The King

My rating would almost be double but I made mistake of listening to commentary track by two self congratulatory pseudo-intellectuals (research guys - John Wesley Hardin doesn't end in a "g"). Statements like, "He took a hard piss there." Showing that has nothing to do with art not in this instance anyway. Also, they talk down to the viewers e.g." People and the front office hate ambiguity." I love it but give me a film that has characters I care about. Rather hear more objective commentary.

This is quite a dark thriller by the end of the film. Its a good example of character development and I liked the performance from Paul Dano, who I rate as an actor. This isn't particularly memorable as such but it is somewhat thought provoking and its not a bad film. I wouldn't go out of your way to see it unless the cast really excites you perhaps, no.

Too nihilistic.

A rare blend of tension and enchantment, terrible acts strung together with passages good will, with honesty and admission ("getting right") surfacing in interesting ways throughout. The actors, especially Pell James, give strong performances, and the drifting shot through the penultimate scene is sublime. The final scene feels unfortunately clipped, however.

"Arranges its easy targets like a gunman lining up beer cans to shoot." - Nick Schager

Good film.