Cut Bank: Kleine Morde unter Nachbarn

"Cut Bank" is a moody noir mystery/thriller that deserves much better reviews than the middling critiques it has received. It is evocative of Coen brothers films like "Fargo," "Blood Simple" and "The Ladykillers," but manages to be original and unpredictable. Performances by the top-notch cast are low-key, but credible. The atmosphere is suitably dreary, desolate and depressing. Technical aspects are adequate, if not inspired.

The denouement is emotionally satisfying if one puts ones brain on hold and ignores everything one knows about forensic science. The film offers a flimsy rationale based on the small town setting, but it still tests the limits of the audience's willful suspension of disbelief. However, other events are well-grounded. The motives and capabilities of the villain are a bit over the top, but not so much as to distract.

Overall it is an engaging and original noir film with excellent performances by a talented cast.

I would've given it 8 stars but couldn't see past Hemsworth's wooden treatment and the way these people talk. Too much forced noir from the writer clashing against the backdrop of plain Jane small town setting. Otherwise it was a great plot and directed well.

Tried to watch this several times, but the fake, twangy--and forced-- southern accents were ridiculous. Montana is not a southern state, Hollywood. Good grief.

After reading the reviews here I was not expecting much with Cut Bank. But at the end of the movie I have to admit that I truly enjoyed this movie. I first was a little bit annoyed by the "parcel" at the end but the next day I suddenly figured it out and then I was even more satisfied with this movie. The stars in this movie are Michael Stuhlbarg, Billy Bob Thorton and John Malkovic. Liam Hemsworth was okay but he shouldn't have had the major role. The other actors were all good as well and made this movie better then the reviews want you to believe. It all starts slowly, but the more you get in the story the better it gets. I saw better movies for sure but I saw also a load of worse movies then Cut Bank. Certainly worth a watch.

"First murder this town has ever seen." Dwayne (Hemsworth) is filming his girlfriend practicing for a beauty pageant in a field when he catches a brutal murder on film. When he shows the sheriff (Malkovich) the tape he is unprepared. Now, with no leads or suspects he must try and solve the murder, but that is only the beginning of the difficulties. This is just flat out a good movie full of twists and turns that is very fun to watch. It is very hard to not compare this to Fargo, and doing that I have to say that it holds its own against it. The actors do a very good job of not giving too much away and the writing, pacing and directing are spot on. The only bad thing I can say about this is that it borrowed a little too heavily from Fargo and No Country For Old Men, but it did change enough to make it seem fresh. This is very dark, but will keep you watching and entertained all the way though. I really highly recommend this. Overall, a movie full of twists and turns, but not enough to make it hokey. I give this a high B+.