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I was really eager to see this, being a huge fan of the writer-director and anticipating an apocalyptic thriller worthy of the bold title. While the direction was crisp, the story was a major disappointment, a blown opportunity to explore the explosive political and social divisions in today's America that could possibly lead to a civil war.

It seems strange that the.writer who gave us Ex Machina and other unique and interesting films would deliver a lame political thriller with so little political substance. I can only guess that either he caved to the fascination some British filmmakers seem to have for military action or he was the victim of studio executives who washed out any controversial substance in the script development process.

The script displays a complete disinterest in creating a plausible scenario based on the real forces at work in the world today. There's a lame nod to white supremacists (which fits the standard Hollywood political agenda), but the main body of rebels is vague. And the pairing of Texas and California is a puzzling choice, since the two states couldn't be more different politically.

Ultimately what we have is a lumbering road pic with bits of intense action scattered throughout and a simplistic character drama that outshines the promised theme. Basically it's a less interesting, less tense, fictional version of "A Private War."

That said, if you're in the mood for a shoot 'em up action thriller without much suspense or provocative elements, this will probably do.

"Brooklyn 45" is not exactly a horror film although there are some scary moments. It's best described as a filmed supernatural stage play. It's also a promising step forward for writer-director Ted Geoghegan, who previously delivered the tepid horror film "We Are Still Here" and the dreadful "Mohawk."

There are only two sets in this movie, the exterior of a Brooklyn street at Christmastime, and the interior of an apartment off the street. Excellent set design and dressing spare us from claustrophobia. An intriguing storyline and good special efx keep us watching.

The cast is excellent all around. Their acting is believable enough to sell the wild supernatural events. The period costumes and hair styles are well done.

The only quibble I have is with the high key lighting. The imagery is crisp and the camera work on point, but the flat, ultra bright lighting robs the film of much needed atmosphere, particularly in the seance scene. Whether the director wanted to showcase the period set dressing or was afraid a dark setting might be too claustrophobic, it's a weird directorial choice.

Considering the other paranormal events going on in the room, it would have made perfect sense for the lights to go off and on for variable periods, which would have added much needed spookiness to the proceedings.

How refeshing to see a lower budget film that gets it right on so many counts. Film students (and many working filmmakers) should be forced to watch this as an example of technical profiency.

The soundtrack is better recorded and mixed than any film I've seen in as long as I can remember. Crystal clear dialogue throughout, sound effects, including ambient sounds like vehicles and effects like gunshots, are recorded at levels to enhance the realism of the story without stepping on the dialogue. Music never overwhelms but subtly adds to the atmosphere.

The casting is perfect all around. Kyle Gallner and Johnny Berchtold deliver Oscar worthy performances as two damaged souls, one seething with psychotic anger, the other drowning in fear and regret. Every other character in the film, no matter how brief their appearance, contributes uniquely to the plot.

The story is unrelentingly dark and suspenseful. Through the eyes of the "passenger" we're taken on a forced ride of terror, always on edge as we anticipate the worst under the erratic thumb of (literally) the driving force.

It's especially impressive that director Carter Smith started his career as photographer. Many before him have leveraged their experience into directing but rarely have they shown such masterful work with actors and story.