Small Engine Repair

It takes a long time before this movie really begins. Actually the boring beginning makes the last half even better. I wasn't expecting this movie to go where it went. Don't read the spoilers before you watch it and you'll be surprised.

Acting?? Phew you get taken to the school of acting with this little gem. Every one of the main characters top of the game acting. The ending is a little sour and maybe.... different than what one would expect that's the reason for me not giving it 8 stars. It's a must see in my book but like I said the ending is a little dissapointing and lacks imagination.

For the first third of the film, I kept thinking "I know where this is going because the trailer completely gave it away, so just get there, movie!" And then the movie goes paces completely not hinted at in the trailer.

I think some people may skip this because it seems like the trailer tells you everything. That is unfortunate because despite what the trailer implies, this is not your straight-forward "Avenge a loved one" narrative.

As for the film specifics, the acting is incredible, the writing and dialogue is believable and smooth, the setting is also believable and realistic. Everything from a film-making perspective was very well done. The characters are so easy to love, and each has a great back story. I think that it is a formidable example of masculinity, at a time where many of the male characters in films are one-dimensional, toxic and unapologetic. These 3 men are rough-around-the-edges, but also sweet, smart, courageous and genuine. I really loved the 3 male leads.

This film was tense, thrilling, sad at times, funny at times and always engaging. When it deviates from what the trailer implied, it became more engaging, and as the story plays out, I loved it more with every passing second.

I will be watching this film again, and definitely be recommending it.

I don't understand the ultra-low or the ultra-high reviews. It's a very good script about family, violence, regret, redemption etc. Could it have been better? Yes. Maybe 20-minutes shorter with better editing, but for crying-out-loud, it's far above virtually everything on network television or comic book movies.

I had never watched the play but knew it was award winning and how would it pan out in a movie was uncertain.

It stays close to its original format with rich dialogue and manages to keep you engaged, with just the right amount of visualisations and change of scenery. Amazing acting makes it all worth the watch, give Shea Whigham an Oscar already and Jon Bernthal in a non action role was a pleasant surprise.

The story is a sarcastic commentary on society which earns it the comedy drama classification and is worth a watch, you won't regret it.