Thread by @MartiniShark

It feels right for some Gerard Butler magic as we continue on our monthlong celebration of Scotland's master thespian.
I'm working without a net here, as I delve into a thriller of his I have never seen - SHATTERED.
The DVD-level poster speaks volumes.
#ButlerFest
#ShatteredMovie

A couple in a wonderful marriage becomes threatened by an outsider - with nefarious intentions! (all drama is assumed, at this stage.)
This 2007 thriller was once called ''Butterfly On A Wheel''. They dropped that clunker for a wholly generic title.
#ButlerFest
#ShatteredMovie

All right, let's dig in...
During the production cards we hear lightning - a promise of thrills and intrigue to come. These films, like a campaigning candidate, usually fail to deliver on those promises.
#ButlerFest
#ShatteredMovie

Already we have an issue-
It appears Gerard is in the happy marriage and is NOT the stalking menace. That guy will be...Pierce Brosnan?! That's a screw up. I don't know who the casting director is, but I hope they are a Wal-Mart manager today.
#ButlerFest
#ShatteredMovie

This was shot back when George Clooney was infecting Hollywood with his Caesar haircut. Gerry looks like the base player from a 60's British wave quartet. He needs to be scraggly, or government-issue; this in-between is an unfortunate call.
#ButlerFest
#ShatteredMovie

Gerry plays Neil Randal, a can't-miss executive in a perfect marriage to Maria Bello, in a beautiful home. Everything is idyllic. This just HAS to turn to soup, soon enough.
#ButlerFest
#ShatteredMovie

Wow.
They are about half an hour into their trip when Brosnan just pops up in their back seat with a gun, threatening the couple. Come, the hell, on...
I know those Range Rovers have spacious interiors, but they NEVER notice him prior?!
#ButlerFest
#ShatteredMovie

We get to the issue of Pierce being a stowaway. He demands out of Neil $142,367...exactly. This seems a significant detail, but Brosnan controls the nanny with their daughter, so a withdrawal is made, just like normal.
#ButlerFest
#ShatteredMovie

Well, here are some points for originality. After he is handed the briefcase of cash Brosnan sets a wrap of 50s on fire, drops it inside, then opens the door of the moving SUV to toss it off of a bridge.
Naturally the next stop is a 5-star restaurant.
#ButlerFest
#ShatteredMovie

Pierce tells them he owns them for 24 hours. He sends them out to scrounge for $300 cash. Smartly, instead of swimming in the river for their savings they hit a pawn shop. Next Abbey is sent off to deliver an envelope. This is...unthrilling stuff
#ButlerFest
#ShatteredMovie

After ramming the Rover into a parking lot wall-for no reason-Brosnan shows proof that Neil had hacked into the advertising competition, and Abbey was delivering evidence to them.
I guess we are supposed to be shocked Neil is not perfect. We are not.
#ButlerFest
#ShatteredMovie

Our idyllic couple has a domestic dispute. Abbey mentions ''Denver'' in their argument, uncovering more secrets perhaps.
Now Neil gets hostile with Pierce. A pissed off Gerard is ALWAYS preferred, and Brosnan is less than a ''Fallen''-type terrorist.
#ButlerFest
#ShatteredMovie

Plothole error time.
After getting Brosnan's phone Neil figures out he called a hotel. Instead of following the next scavenger hunt command the couple goes to that hotel.
They took a cab...after having been stripped of all their cash. Whoops!

#ButlerFest
#ShatteredMovie

They get into the room but - SHOCKER - only Pierce Brosnan is there - He's a mastermind! Well, you know - he was back in 2007, when that was not a racist term.

#ButlerFest
#ShatteredMovie

To extend his terrorism on the couple Pierce forces Abbey to wear a different dress, so she has to strip down to her Agent Provocateur skivvies. I'll allow it - it is some distraction in this ridiculousness.
#ButlerFest
#ShatteredMovie

Gerard is sent to a tower, Pierce calls to say he's is leaving with Abbey. Broken, he goes to the cops, but she was there and warned of his condition as she was leaving him.
Slow music plays as he walks in the rain. The Movie is shouting, ''HE'S SAD!!!
#ButlerFest
#ShatteredMovie

Once reunited we drive to the original destination-the cabin of Gerard's boss. Pierce gives him a gun, says he needs to kill who is inside. We see the female office manager, who shows they have been involved.
I BET this is what ''Denver'' is all about.
#ButlerFest
#ShatteredMovie

Big climax time.
Gerard sees a picture and learns Pierce is her husband. He cannot do it, Pierce comes in and forces him, but the gun is not loaded.
Now Pierce gets rough with Butler, such bullcrap. I've watched Gerry stab terrorists in the head!
#ButlerFest
#ShatteredMovie

Gerry is told his daughter is at home so they race back to find her. But then- TWIST ARRIVAL
Abbey let's it be known SHE was in on the whole sham, because of his affair. It is an odd feeling to figure out the twist AND feel it is utter horseshit.
#ButlerFest
#ShatteredMovie

The money that was pitched was just paper, and all the posturing to threaten their daughter was a ruse.
Except - we saw Pierce hitting Abbey, and times they were alone he was still a gruff terrorist. But sure, TWIST...or whatever.
#ButlerFest
#ShatteredMovie

The main flaw is we have to buy Brosnan, 13 years Butler's senior and far slighter, can manhandle and abuse him throughout. Plus we have to watch Butler sobbing repeatedly. Yea - naaahhh.

I KNOW Mike Banning. Never would happen!

#ButlerFest
#ShatteredMovie

To close out this disposable thriller the title they switched to is not only frequently used, so are other elements.

If you want to mock the ridiculousness, this is on TubiTV, or VUDU.
If you get the wrong film by mistake, it is excusable.
#ButlerFest
#ShatteredMovie