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Highwaymen (2004)
Just bought it and enjoyed it! Surprisingly...
Granted, this movie seemed as if it went from theater to DVD in less than a blink of an eye, but don't let that dissuade you from ordering a copy from Amazon. Hmmm
did it make to theaters? I remember seeing the trailer in theaters
In all honesty, the film has a simple quality, and the acting is almost B-Movie noir, but it was fun nonetheless. It is a simple hero versus bad guy story that severely needs a re-release, special edition DVD on the ten year mark! Believe it or not, the movie is well freaking done (minus a few visually missed queues and a question about the hero and his source of income might come into play
) For some reason, (and I say this because of the close up shots of the actors during the driving scenes) certain camera angles appeared like old movie making scenes, where outside the car, the images looked projected. Outside of that, the movie formula comes to life when you finally have a moment to see Colm Feore, Mister Antagonist himself. He looks like what Darth Vader would have been if the technology was just slightly under budget.
If you're a story writer (shorts, screenplays, novellas, etc.) who needs a push, or a spark, then rent or buy this DVD. You will spend time thinking of what you could do to make it better but in all you will appreciate the movie for its worth and merit. The story is David versus Goliath, and the only advantage our hero has is his revenge for his wife's death, and the bad guy well he's just plain nuts. This review may seem a little mixed but I based it on the way I approached the film. I wanted to see a simple, low budget action flick that could hold my interest and this one did that. Mind you, there are some slight plots issues and some character development needs, but then if I had the amount of money that was budgeted for this film, then I probably would make it the same way. Check it out for yourself you'll have fun but then you'll pick through the parts that seemed a bit trite just as you would pick through your teeth after a good meal.
The Village (2004)
Not that predictable...
A friend of mine, who belongs to the Brandywine Conservancy, invited me along to enjoy the private screening of The Village. Free food and drinks were thrown in - so how could I refuse. As for the movie, I honestly expected M. Night to provide a surprise (just as he does with all of his films) - but in reality - he delivered a number of surprises, especially after the first act gets underway. Joaquin Phoenix is on his way to becoming an intense presence on screen not quite like his role in Gladiator but in a more silent, deep-seated, moody aura which worked well with the films rather tranquil, but unnerving environment. In all, the movie takes you on a well-woven plot that actually twists at some very unexpected places, which made me take a step back and attempt to stop assuming what the ending may be like, and simply enjoy the story for what it was a 'story'. There was a strong tapestry of characters and scenes that held each and every moment together, tightly, so there was really no room for error. All of the acting was top notch, and was delivered with impeccable performance. There was not one person in that cast who did not offer a hint or two, just to keep the story surprising and worthwhile. In fact I can't wait for the DVD to show up on Amazon - so that I can freeze certain frames just to catch some of the hints and tips that were offered throughout the movie. If you liked The Sixth Sense, then you will like (better yet, enjoy) The Village.