Sovereign
Offerman’s Jerry Kane and Tremblay’s Joe Kane offer two distinct commentaries, and both actors performed well, though Offerman is the star here. Jerry is a “sovereign citizen” and the movie does a good job showcasing that even though there might be a kernel of logic in the movement, it’s buried so deep in pseudolegal bullshit and conspiracy theories that it ultimately doesn’t matter. So, watching Offerman spout nonsense with complete conviction was really a joy.
On the other end, you have Joe, who’s ultimately the heart, a teen torn between wanting/needing to do teen things (like go to school, gasp) and his father who, for his many, massive flaws, does love his son—though he becomes more unhinged and ultimately unredeemable as the movie goes on.
While those two are the most compelling reasons to watch Sovereign, it’s also shot well. There’s a musical piece that the movie uses a few times that I really dug because not only is appealing, but it lends an ominous, haunting atmosphere to what’s going on, while not being bombastic—and really, that’s what extremism is at first, something that creeps under the mainstream surface until eventually it erupts, then we’re only left with the aftermath. The song encompasses the bookends of that. I wouldn’t say I’m in love with this movie, despite basically gushing about it, but it’s tense, intelligent and definitely worth a watch.
On the other end, you have Joe, who’s ultimately the heart, a teen torn between wanting/needing to do teen things (like go to school, gasp) and his father who, for his many, massive flaws, does love his son—though he becomes more unhinged and ultimately unredeemable as the movie goes on.
While those two are the most compelling reasons to watch Sovereign, it’s also shot well. There’s a musical piece that the movie uses a few times that I really dug because not only is appealing, but it lends an ominous, haunting atmosphere to what’s going on, while not being bombastic—and really, that’s what extremism is at first, something that creeps under the mainstream surface until eventually it erupts, then we’re only left with the aftermath. The song encompasses the bookends of that. I wouldn’t say I’m in love with this movie, despite basically gushing about it, but it’s tense, intelligent and definitely worth a watch.
Mini Review: A movie that offers two distinct commentaries, and does so with tension and intelligence. Shot well. Also has some good musical choices. An ominous, haunting atmosphere creeps up like extremism often does, until we're left with the aftermath. While I have nothing outwardly negative to say about the movie, I don't love it, but I did certainly enjoy it. Completely solid on all fronts. Might age really well with me so I may end up having to revisit this score.