Sunchaser

Michael Cimino's final film "The Sunchaser" bombed but I suppose after "Heaven's Gate" Cimino was lucky to get any kind of gig. Consequently, the film virtually disappeared without trace and is, of course, now ripe for rediscovery. It's no masterpiece, (unlike "Heaven's Gate" which I firmly believe is a masterpiece), but it's no turkey either and is sufficiently 'strange' to be of more than passing interest.

It's a kind of road movie/buddy movie in which a 16 year old prisoner, (26 year old Jon Seda, excellent), who happens to be dying of cancer, escapes taking his doctor, (a miscast Woody Harrelson), hostage. It veers wildly between black comedy and some high flautin' philosophizing, bypassing the conventions of the thriller on the way. It's an ambitious picture that makes you wonder what audience Cimino had in mind, (did we really need the dotty Anne Bancroft episode), and you could say it's certainly the work of a maverick director, being closer in tone to the American films of the seventies than what was being turned out in the nineties and for all its faults you can tell it's the work of a major filmmaker, one whose real potential was never fully realized. Seek this one out.

We just viewed this on Netflix.... the plot is credible and interesting. The acting is very good. But we couldn't help but get distracted by a soundtrack that was nothing less that ridiculous. Who in the heck did this?? The backing music was sometimes out of a spaghetti western, then street rap, the gospel and just never really worked with the plot and acting.

Though the plot was interesting and kept us engaged, the ending was most definitely "lackluster" - what a bummer.. It made little sense, it is like they ran out of film and just threw something together for the last 5-mins. Too bad, we liked it until the end, despite the soundtrack.

i think this film is really emotional to watch because it shows hurt, pain, hope and excitement all in one film. Jon Seda who plays blue gives an excellent performance in this film and i reckon deserves an Oscar!. i believe this film should be an example of the desperation of some people in the world, who go to any lengths to save their lives or what they believe in. Woody Harrelson also gives what i reckon is one of his best ever performances. he seems to be able to use his character as a doctor to his full advantage, and yet show an understanding side to blue. I really would recommend anybody to watch this film, because it is such an eye opener.

I just caught this on my TV. It is a slice of classic road trip perfection. Woody Harrleson and Anne Bancroft add weight as big names and the script and classy camera work does the rest. the script is top shelf realism with grit and it doesn;t shy away from ripping out the brutality and venom of urban society. The young man playing 'blue' the 17 year old put away for killing his father is professional and it's a shame I haven't seen him in further films, maybe someone should offer him some work. The road trip element is great and the freeways and highways are breath taking in beauty and well used for cinematography and as a tool to push along the dialogue throughout. The urban-dust plains contrast is well thought out and the story darts form one tense setting to another. The biggest surprise with this excellent 'gem that got away' is the humour in the most unbelieve-able circumstances. I personally loved the banter between Harrleson's doc and the young guy's tough insider. Casting is credible and the addition of a heart warming, touching and spiritual story line adds visual and though-provoking undertones. The magic side story increases interest and plays with the audiences take on if this roomer is truth or a legend. The under dog 'on-the-run' plot is gripping and apart from the use of the f word and graphic scenes of shootings this could have been a successful family film. I wonder if this movie gained any awards or acclaim as it definitely deserves some (if there is any justice). This is a buried treasure in the dust of forgotten film. Nice work by all creates a thought-provoking drama with some excellent landscapes of rock formations and dusty plains. Catch it if you get a chance.

If you are being told that you don't have a chance ... wouldn't you try to hold onto something that tells you there is a chance? Even if that may sound crazy to others - I mean really far out. Something that sort of happens here. And you have Woody Harrelson being the one playing it straight ... which is almost funny ... at least to a degree considering how out there he can be too. This road movie has a lot of tension, a lot of relationship and a lot of wisdom in a sense. Like what to do with life, how precious life is and how little we think about certain things that we take for granted. On the other hand, it has also scenes with a waitress that should be getting a lot of ... tips/attention - especially from male customers (surely some female or "other" too, I just hope I don't have to write that all the time but becomes a given). That scene is supposed to show flaws in our main character, though gets kind of swept to the side when a couple of minutes later there is an incident, that paints a different picture - though still abuse or offensive at least. The movie has not just good intentions but also a message if you will. About human will - no pun intended. While that is something that most can relate I reckon, the pacing and some bumps along the road may not bode well for viewers overall. Decent effort and worth a look for sure - especially if you are open to spiritual thinking (with a side dish of cynicism)