The Duel

Whilst 'The Duel', Diego Hallivis' feature debut, is undoubtedly flawed and overly clichéd, I still found it to be an enjoyable 'overcoming-odds' story. Despite Hallivis' minimal budget to work from and without any notable star names, The Duel is still surprising dark and edgy, a step ahead of the usual 'Straight to Video' fodder around. 'The Duel' centres around Vance, a teenager who moves away from Wisconsin with his mother to escape his violent father. In New York, he learns of 'Duelling', the violent street version of Baketball. Alongside his partner, they compete to get to the gathering, the biggest 'Duel' tournament in New York. 'The Duel' is loaded with clichés- bullying at school,Daddy issues, Girlfriend who doesn't want anything to do with 'Duelling', big climax at the 'Gathering tournament' etc. Just like so many other films of its kind, its predictable and formulaic. It takes itself too seriously with little comic relief. But what separates this film above its peers is its engaging subplots, its insight into street life in New York. Yes, the acting is amateur, the soundtrack is nothing special and we've seen the exact same story a dozen other times. But amidst this there is heart, something that makes me inclined to follow the fledgling career of Diego Hallivis. Not exactly a 'slam dunk', but this one is sure to win you over by the 'final buzzer'...

I didn't expect a lot from either the premise or the low budget, but wow, this is bad. The actresses do a reasonable job, but the actors are uniformly awful. This wasn't about a competition. It was about who could grimace the most. Why so much anger? I don't really care if it's bad directing or or terrible acting. The only reason I gave an extra star was because some of the basketball shots were well-choreographed.

I think they had a budget about 500 dollars, they spend 100 bucks on intro animation,another 100 on soundtrack,cut scenes and love scenes 100 bucks,angry black man 100,and the last 100 bucks they spend on beer.The storyline is boring,not to mention that they are in high school,they look older then me and i'm 26,i didn't know you can do that. Maybe it is the school for under graded people,something like that. Anyway,i wasted my hour and a half on this movie,don't make same mistake.I don't know what to say more about film, but they don't let me post this if i don't make 10 lines.So people what can i say, salute from Serbia.

This movie was enjoyable for myself and my sons. It started a bit slow but picked up...the basketball games where good made me feel like i was back home in Brooklyn..The acting is OK but the soundtrack is amazing,i cant say this is the best movie i have ever seen but is definitely an enjoyable movie i would suggest to watch...The girls are cute in the movie there is a mixture of comedy action and sports.. i think all ages can watch this movie. for first time producers and director the Hallivis Brothers did a great job and i cant wait to see what there future will bring..This movie reminds me of past movie step up so you think you can dance coach carter and karate kid..overall i give this movie a strong 6 its a great made for TV movie something you would watch on BET OR TNT OR EVEN MTV..