by AmbersSecretAdmirer » Fri Jan 07, 2011 9:53 am
Ah The Killing Jar. Seen it and its a tough one to review given the fact that its one of those "who's gonna survive at the end?" sort of films. If the film has a weakness its that the director seems to be of the opinion that more is more, so he elongates moments of tension beyond the ability to cope, so the scene becomes flabby and loses tension as a direct consequence. This happens again and again.
As for the performances, Michael Madsen for a good chunk of the movie is phoning his performance in, as there is no real angle for the character. Similarly other actors seem lost as to how to get a handle on their character. Danny Trejo has nothing to do. However, Harold Perrineau is very good as one of the customers, especially once he gets a hold of the screen.
However, when the movie hits the final 3rd the actors all suddenly wake up, remember how to act, lock into their characters and the tension actually cranks up a notch or six.
Amber, for what time she has in the film (at this point I'm not indicating whether she is still there by film's end) is good once she gets a handle on her character.
A snip of film here and there and a re-shoot for the actors to up the stakes in their performances and this could have been a classy piece of claustrophobic tension. It is in parts, but sadly only in parts. its a good film, but not as good as it really should have been, given the talent involved.
Tara & Willow Together Forever!! Blessed Be Eternally!!
:D:D