Searchers 2.0

No car chases. No explosions. No big budget. If you love films and worry where that industry is heading then watch this. Cox successfully snapped me out of the hypnosis used on me to make me think I know "what a good film is".

I liked Iron Man (for example), but from a distance, and from a more sober view, it seems like some overblown loud, teenagers idea of what a "great" film is.

The production and actors, in Searchers 2.0 let loose without straining them selves trying to score on big points or important insights, and it's all the better for it. If you want a big, overblown roller coaster ride then go and see the current traditional offering of Hollywood releases, this is not for you.

Gorgeous film, funny, thoughtful, entertaining :) Reviewers who boohoo'd it are probably not from the western U.S. We loved it. Just incredible cinematography by Steven Fierberg, making this a tremendous road trip film. Seasoned actors Del Zamora and Ed Pansullo aptly delivered the amusing script, and Zahn McClarnon and Jaclyn Jonet are lovely new actors. Dan Wool's driving, eclectic music perfectly accompanied the film, along with vocals by Vanessa Beggs. Wry commentary on the state of the film industry and politics in the United States today. AFI venue this year is also great, a lot to do, to see, to run into.

Despite the threadbare production values, Searchers 2.0 boasts a great script, a distinct style, and a capable cast of low-profile actors that handily step into the starring roles.

It's clear to see that Searchers 2.0 is an inexpensive film. Shot on digital video with generally modest equipment, it has a somewhat homemade feel despite capable direction, camera-work, and framing. It's obvious that this was a hurried, slightly unpolished production, but it's just as obvious that its creators were having a lot of fun making it.

Searchers 2.0 is a clever and occasionally bizarre revenge tale that lets the sense of humor that launched Cox's career with Repo Man take center stage. Like Repo Man it all escalates in a crazy, unexpected ending that was clearly tacked on late in production, and it works as well here as it did there.

Recommended viewing for all Alex Cox fans and film nerds everywhere.

It's hard to not watch this movie, trying not to compare it to the John Wayne classic. I'd say both movies get severely warped if trying to compare that to this, or this to that. I really wish Alex had a different title to this movie to set it apart further. On it's own merit, it's up there with Straight To Hell. Quirky, weird, compelling, and ambiguous for interpretations. For the younger crowd hip to Cox and give the finger to old Wayne, they may say this is a definite 'upgrade' for modern times. But I swear if they ever see the original, they'll forever be perplexed to what one had to do with the other - if anything other than name alone? And somehow I get the feeling Alex Cox is still grinning about this!

I really enjoyed this movie- as I do, all of the films of Alex Cox- a superb, tell-it-like-it-is, movie making Artist. This guy gets it, and finds a way in this film, to show us how ridiculous we are.

Some of the high teck movie lovers might need to amp-down some, for this beautifully shot road movie, for the lessons are silently text-ed between satire and farce. No big Hollywood budget here- but BIG in content, in regards to the refection it sheds back on it's viewers. Not to mention Steven Fierbergs capturing of the background of red-dusted Monument Valley-breathtaking!

Del Zamora as Mel Torres, anchors this cast, as he earnestly sets out to the desert to cast revenge on an old cruel childhood foe. This actor seems to hide in plain sight, with his natural and unassuming style-I like this real-man lead- show us some more of Zamora.

Sy Richardson has a voice like the dust and heat of the desert. Another interesting actor, who was cool and fast in the unconventional final shootout.

Jaclyn Jonet in her first feature and did a fine job. A realistic bratty kid at times and then an actress-deadpanning you into the camera. Another example, as Cox injects many unconventional, third-wall breaking techniques, speaking directly to us, as if to take us by the collar and give us a bit-of-a-shake.

Ed Pansullo is worth a mention too, for his sheer annoying honesty-as the back-seat driving, revenge seeking, chatterbox sidekick. He had me convinced he wasn't acting and gave me several good laughs.

Lastly, I recommend this film for those who are sick of the same old shod that's coming out of Hollywood. Independent films with social insight are priceless. For goodness sake, praise the filmmaker who still fully utilizes our right to free speech. Give us meat & potato actors on a spaghetti string budget, with some true moral & ethical nutrition over the fluff and illusion of Hollywood ANYDAY!

Another excellent Alex Cox film.