Turn the River (2007)

User Rating:

6.1/10   

Director:

Chris Eigeman

Writer:

Chris Eigeman (writer)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

Sometimes Your Last Shot is Your First Break

Plot:

A pool shark takes the ultimate gamble when she kidnaps her own son and flees her ex-husband.

Plot Keywords:

Pool | Canada | Son | Kidnap | Hustler

Awards:

3 wins & 1 nomination

Cast

Famke Janssen	...	Kailey Sullivan
Jaymie Dornan	...	Gulley
Rip Torn	...	Teddy Quinette
Matt Ross	...	David
Lois Smith	...	Abby
Marin Hinkle	...	Ellen
Terry Kinney	...	Markus
John Juback	...	Duncan
Tony Robles	...	Ralph
Jordan Bridges	...	Brad
Ari Graynor	...	Charlotte
Santo D'Asaro	...	Scott
Zoe Lister Jones	...	Kat
Elizabeth Atkeson	...	Sally
Joseph Siravo	...	Warren

Also Known As:

T.T.R. (USA) (informal short title)

MPAA:

Rated R for language.

Runtime:

92 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

USA:R

Filming Locations:

New York, USA

Company:

Bandora

Goofs:

Revealing mistakes: What Kailey writes on her letter to Quinn inside the pick-up truck doesn't match what he reads on the paper. She writes 'she slept on top of the pool table' then folds it up and slips it in the envelope. But when Quinn reads it the following morning, he reads "she slept on top of the table for a few days and then was gone. She played lots of pool." He then proceeds to read something written on the back of the paper to which we had no knowledge of her ever writing since she just folded up the piece of paper and slipped it in the envelope without turning it over.

Good character study with a bit of a Rounders feel to it

Nice character study of a female pool player whose life is going in smaller and smaller circles and simply wants out, but knows no way to get out.

Excellent performances from Famke Janssen who brings a real underplayed performance, and particularly Rip Torn, who I normally tolerate - as it always seems to be a variation of the MIB character - here he plays the pool hall owner and gives a very good performance indeed - nicely underplayed.

The plot of pool player trying to find meaning in her life with her estranged son is good - but the film is at its best when it's playing pool - just wish there had been more and more of that - very nice. The hustling is never glamorized and feels authentic and kind of grubby.

All in all a nice small indie movie that delivers a satisfying character study of the type normally given to guys - and for that alone it is notable.

For first time director Chris Eigeman whose previous acting credits are more in the romantic comedy line or TV shows - this ain't bad at all...