It's a very familiar premise, in this case flavored with a dash of Liam Neeson's first 'Taken.' And, well - between that familiarity and that garnish, it's safe to say any given viewer will know in no small part just what to expect. I can't say it's a pleasant watch, but filmmaker Terry Miles at least has the good taste to refrain from showing the full extent of the violence exacted upon the protagonists - less depiction, more suggestion. Fewer restraints are employed when it comes to depictions of the women's vengeance, and gratifyingly so - revenge is ever so sweet. Yet surprisingly, for all the blood that's spilled, still the full grisly brunt is withheld from our sight.
In place of utmost crimson and viscera, instead there a delightful playfulness in the second length. I wouldn't go so far as to say 'Even lambs have teeth' becomes a horror-comedy, but it's unquestionably self-aware, and wants to ensure the audience has a good time after subjecting us to distinctly unpalatable content initially. So wholly does the movie lean into that slant that the absolute, incredulous neatness with which the course of events transpires - all but echoing the storytelling approach of fairy tales in omitting non-primary elements from the story - seems purely intentional. It's a little bit ham-handed, sure, but to the point of enjoyment, not disbelief.
Blood effects look good, and technical craft in general is fine, including some commendable camerawork. The cast is suitable, and scene writing and execution are swell. The overall narrative is written well and completely, and ably washes over the unsavory facets of the plot with the amusing bits to help clinch a lasting impression of welcome diversion instead of unseemly (muted) exploitation. Any viewer hoping for a more abjectly thrilling experience may be put out, but if you're open to the feature's style, and its wish to only entertain, then you'll be in for a somewhat refreshing take on the sub-genre of torture-heavy bloodbaths that have proliferated in recent years. Never wholly captivating, but engaging all the same - and minding substantial content warnings for abduction, sexual assault, and general violence - 'Even lambs have teeth' is fairly worthwhile if you come across it.
In place of utmost crimson and viscera, instead there a delightful playfulness in the second length. I wouldn't go so far as to say 'Even lambs have teeth' becomes a horror-comedy, but it's unquestionably self-aware, and wants to ensure the audience has a good time after subjecting us to distinctly unpalatable content initially. So wholly does the movie lean into that slant that the absolute, incredulous neatness with which the course of events transpires - all but echoing the storytelling approach of fairy tales in omitting non-primary elements from the story - seems purely intentional. It's a little bit ham-handed, sure, but to the point of enjoyment, not disbelief.
Blood effects look good, and technical craft in general is fine, including some commendable camerawork. The cast is suitable, and scene writing and execution are swell. The overall narrative is written well and completely, and ably washes over the unsavory facets of the plot with the amusing bits to help clinch a lasting impression of welcome diversion instead of unseemly (muted) exploitation. Any viewer hoping for a more abjectly thrilling experience may be put out, but if you're open to the feature's style, and its wish to only entertain, then you'll be in for a somewhat refreshing take on the sub-genre of torture-heavy bloodbaths that have proliferated in recent years. Never wholly captivating, but engaging all the same - and minding substantial content warnings for abduction, sexual assault, and general violence - 'Even lambs have teeth' is fairly worthwhile if you come across it.