12 Bucks

This movie was the "dream project" of its two leads, Scott Waugh and Sean Graham, who wrote and developed the film over several years to showcase their talents and tell what they thought was a meaningful take on the ramifications on children on growing up in an utterly dysfunctional environment. The story had many interesting ideas and a solid arc, as the two experience several episodes of divine intervention to ensure the success of their journey. Ultimately, the movie was undermined by on the nose dialogue, moral ambiguity and an overall failure to make sense of all the "magical" twists to the plot.

There was considerable inventive camera work, but at times it over indulged itself in hand held 360 degree spins that made this viewer nauseous.

The acting was all over the map. Intentionally and effectively broad at times, to realistic heartfelt portrayals by the two leads of their emotional conflicts. Some scenes could have been done without altogether, especially the sexual encounters that did nothing to advance the story, and seemed almost prurient compared to the rest of the story.

There were compelling and humorous moments, but this is a movie that seems to have no audience waiting to see it, and will fade into obscurity when all is said and done

The story was an interesting idea, but the script was AWFUL. The logic problems in the plot were as big as semis. And the plot points were as cliche as they could be. It felt as though these two writers wrote down the easiest way to get from point "A" to "B" to "C" without even thinking about the logic of their storytelling. I do not want to give any specifics away, but I was surprised that AFI would allow this film into their festival.

The direction was less than admirable, which is a shame coming from talented music video-maker, Wayne Isham. There were some innovative techniques employed over-and-over again, but overall I think Wayne needs to take a refresher course in storytelling.

The actors chosen to play the lead roles weren't very engaging. The role of Taner (if I remember his name correctly), a young man who grew up in juvenal detention centers and prisons, is the prettiest ex-con I've seen in years. Taner's role was acted with the most superficial of performances. For someone who's been hardened by being on the inside, he sure seems friendly and approachable.

The role of Johnny (again, I may have the name slightly wrong here), has the weakest character arc ever written. Again, this actor was not engaging at all. I could care less about these brothers by the time the film is over.

Don't even wait for the video. Maybe someday, if you're unlucky, you'll happen to catch this at 3 in the morning on the Sundance Channel, but don't go out of your way to see this flick.

To me, the movie 12 Bucks painted a realistic portrait of what it is like for a child to live in a home of abuse and neglect. The "Harshness" in the beginning of the movie is a perfect way to show the audience the seriousness of the situation and understand the reactions of the children. I was very impressed with the actors (Scott Waugh and Sean Graham) I thought that the roles were well cast and was delighted at the way the characters evolved into finding their true selfs and each other. The show was a heart warming tale that I thought was very well written with twists and turns that were both humouous and intense. I would recommend this movie to anyone with a heart for forgiveness.