Searchers 2.0

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!

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.

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.

English director Alex Cox takes the classic American road movie formula and adds in all manner of refreshing contemporary satirical twists and turns. Made on a minute budget with tiny crew and shot on digital video in just 15 days, THE SEARCHERS 2.0 has some wonderful thoughtful moments, great dialogue, amusing and intriguing characters and the best backdrop in the world - Monument Valley. Yes the cut-price way it was shot creeps in occasionally. The sound in one scene includes a buzzing generator in one view but not in the reverse angles and the use of natural light does sometimes mean a gloomy foreground is overwhelmed by the sunlight in the distance,but in many ways this gives it a raw charm. The acting is equally variable but where it creaks one might almost feel it's appropriate as the two main characters, ex child actors who never made-it beyond B-movies and bit parts, endlessly discuss films they were in or admired. They also enjoy name checking dozens of 'fellow actors' along the way who are always given some positive comment along the line of "a great actor!" or "underrated actor!" The ending is surreal and could be seen to detract from the rhythm and style of what has gone before (although there are several surreal elements along the way!) but overall it's such en enjoyable ride that it's easy to forgive. A hidden gem.

What a beautiful film- shot in Monument Valley! Dan Ferberg captured the mystery, awe, and danger of this magical place- pack your bags for this modern day road movie!

Alex Cox has a talent for casting great and under appreciated talent. Del Zamora, a Chicano chameleon of an actor- who always surprises with his unique and very human portrayals. Sy Richardson- adds texture & suspense. Ed Pansullo seems so real- I couldn't help but laugh and newcomer, Jaclyn Jonet, plays Deliah, the sassy & spirited daughter to Zamora- good job!

Alex Cox seems to be able to put his finger on the pulse of our times; I found myself annoyed, as the characters constantly text messaged through out the movie and their constant frustration & struggle over obtaining gasoline for their HUGE SUV- and then realized it was my own self, I was annoyed at- my own need for constant consumption and stimulation. Are we a culture of computer & gadget freaks who are so hypnotized by our toys, that we miss the people, places and obvious world issues, blowing out from under our noses? This movie made me think and reconsider some of the attitudes that behaviors that I have, as a plump bellied American- lulled by the media into a daze, as the world around us suffers from our gas & gadget driven lifestyle.

Keep bringing it on Alex Cox! You are one of the few storytellers who seems uninfluenced by corporate money making greed of the big studios. Thank you for telling it like it is!