Galveston

Yeesh. This is a tough movie to watch.

This is not an "action crime thriller" as it's categorized on IMDB, because there's only one "action" scene so to speak. This is more like a crime drama, but it's filmed like a thriller. It has that gritty, low-saturated gauze about it.

However, the film itself is about the cycle of people making bad decisions that come back to bite them as they attempt to turn a sour life into a good one.

Ben Foster really is the driving force of the film here; he's a powerhouse on the screen, and he portrays a character of little words. His character's backstory is told through small bits and pieces throughout the film, while the tattoos, facial expressions, and his mannerisms explain the rest.

Yet the film is not a revenge piece like the description may lead you to believe. It's a realistically told crime tale about two people coming out of a really bad situation trying to make the best of it, but they just don't know how. This movie does not follow Hollywood's typical action beats so don't watch this while you're in a depressed state or a low mood.

Even still, Foster has been racking up a filmography of truly worthwhile films. He's been selective and intelligent with his choices, appearing in a lot of indie flicks that hit you hard.

This one definitely hits you hard.

A silent, sad story. Too real. I love it, but I'll never watch it for the second time.

I was expecting a Hollywood ending, and didn't get it, yet I appreciate this film even more because of it.

This film was an outstanding true film noir (Google it) and the finest in filmmaking you don't see made in Hollywood anymore, as today's viewers wan't more action and thrills. I am one of those people, and I can't stand slow paced films, but this film is that one rare exception.

It's an emotional roller coaster ride that leaves you wanting more, and although it doesn't fulfill your expectations at the end, it's still a rare true artistic gem of a production.

Directing by Mélanie Laurent was perfection. The writing by Nic Pizzolatto was great, although I would like to have seen a little more 'drama' and 'action' added to the script, but that's just me. I also felt the ending was a little rushed and could have been more impactful. The length was perfect, but I wouldn't complain if it was longer with less of a rushed ending. The cinematography and score were on point. Ben Foster and Elle Fanning were outstanding, and all other cast members were great, although I felt Beau Bridges slick hair character would have been better cast by a more gangster looking actor - say Tommy Flanagan.

This film isn't for everyone, hence some of the low ratings, but for those who appreciate an excellent old fashion story-telling production out of the Hollywood ordinary, that has heart, this is for you.

A well deserved 8/10 from me.

Noir film, brilliantly acted by Ben Foster, who deserves to be a major star. Familiar premise of a hitman who rescues a teenage prostitute and goes on the lam with her and her young daughter. Somewhat overacted by Elle Fanning, who needed to rein in the histrionics - a mistake by the director.. The story holds up well, with twists and turns along the way. Unfortunately the ending lets the whole thing down. Illogical and rushed (as other reviewers have noted!) the story simply peters out instead of ending with a bang. A shame as there was enough good acting and originality to the story to have made it a good watch. Interesting to note that Wikipedia reports the write took his name of the credits when the director made changes he disagreed with. Would have been nice to have seen the original ending instead of the director's.

I was hooked into this film, it grabbed me and held my interest easily and fully. It feels so authentic, I was loving it. The end however I found to be very disappointing. I didn't feel it was the type of film to end in the vague way it does. It just didn't fit this film. Too bad the ending wasn't better, because this could have truly been great. 6.5/10