American Reel

This film was highly recommended by a friend who is also a big David Carradine fan. His work as an actor is simple and true and he never delivers a false moment. His exceptional and eclectic work in Boxcar Bertha, Deathrace 2000, The Serpent's Egg, Mean Streets - and one of the best television shows - Kung Fu, proves that he is a valued treasure. With Quentin Tarantino's emergence as Hollywood's most sought after film director, David Carradine is the only person that he considered to play the lead in his latest epic Kill Bill. David Carradine's work in American Reel is reminiscent of Robert Duvall's powerful Academy Award winning performance in Tender Mercies. In short - see this movie.

The cast does a great job acting in this small film. The overall tone of the film takes to you into the contorted road to stardom through the eye of what could be Picasso.

It takes all kinds of films to make up the world of entertainment, not just $200 million blockbusters by Jerry Bruckheimer. Considering how hard it is today to get films of this size made in Hollywood, the film deserves credit that margin alone.

If you happen to be the kind of person that does not gravitate to this kind of film, you might try looking at it from different angles. The character interplay, the direction, editing, music; maybe see what you do like instead of being fast to give it a negative. Either way you will come away broadened...

Easily David Carradine's best performance since Bound for Glory. (And yes, he's even better than in Kill Bill vols 1 & 2.) David plays a Willie Nelson type country singer who finally finds success late in his career. This film really showcases David's unique sense of comic timing and his very fine singing and songwriting skills. The wry and somewhat world weary Carradine persona fits this character to a tee. I can't think of any other actor who could have played this role so effortlessly. This movie was just a pleasant surprise all around. Top-notch writing, fine performances, solid direction, and great original songs allow me to strongly recommend this film to Carradine fans, music fans, and to anybody who just enjoys good films.

From what I understand this film was made in the nineties and just recently released. I bought it the other day as I had just seen Kill Bill and was in the mood for more David Carradine. Needless to say this film did not disappoint!

Direction and writing are competent. This makes me wonder why this film was never released before this; possibly some Hollywood politics being played, or maybe it just sat on the shelf, but, who cares. It's out now, and I for one am grateful.

David played a great country western star on the verge of an "overnight success" and Mariel Hemingway, who I always love to watch, plays a girl brought in by "James Lee Springer's" manager to keep him in line. James' story on the road to success is a long one and asks the question "If success comes so late, is it worth it?" I'll leave it to you to find out as you have to see this film!

I had to give it an 9 out of a possible 10 for it's genre.

This is a great example of an American indy-movie, ie, one where the hard-earned bucks were spent putting the producers' faith in the story right up there on the screen. It's not quite Tender Mercies or Coalminer's Daughter, but it certainly gives those two a run for their money. David Carradine's music and his performance are straight from the heart and Michael Moloney, playing Carradine's agent, takes his performance and turns it inside out and back again in a rare characterisation that is at times irritating and at times touching - just like an agent! Mariel Hemingway, in somewhat cynical mood here, observes the goings on with acidulous wit and in one memorable and moving scene throws that completely off in a long and revealing soliloquy. What American Reel has is heart and it deserves to be widely seen because of that. I thoroughly recommend it.