Watch Get Duked!

Get Duked! is a comedy-thriller film that tells the story of four teenagers who are sent on a wilderness expedition as a part of their final year of high school. The quirky and mischievous boys embark on a journey to win an award that promises a future study grant. The wild and remote Scottish Highlands become the backdrop of their disastrous adventure, as they set out to explore the uncharted territories with a determination to win the challenge.

The protagonists of the story are: Dean, Duncan, DJ Beatroot and their new friend, a city boy named Ian. Dean is an outspoken, self-proclaimed genius who seems to have a new invention every minute; Duncan is his slightly dimwitted friend who agrees to partake in Dean's new experiments; DJ Beatroot is a Jamaican immigrant who dreams of becoming a famous rapper; and Ian is the privileged boy from London who has been sent away from home to learn humility.

The first day of their expedition begins with the boys arriving at the meeting point, where they are introduced to one of the instructors, Mr. Carlyle. Mr. Carlyle is every bit the stereotypical outdoor enthusiast, with a passion for hunting and rigorous physical training. As they set forth towards the Scottish wilderness, the boys are handed a map, compass, and some basic supplies to survive on their own for three days.

However, things begin to go wrong from the start. The boys take a wrong turn and end up lost, wandering aimlessly in the unforgiving terrain. Their situation worsens when they are pursued by a masked figure with a shotgun, who is on the hunt for the boys. Meanwhile, Mr. Carlyle and his partner-in-crime, The Duke, launch a ruthless hunt to track down the boys, using their wilderness skills and cunning to make life difficult for the teenagers.

The boys soon realize that their hapless situation may be more complicated than a simple wilderness survival test. As they continue to run from the masked figure and avoid capture by Mr. Carlyle and The Duke, they discover that they are very much wanted people. Stumbling upon a hidden cannabis field deep in the woods, they discover that they have interrupted a gang of drug-runners who are determined to catch the boys and silence them forever.

The film plays out as a rapidly escalating chase with the hunters closing in on the boys every step of the way. It's a mad, electric ride full of unexpected twists and turns. The humor is smart, with just enough sight gags and absurdity to punctuate the excitement. The characters are well written, and the performances by the cast are fantastic, adding an element of likability and audience investment in the characters' survival.

The film isn't just for those looking for a good laugh; there are underlying themes that are prevalent throughout the movie. From the commentary on drug policies to the political subtext surrounding the Scottish independence movement, the movie manages to take these issues and add an element of humor while still maintaining a level of sensitivity.

Director Ninian Doff has done a fantastic job of balancing the humor with the tension to create a well-crafted, unique offering. The pacing of the film is spot-on, with the pacing never dragging while also giving the audience some breathing room amidst the high stakes. The cinematography is beautiful, with the Scottish landscape playing a significant role in the film's overall aesthetic.

In conclusion, Get Duked! may not be for everyone, but it has the potential to appeal to a wide audience. The movie is a comedy-thriller with enough heart and substance to leave an impression on the viewer. The cast is excellent, with each actor bringing their unique skills to the table. It's fast-paced, thrilling, and genuinely funny. Overall, Get Duked! is an enjoyable cinematic ride that is well-crafted, fresh, and worthwhile.

Get Duked! is a 2019 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 69.