Love Comes to the Executioner

I was surprised to see how low viewer ratings were for this fun, quirky film. The only way I can imagine someone not liking the movie would be if they have a hard time appreciating unconventional, bizarre, boundary breaking themes or they aren't in the mood for strange humor. It had the same tone as Clay Pigeons or similar films.I kept thinking, as I was watching the film, how well the director and actors were able to pull it off, given the subject matter, the weirdness of the dialog,events, and circumstances in the story. This is one of the most imaginative and intelligent stories I have seen in terms of a tongue in cheek depiction of philosophical and ethical quandaries. I am a fan of Jonathan Tucker and Christine Ebersole(more than ever after viewing this film). All the major roles were well played, the cinematography,excellent, and camera work, extremely clever.

This is a mixed film - it could be darker, it could be funnier - but the plotting was unpredictable, and there are moments of strangeness.

The characters are too whimsical to be really effective - even in broad comedy. The ideas though are original - though I got the sense that the writers sat and said how can we make this more original - but originality is no substitute for soul - and though the filming, script, and acting are good the film lacks a soul - it ends up feeling like a darker but weakly weak episode of My Name is Earl - and it just isn't funny enough. The humor is OK, but it definitely is not on target most of the time.

Could have been the next Buppa Ho-Tep ends up as a kookie film without a soul...

How this film never made it to the top of immediate cult status is beyond me. It is clever, witty, dark in a very heavy way (turn off for people who have kin in jails) and some of the best dialog which, in many cases require a better than high school education. If you studied Latin, there are some double meanings or "entendres" all through this film. Really good performances by all and if you have to, buy this one. Not for grannies who watch cook shows and knit. To give one a taste of the writing, check out the memorable lines here which are out of context. Also, look up the cast to see the credits and the dark roles a couple of the actors have appeared. This is not to say they can only do dark, hilariously witty films. One of the actors played the lead in "Dahmer" and goes from a very somber character to one that it a great comic flair.

Just sat down to breakfast and this came on Starz. had no idea what to expect. Laughing hysterically, although the subject matter wouldn't make you think so! Crying, (real man-tears) by the end!

Yes it's a dark comedy, think Heathers or something similar. Great cast, non-stop quoteables in it! I know this differs from the other review but I say give it a shot! Jeremy Renner is a hot actor. I saw him in "CSI" and "Dahmer". I'm suggesting this to people who enjoy interesting cinema!

Give it a shot and you should be pleasantly surprised. Christine Ebersole is in it too, and I almost didn't recognize her!

Have fun!

I saw Love Comes to the Executioner Friday, March 18 at SXSW Film Festival. It is the most original film I've seen, maybe ever. Memento was also very original. (just to give you my point of reference) I've literally never seen anything like this film. It's going to be billed as a dark comedy, but it's not that dark. It's just hysterical in a smart, sick sort of way. I wish I could find the screenplay online, because it has some of the best lines I've ever heard in a film. I have a feeling if it gets distribution, and I can't imagine it won't, it'll be a cult classic and be quoted along the lines of Office Space. While the plot is pretty simple, although not entirely predictable, it really is the dialog that makes this movie so unique. The main cast really pull off their quirky characters.