Chattanooga Film Fest 2025 Review: The Misadventures of Vince and Hick

Vince and Hick stumble, scrap, and bond on a chaotic road to redemption.

The Misadventures of Vince and Hick – A Bruised, Boozy Bromance with Real Punch

★★★½☆ (3.5 out of 5)

By Travis Brown

Every fest needs that one film that shows up late, kicks the door in, spills a drink, and still manages to charm the whole room. At this year’s Chattanooga Film Fest, that honor goes to The Misadventures of Vince and Hick, the latest from director Trevor Stevens and writer/star Heston Horwin. Born from a short (and later a web series attempt), this buddy crime comedy leans hard into its lowbrow chaos and finds surprising heart along the way.

Horwin stars as Vince, a greasy, grinning hustler willing to do just about anything to make a buck—steal, sell, scam, or worse. Opposite him is Chase Cargill’s Hick, a recently released ex-con on a mission to reconnect with his young daughter in time for her birthday party. What starts as a redemption arc quickly spirals into a kaleidoscope of criminal hijinks, boneheaded schemes, and the kind of street fights that’d make Pineapple Express blush.

It’s a familiar structure—think Step Brothers meets Mid90s by way of Raising Arizona—but what keeps it fresh is its unpredictable blend of visual style and tone. At times, the film dips into animated sequences and fairy tale vibes, particularly when told through Hick’s fractured point of view. But just as quickly, it snaps back to brutal reality, where broken noses and botched getaways become the norm. It’s this blend of absurdity and grounded pathos that gives the film legs beyond its late-night comedy shell.

Vince and Hick’s chemistry is undeniable. Their bickering, bonding, and baffling decision-making drive the film forward with energy and charm. The surrounding cast only amplifies the fun—Jordan Mosley’s Bubba is a comedic bruiser, Chris Kleckner nails the Euro-criminal vibe as Dmitri Delgado, and the tag team of Joseph Lee Anderson and Fiona René as Jax and Rux adds just the right dose of madness.

Sure, it’s not breaking new ground, and no, it doesn’t need to. The Misadventures of Vince and Hick knows exactly what it is: a raucous, rowdy ride that never tries to be deeper than it needs to be. It’s built for laughs, fights, and just enough heart to make it worth the trip.

Would it work as a series? Probably not. But as a feature—or even a potential sequel? There’s juice left in the tank.

Final Score: 3.5 out of 5.

A welcome burst of chaotic joy at CFF 2025—funny, violent, and full of weirdos worth watching.