captainbob-36117

The script for Washington's Armor is reminiscent of Charles Portis' original True Grit. The writers Labrizzi, Sabatine and Director Tammy Lane capture the ambience of 16th Century Virginia with formal English vernacular and mannerisms. It's a truly great script and story; it makes you wonder what a cast of big time actors and more dramatic cinematography could have produced. If the history is accurate, the storyline is truly an education. Washington begins his military career in the British Army and he is portrayed as something of a dandy. He proudly displays his dancing prowess with a minuet, but soon finds himself schooled by the commoners, corrupt politicians, and enemies of the Crown.

Flashbacks of a young Washington with his father, Augustine, played by a miscast Wayne Matychuk offer insight into George's education and development, but they are abrupt, sappy and poorly done. Clever dialogue between the two characters is lost in the presentation. The script and story overcome most of the weaknesses in what must have been a minimal budget. At first, I thought this was a series, and it should be. An abrupt ending left me expecting more. I hope the producers will continue Washington's saga with a casting upgrade, Director Tammy Lane does a great job with the verbal interaction of the characters that results in a time machine-like view of nascent America. I know it's a lot to ask but some Coppola/Terrence Mann style lighting and scene composition could have resulted in a classic. Wille Mellina provides a credible but uninspired picture of young Washington. Tim Perez-Ross gives an excellent performance as Christopher Gist, Washington's guide and translator. There is not enough of Martha Washington and too much of Sally Fairfax a Virginia nobleman's wife. Her presence is suggestive and confusing. Tammy Lane manages to overcome such failures with clever scenes like Washington requesting the "parking valet" at a party to retrieve his horse. She incorporates the weather, the geography and the politics in a slowly developing conflict. The second half of the story offers some mystery and much needed action. I don't get the title Washington's Armor. This historical piece is worth watching because of the script. Tis' a joy to listen too, and after all is done "the work remains with us," a favorite saying of Washington's father.

Once in a great while we have the opportunity to watch a "movie" that allows us to set on the shoulder of its characters, and observe the world that they live in. Taxi Driver and Midnight Cowboy come to mind. I am not saying this effort is in that astronomical realm, but it's not too far behind.

Imogen Poots has taken advantage of some great parts and should be considered for a high-end lead. Her understated Joan overcomes a few script deficiencies (they meet because she doesn't know who to drive a standard shift SUV). She's understandably frustrated, probably because they don't make any of those outside of Yugoslavia. Caleb Landry gives an extraordinary performance as "Swim." Occasional Hi Def, natural light scenes offer beautiful segues. Low cost but interesting, very visual sets. Definitely worth your time.