Is Getting Even Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Getting Even is likely a skip if you enjoy Adventure movies.
It features a runtime of 93 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Getting Even Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1988, Getting Even emerges as a significant entry in the Adventure, Action, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of After being betrayed by a fellow Marine and spending five years in a POW camp, homeless Vietnam vet Roy Evans reunites with his commander, Dundee, and is tasked by the FBI to find his betrayer, Slisko, who is suspected of slaying several women. Unlike standard genre fare, Getting Even attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Leandro Lucchetti, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Adventure elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Adventure is often anchored by its ensemble, and Getting Even features a noteworthy lineup led by Richard Roundtree. Supported by the likes of Michael Aronin and Harrison Muller Jr., the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, the sheer charisma of Richard Roundtree, Michael Aronin, Harrison Muller Jr. manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 1988 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Adventure, Action, Thriller space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, Getting Even is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of Getting Even follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 93 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, Getting Even resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Adventure landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 3.5/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, Getting Even is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. After being betrayed by a fellow Marine and spending five years in a POW camp, homeless Vietnam vet Roy Evans reunites with his commander, Dundee, and is tasked by the FBI to find his betrayer, Slisko, who is suspected of slaying several women. Slisko has also become an arms dealer, and Evans and Dundee endure the trauma of returning to Southeast Asia to apprehend their old comrade
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Getting Even (1988) is overwhelmingly negative. With an audience rating of 3.5/10 and strong performance metrics in the Adventure, Action, Thriller categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Richard Roundtree, Michael Aronin, Harrison Muller Jr. or the visual majesty of its technical execution, Getting Even is a significant contribution to the cinema of 1988. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Where to Watch Getting Even Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
ScreenPix Apple TV Channel
ScreenPix Amazon Channel Parents Guide & Age Rating
Getting Even has not been officially rated yet. However, due to its genre classification (Adventure, Action, Thriller), viewers should expect violence, action sequences, mature themes.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 3.5/10, and global collection metrics, Getting Even stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1988 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Getting Even movie hit or flop?
Getting Even is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 3.5/10 and lower collections.
Is Getting Even worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 3.5/10, Getting Even may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Getting Even online?
Getting Even is currently available for streaming on ScreenPix Apple TV Channel. You can also check for it on platforms like ScreenPix Apple TV Channel, ScreenPix Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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Synopsis
After being betrayed by a fellow Marine and spending five years in a POW camp, homeless Vietnam vet Roy Evans reunites with his commander, Dundee, and is tasked by the FBI to find his betrayer, Slisko, who is suspected of slaying several women. Slisko has also become an arms dealer, and Evans and Dundee endure the trauma of returning to Southeast Asia to apprehend their old comrade