Small Town Crime

Never heard of it. Came across it on Netflix. This is one of the best pulp fiction crime movies I have seen in a long time. It's both gritty and funny in parts. The characters are awesome and the story and pacing just roll.

Definitely recommend.

I was on the fence about whether or not to see 'Fatman' (I can't stand Christmas movies unless they are very dark and well done) so I decided to check out the filmmaker's previous film from 2017 'Small Town Crime'. I was immediately impressed. Almost from the word go I knew this was my kind of film. There was a dark humour about the film, but it also took itself seriously enough that it felt like anything could happen and nothing was off the cards. The balance between humour and drama in this film was nearly perfect.

The main character in this story is one of those rare breeds, where you know they are vile and the scum of the earth, but you are also on their side and rooting for them because they manage to be likeable despite it. Credit goes to John Hawkes for his fine work here. Robert Forster in this film is such a nice a touch. He has such a natural charisma on screen. His performances will be sorely missed. Anthony Anderson and Octavia Spencer are also in this film. They were some casting choices I think the movie could have done without. I don't think they had enough of a part to play in the movie to justify their star-power. I feel like lesser-known actors could have filled those roles and it may have even added to the film.

The villains in this film were well done as well. Nothing over the top or scene-stealing, however they had more than enough screen-presence and menace to be a big positive for the film. Some of the dialogue in the film was exceptionally well done. There is one scene where a character speaks about the difference between a hawk and an eagle which I particularly enjoyed. There was a lot to like about 'Small Town Crime' and if it slipped past your radar like it did mine then I would highly recommend going back to check it out.

Okay, so this movie did employ some of the same cliche' plot themes used in crime drama's, but a good movie non the less. This is a story of an alcoholic ex-police officer who is struggling with life and fighting his inner demons. He comes across a girl, who was left for dead and then becomes obsessed with finding her killer. I can say that it offers no real mystery, everything is pretty much out in the air for the viewer. However, it was a movie that kept my attention and I wanted to keep watching it. The acting was pretty good as well. It wasn't an on the edge thriller and at times ran a slow pace, but it does pick up. It also left me with some small unanswered questions because it never completely explains his story or what happened to him. Other than that, the movie is definitely a good movie to watch if this is your genre of movies. You won't be bored or regret watching it.

Haven't made a movie review on here in years, but had to log in to post this. I didn't think this would be my kind of movie, but I loved it. Favourite movie in months. The slow pace picks up so slowly that before you know it you're watching an action movie. My impression at the end was that it was like watching a modern western - set in suburban life instead of a dusty saloon town.

While not as funny, nor quite as good, "Small Town Crime" has pace and a storyline that roll down the road like a muscle car.

Hawkes' lead is nicely fleshed-out, and transformative. All the characters that surround him are adequately performed, well-cast, and fit their small places within this quirky crime thriller.

It's a little more comedy and a good soundtrack away from an 8-9, and may still find it's way onto the back-end of a top-25 for the year of its' release; at least for me.

I sat down last evening looking for one of those rare Netflix gems, and rolled the dice. This one paid.

You'll like this if you liked: Tree's Lounge(even or a touch below)), Kiss Kiss Bang Bang(a touch better), The Lookout(a touch better),Red Rock West(a touch better), or Stuber(not as good).