The Grave

We begin with two dark figures in a dank and shadowy prison somewhere in a southern American town. Then the silence is broken by a husky voice, as we hear of a story of a couple of escaped convicts trekking through swamplands on their way to a graveyard to search out some hidden treasure. Throughout it moves back and forth between the actual tale and that of the narrator. So like others have mentioned, it does have that 'Tales from the Crypt' touch, as it doesn't come any bitterer than this southern Gothic thriller with a wicked sense of black humour and seedy violence. There's a quirky quality about (mainly the characters), but the few macabre and creepy inclusions at times do offset it. However it does what it sets out to achieve and rather well too. Even with its recycled story developments and genre conventions (treachery, greed leading to the true reflection and you know the rest), due to smart flavored writing it's engrossingly unpredictable and razor edged with an oozing, captivating turn of events. The material constantly engages as there's always something going on or references to keep look out for, but there are questionable story details. Being small scale it relied on the script, and also committed performances from Craig Sheffer, Josh Charles, Donal Logue, Anthony Michael Hall, John Diehl and the gorgeous Gabrielle Anwar. In lesser, but highly amusing cameo roles were Eric Roberts, Giovanni Ribisi and Keith David. Location work is authentically picture-perfect. The southern atmospheric tailoring is lush, humid and surprisingly haunting during the night sequences. You feel as if you're right there, because of director Jonas Pete's great sense of place and situation. There are a few inspired set-pieces and vivid images (caught in the graveyard and a torture scene for information). Boldly directed, briskly edited and Alex Wurman's potently racy and twangy southern music score go on to deliver an agreeable mix. A good, quick moving and provocative independent midnight movie.

I casually watched this one night on cable and giggled at the small details such as the Southern vernacular and wise sayings, the classic Rush t-shirt on Mr. Hall, the pot smoking Cletus, etc... Since then I've seen this 6 times and love this movie now! It's a bit of a classic to me. It has a great ending that will make anyone smile and the intricacies of the movie come out if you really pay attention. This gets **** from me.

The Jonus Brothers (actually Jonas Pate) 1st movie; with a script by Mr. Pate, Peter Glatzer, Josh Pate & Michael Wexler (however I have a inclination that Jonas Pate had much more to do with the script that the others); a outstanding group of young actors who would become stars & prime character actors in the next 10 years or so; finally, a soundtrack full of songs that would make T Bone Burnett (the brains behind the Oh Brother soundtrack) proud. On top of that - superior photography, direction, acting, and locations. Jonus has managed to put together a Cohenesque movie that is a worthy match. It really is a 9! Full of humor, plot twist, expected surprises and pure entertainment!

I do have to say this movie almost got passed up. Gabrielle Anwar I haven't seen in awhile along with such others as Josh Charles and Craig Sheffer. Both Charles and Sheffer don't demand millions for a movie as there talent is offered to enjoy and not buy. The movie on the other hand also features Anthony Michael Hall in a good roll. Anthony Michael Hall really doesn't shine in some movies but in this one he showcases his talent perfectly. Now director Pete Hans knows how to work a script and get the best out of it. "The Grave" totally works on all levels. The plot twists, the scenery, the actor's and the dark humor. I do say that the weak of heart and young kids might be frightened by a scene or two but for those who love a tightly written movie, good actor's and dark humor look no further. It feels like a extra long "Tales Of The Crypt" a the last plot twist will open your eyes. Two escaped convict go searching for hidden treasure supposedly buried with a millionaire and pick up some interesting characters along the way. Each actor feeds off each other and gives a stellar performance throughout. A true gem for a long night. A definite buy for my collection.

I'm not going to talk about the movie as far as it's contents because I thought this was a horror movie when I saw the description. I thought it may be a B movie gem... It's not horror.... But it got more laughs outta me than anything in the last few years. Now in 2021 it's the cash grab cgi age so take that as you will. This movie is no where near a classic or masterpiece but it's damn entertaining. There's a review here for two stars and the guy says he didn't even understand the ending. Don't listen to a moron review a movie. This ain't the matrix. The ending was fine and understandable. The movie was good. It's got atmosphere, comedy, great acting, and you are about as clueless as the characters while watching but it works. It's free on amazon. Watch it for a fun ride.