Ray Donovan (the movie) and Fistful of Vengeance

Two movies that cap off their series?

Ray Donovan (the movie)

Basically a movie length episode which ties up the story of titular character, the "fixer" Ray Donovan (Liev Shrieber) and takes place immediately after season 7. It contains a surprising amount of flash backs, but this is fine in that it is both important to the story as it echoes current events AND explains more about the dynamic between Ray and his father Mickey (Jon Voight). It's also nice to get to see most of the other cast members one more time, but ultimately that is what will temper any recommendation from me. This movie is definitely only for people who have watched all of Ray Donovan the series, otherwise it's probably best you steer clear.

Fistful of Vengeance

If only the enemies were better with guns...

Unlike the above, Fistful of Vengeance doesn't need you to know anything about its little supernatural / martial arts series called Wu Assassins. It's not even in the title! Instead a quick intro catches people up and we get to see Wu Assassin Kai (Iko Uwais) and company wreak vengeance against... demigods and their minions or something? Story was never going to be the strong point here, but this is actually worse than what was in the series. Also worse is the actual fight scenes which is a bummer. I don't mind the wire work, but having pumped up techno music to seemingly slow combat only highlights the slowness? Again better in the series, which leaves me to say don't bother watching this one unless you really liked Wu Assassins.

Ray Donovan

Gives new meanings to the word "Sure".

Liev Schreiber stars as the titular Ray Donovan, a stoic and often grumpy "fixer" who helps various clients with issues outside the law. If that wasn't challenging enough, he also has to deal with his family, his past, and his father Mickey (Jon Voight). This seven season show (holding out hope for an eighth) is a bit of a crazy ride. There are many dark themes and violent scenes that go hand in hand with hilarious moments (often when Mickey is on screen) which make for very interesting television.

Speak softly and carry a big stick.

For the most part, the acting and production values are good too though as expected in a story of this length, characters often take turns holding the idiot stick simply to get the plot to go where the writers want it to. In some cases I believe they hold the idiot stick purely to spite the audience - a role primarily filled by Ray's wife and children. Definitely not a show that's easy to categorize, but certainly one worth watching. I give it 3 boxing gyms out of 5.