The Actor

"The Actor" is a very indie independent film. I have worked on a short film where the writer was the director and producer, and I know how a film like this can be put together on a shoestring budget. It's fun, actually.

First, there are many things to like about "The Actor." I really like the initial film casting scene where the lead character, Hunter, is reading for a role in a movie. It quickly becomes clear that Hunter is reluctant to drop all the "f-bombs" that are in the script, despite the casting agent repeatedly encouraging him. This scene feels pretty real to me, and I enjoyed it. I also like that there are real actors who are reluctant to use rough language, even when there are big incentives on the line. Hunter has principles, and that shines through.

Then a big pile of money falls into Hunter's lap and he goes on the lam to keep a step ahead of the bad guys. This involves a lot of bad acting all around, but there are some moments of fun. Again, Hunter is a decent guy and he doesn't want to actually hurt anyone. The big action scene where the bad guys are dealt with is not as gory as it could be, and there is a dash of "Home Alone" mixed into the action. Then, unfortunately, the final scene is repeated from the beginning of the film, and it left me with a "Why did they do that?" feeling. Either show it at the beginning or show it at the end, but don't show it twice. And the ending was rather open-ended... but I won't say more.

I liked much of "The Actor," but it was definitely too long. There were multiple scenes where Hunter interacted with women (gym, restaurant, church) that were just too long, and these moments added nothing to the film. Cut 95% of each scene out and you'd never miss the rest. The intro credits were a marvelously edited montage that was nothing like the rest of the film -- cut that out and just get into the movie.

Overall, there were a few things I liked about "The Actor" and a few things I didn't like. But it was a good script that needed some tightening. It is refreshing to see a good guy who is forced to go on the run, who then handles himself with modesty and a sense of fairness. And I really like the initial lesson about language -- there are far too many f-bombs in films, and this one shows that others out there agree with me. That said, "The Actor" is rated for mature audiences (consider it an R-rating) because of rough language.

I'm not a movie critic. But, I do know a bad movie when I see it. This movie is BAD. It's one of the worst I've seen in a long time. Terrible writing, subpar acting, nonsensical pacing, etc. It's worse than a student film. How did this even get made?

Don't trust the other reviews. Believe in the overall rating (3.2/10 at the time of this writing). Save two hours of your life and go watch something else. Anything else. You'll thank me for it.

I know my review sounds harsh. But, I won't apologize for my honest thoughts. Viewers need to be made aware so they don't have to go through what I suffered through.

For the love of all things film, can you and your other fellow "I can do it all" combo writer/actor/directors stop producing garbage like this that does nothing but inflate your ego and pay you more $ because of multiple credit titles?

Why can you not do one thing and do it well?

Repeat this every morning when you awaken.

Writers should ONLY write.

Actors should ONLY act.

Directors should ONLY direct.

Please stop producing such silly movies like this, and stop having all your friends give you 9 and 10 points when you yourself know its a 4 at best.

Do not write act and produce all at one, all that does is fan the flames of your I can do it all ego!

"Surprisingly funny and well written. Richard Blake (Hunter) and Major Dodge (Joe), kept me in a love - hate relationship with their characters throughout the movie. The budding relationship between Sheila Houlihan (Donna) and Hunter, left me wondering if there will ever be a kiss. This humorously and delightfully assembled cast and crew makes this a sequel worthy movie, full of well scouted locations and unbelievable scenery drawing the audience into the storyline and action." "The music selection, by Collective Soul, was superb." "There is no doubt that this movie should be added to your must see list."

Richard Blake crafts a captivating story about Hunter Durban: a struggling LA actor just trying to find himself. Hunter ends up falling into a large amount of cash, which a gang of bad guys with a fearless & uncompromising leader (Major Dodge) will stop at nothing to retrieve from him. What follows is a truly inspiring piece of storycraft, where Dodge among others steal the show in a cat-and-mouse chase.

What truly blew me away was this story told in the background of a fantastic soundtrack made up of some of Collective Soul's best work. The film is a gripping action comedy, which I would highly recommend to any fans of rock, indie films, or just a general well put together action comedy.