A Lista

It's 1983. Baton Rouge police detective Bud Carter (Willem Dafoe) and his team's investigation leads to a powerful white power criminal organization. He arrests hardened criminal Jesse Weiland (Matt Dillon). While in prison, Jesse agrees to cooperate and reveals a hit-list against the authorities.

This cast is amazing. Obviously, director Chris Brinker got his Boondock Saints alum Willem Dafoe in addition to a few favors being called in. It's Brinker directing debut and his death before finishing post production does not help the product. There are various issues. This is suppose to be based on a real story at a time and a place. The movie does not exude that time or place. They have the cars but the rest is not quite there. The easiest way to set up a time is the music and TV. The budget probably limits that and the songs are generic country rock. The story flow is a bit disrupted. It is ultimately saved by the veteran cast who brings a sense of menace in this crime noir B-movie. Any deficiencies are relieved by the actors' great work.

"I didn't turn because I'm scared. I done what I did because certain people crossed the line." Jesse Weiland (Dillon) is a contract killer in Louisana in the early 80's. Facing life in jail and never seeing his family again he makes a deal with Detective Bud Carter (Dafoe) to become an informant. When the FBI takes over things turn south for both Carter and Weiland. When his ex-boss goes too far Jesse has only one thing on his mind...revenge. I knew nothing about this movie going in and was looking forward to it because of the cast. The fact that it is based on a true story helps too. This is however yet another movie that has a great cast but isn't a great movie. I had a hard time getting into it and really caring about the characters. They all did a great job in it but there was just something missing. I can't tell you what it was but there was an element or two missing to really make me fully enjoy the movie. When you watch it maybe you can let me know what it was. Overall, great acting but not a great movie. Seems to be happening a lot lately. I give this a C+.

OK so lots of people have said lots of things, but the bottom line is this is a film.... Films have a long history of telling stories, making big splashes and the rest, this is not one of them. This is a slow burner a solid film that builds and makes you believe, sure miss it if you like doesn't worry me one bit. is it going to be what you expected - no is it going to be a block buster - no. Is it a film - Yesssssssssssssssss. Watch it, this is what films should be,FUPK Hollywood, FUPK block busters, acting is what its about, this film has it in spades, so much people don't even see it. Watch it savior it remember it in future years it will be a film your reflect on for a while.

Bad Country is watchable with some real heavyweight talent and a setting that promises great viewing. But, because of poor character development and overall production it falls far short of anything but average.

No blame to Matt Dillon or Willem Dafoe, both carrying the movie with excellent performances. In fact, Dillon's involvement in almost any project automatically guarantees reliable entertainment. And Dafoe is as gritty and pained as usual, just what you might expect.

But, the script is shallow, the sound editing amateurish, and the overall cinematography average. The final, expected scene can't be saved by the actors when all the technical facets pull together in a below average manner.

This could have been much better. So many elements are in place that Bad Country practically screams for the sort of polish and technique the cast deserves. I have no doubt that in the hands of Mann or Bay demands would have been made and ideas enforced to carry this movie to the box office with some real effect. As it is, by the end I could only wonder what could have been.

Watch it, but don't expect much.

This is definitely a crime genre film with a dark message of violence and fear embedded throughout. The two big stars Willem Dafoe who plays detective Bud Carter of Louisiana, and Matt Dillon as ex-con Jesse Weiland play well against each others persona. The ex-con and hired killer Jesse Weiland gets trapped into becoming an undercover rat for detective Bud Carter to avoid a 200 year jail term and miss out on spending time with his devoted wife Lynn played by the sexy Amy Smart and their newborn son Tommy.

Jesse used to work for the big hog Louisiana crime boss Lutin Adams played well by character actor Tom Berenger. As Bud Carter's informant Jesse provides more and more intelligence on the criminal activities of his crime boss Lutin Adams, the noose keeps tightening around Jesse and his vulnerable wife and son to become pawns in this dangerous game of chess. Jesse is fearless but he is not stupid, unless you start to wonder like I did why after a life of crime and killing he has no bankroll to support his wife and son?

This is not as strong a storyline as the Godfather or Goodfellas, but it is an interesting macho crime story that kept me interested and not too disappointed with the way the film ends. I give this film a 7 out of 10 due to some strong acting performances by Willem Dafoe, Matt Dillon and Tom Berenger. It is well worth a watch for the seedy and dark location shoots and for being a decent crime genre film.