Grind

I would have rated it a 7, but I admit I was trying to tip the balance. This wasn't a great film, but I still liked it--due in large part to Billy Crudup's performance.

Crudup is believable straight down the line, as Eddie Dolan. Who is this actor!? He slips into roles like hand in glove. I watched the film twice just to see his expression again.

The story reeks of inevitability, due to the circumstance; but like the cliche 'accident on the side of the road,' you are compelled to watch anyway.

What I liked very much, was the non-thinking attraction in its many forms; and seeing the immaturity of these souls' lives played out. And though they all lead themselves into explosive situations, they somehow manage to find their ways out and go on. They are survivors, and that's intriguing to me.

I had not previously seen any films with Adrienne Shelly that were not tied to writer/director Hal Hartley. With Hartley's unique dialogue style, I could not help wondering if Ms. Shelly would seem like a different actress playing a non-Hartley part. That's the main reason I picked up this movie at all. It turns out that the Hartley characters were indeed a reflection of Hartley. Shelly is different in this movie, but holds on to the charm that illuminated the Hartley movies. I found this movie to be heartfelt and remarkably well written. Shelly and Crudup are both underrated actors who gave subtle depth to these characters that might otherwise have been missing. This is definitely an indie-lover's movie, but if you like a good story, captivating dialogue, and great acting, you'll like this movie. I truly wish actors like Shelly and Crudup could get more exposure in higher-profile films instead of the Keanu Reaveses and J-Lo's that are shoved down our throats. (note: "Almost Famous" was a good start.)

I rated this movie a 10 / 10 mainly due to I related to it almost verbatim. I was a street racer, building my second car, living with my brother and his wife, all while my brother, my father and I all worked at the same factory! Now, it's been many, many years since I got to see this film late one night. I had just come in from working on my 72 Nova and was tired as usual but could not sleep. This movie was just coming on and so I tuned in and didn't regret it.

Of course, I'm a "hot rodder", or as some prefer, a "car guy" but either way, the rides was a great part of the film but the story was very good imo. Rated it a 10 / 10 and am not ashamed to do so!

i caught this little gem on cable over the weekend and was so

unexpectedly moved that i felt compelled to write about it. it's an

intelligent and very truthful look at a blue collar new jersey family

and the pursuit of their american dreams. the locations, (from the

factory cluttered landscapes to the swampland drag strips), all of

the performances, the overall texture... were right on the money!

-like a bruce springsteen song vividly brought to life. i was

especially taken by the complex relationship between the brothers

played by billy crudup and paul schulze. nothing in this film rang

false, though as a result the overall tone may be a little too bleak

for the masses. i found it refreshing to find an american indy

director that is less interested in flash and trend than his

commitment to telling a gripping, honest, and meaningful story

about everyday people.

This is an excellent indie film -- especially for first time director Kentis who clearly shows he knows his way around a camera and editting room. The quality or actors is very high and their performances are excellent. While the subject matter may not be for everyone, the story is realistic and well-portrayed. Worth seeing!