JohnRayPeterson Review of Seven Days in Utopia

Seven Days in Utopia (2011)

Typical Duvall film. Fans should enjoy.

[6/10 · 7 December 2011]

If you are a fan of Robert Duvall you will no doubt watch this movie; that was my immediate and only reason for noting this title and making sure I got it when it came out on DVD. He is his usual philosophical character and that's what will satisfy the Duvall fan first and foremost. The movie is not outstanding and as with most of his movies, his character is as much predictable as it is not, but it's good enough and he plays it well; there are not bad parts, mostly it is even and thoughtful. Lucas Black, the lead role acquits himself well enough but his character can't but be overshadowed by the likes of Duvall. The story takes place in town obviously called Utopia; there really is such a town in Texas, you can check it out in Google Maps. I've been to Texas but did not have a chance to see the beautiful parts depicted in this movie. The cinematography in this movie is well done and at the beginning, striking even, taking full advantage of the experience and talents of the likes of David Mullen (director of photography). As for the story itself, it does not standout for me; perhaps too many people were involved and so it lacks the single-minded passion of a creator. It's a good thing the cast, direction and visual effects people were doing fine job, otherwise I would have been disappointed by the movie. If you're not a Duvall fan, you may not think much of the film.