more pronounced in the film. She got it when she was 3 years old after falling on a brick.”
• “The filmmakers aimed to create a dark and suspenseful atmosphere, drawing inspiration from classic serial killer thrillers like ‘Seven’.”

🖥️ How to Watch Hangman?

Hangman (2017) is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it for rent or purchase on platforms like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Amazon Prime Video. Check your local listings for availability as it may vary by region. Unfortunately, it is not available on any streaming services with a subscription.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Hangman, you might like these similar films:

• Seven (1995): Both films feature detectives hunting a serial killer who bases their crimes on a specific theme (the seven deadly sins in ‘Seven’, the game of Hangman in ‘Hangman’).
• The Bone Collector (1999): Features a similar setup of detectives deciphering clues left by a serial killer, with one of the detectives being a specialist brought in to help.
• Kiss the Girls (1997): Another crime thriller where detectives try to catch a serial killer who abducts and tortures women.
• The Snowman (2017): Deals with detectives hunting a serial killer who leaves clues related to snowmen at crime scenes.

🛒 Hangman Related Products

• Al Pacino: An American Filmography: Explore the legendary career of Al Pacino with this comprehensive filmography. Dive into his iconic roles and gain insights into his acting process. This book provides detailed analysis and stunning images that showcase Pacino’s unforgettable contributions to cinema.
• Karl Urban Signed Photo: Own a piece of memorabilia with a signed photograph of Karl Urban. This collectible is perfect for fans of his work in movies. The autograph is authenticated and comes with a certificate of authenticity, ensuring its value and provenance. Add this to your collection and celebrate Urban’s contributions to film and television.
• Hangman Board Game: Play the classic word-guessing game that inspired the movie. This set includes everything you need for hours of family fun. Challenge your friends and family with this timeless game that tests your vocabulary and strategic thinking skills. Perfect for game nights and educational entertainment.
• Crime Thriller Movie Collection (DVD): A collection of classic crime thriller films, including ‘Se7en’, and ‘Silence of the Lambs’. If you are interested in serial killer movies, this pack showcases the best movies of this genre. The Collection includes a variety of intense plots and will keep you entertained for hours.

🎧 Soundtrack

Hangman features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “House of the Rising Sun” – performed by Geordie featuring Brian Johnson

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Hangman – An Actual Short

Ever wondered if a simple game of Hangman could be so intense? This animated short takes the game to a whole new level. Prepare to be on the edge of your seat!

Cutting the Hangman’s Rope with a Bullet| Gun Myths with Jerry Miculek (4K UHD)

Can you really cut a hangman’s rope with a bullet like in the movies? Jerry Miculek, a pro shooter, puts this classic movie trope to the test, and the results are pretty surprising!

Hangman | Short Horror Film

Imagine playing Hangman, but the consequences are terrifying. This short horror film will make you think twice before playing again; it’s a super creepy take on the classic game!

✨ Rate