Small Town Crime

A good old crime thriller straight out of the 90s, where you just can't help but root for the main character as he takes down all the bad guys. John Hawkes has always been an actor known for smaller roles to me, but here, the role of the resolute cop suited him perfectly. He played him so convincingly that I almost believed everything he did (this is exactly how I’d imagine every lead in a detective story). Although the film mostly maintained a serious tone, I appreciated the few lighthearted moments that were sprinkled in for the audience. The plot was quite decent, and the script didn’t end up feeling like a shot-up sieve where nothing made sense. The supporting cast was interesting (Clifton Collins Jr. really delivered, and the two hitmen added an extra layer). When it came to the shootouts, I was surprised by how skillfully they were filmed. The final sequence at the abandoned train cars was incredibly atmospheric, and that moment with the shattered jaw—just WOW. I'm honestly surprised, but I’d welcome a sequel. With Hawkes as the central figure, any time. I’m giving it 81%. (12/03/2018)

A surprisingly great and gritty crime thriller with an excellent John Hawks. The story revolves around an ex-cop with a drinking problem who can't find any work. Everything changes when he finds a half-dead prostitute on the side of the road and decides to take the case on his own, putting himself and his loved ones at risk, as a pair of professional killers are on his tail. The film has a great pace, very nice retro visuals of the local backwater, the main character and his desire to become a cop again is perfect, and of course there is room for blood and one excellent brutal shootout at the end. I wasn't expecting much, but I got a very enjoyable and uncompromising old-school flick. 75% (10/03/2018)