Frame of Mind

one of films for who the high expectations about a delicate subject represents its basic vulnerability. because it does not propose revelations. only a decent script about a plot, mysteries, search to the truth and obstacles. all - in decent manner, inspired in few scenes, realistic in many. the film is not a revelation and not a competitor against the classic films about same file, like J.F.K. . but it gives an interesting story. and this represents a real good thing.

I thought that this was a well made low budget "b" movie . excellent acting,, premise,, well done for something that's been overdone in so many different ways for so many years.. I mean think about it,, it's actually plausible for someone who died many years ago,, to have saved something,, and an ancestor finds it after they die,, heck I found Kennedy Newspapers from 63,, Life Magazine,, right after he died,, I never knew my parents kept all that stuff, so yea I can totally buy that part. as for the movie itself,, it's definitely more than likely possible,, after watching the Marathon on the History Channel about 5 weeks ago,, I totally buy there was a conspiracy based on the open mike radio from the patrolmen from the motorcade,, tapes have been gone over and analyzed and proved that there were up to 5 shots that happened that day.. but the movie is very good,, I loved it because I'm an assassination buff,, and I love a good mystery,, and am a student of History,, if we don't learn from the past we are doomed to repeat it.

Notwithstanding the credibility of the whole JFK assassination conspiracy theory, if you just take this as a standard cop thriller, you should be moderately entertained as detective inadvertently discovers unexposed photo frames which may prove the existence of another shooter on the grassy knoll.

Evans is sufficiently relaxed as he eases into the unfolding intrigue, clues starting to mount that the CIA may be somehow involved in the assassination. Veterans Barrie and LoBianco appear in small but significant supporting roles, whilst SITC alumni Noth co-stars as an academic and conspiracy theorist Evan's befriends as he tries to unravel the dangerous riddle. And then in some truly bizarre casting, KISS drummer Peter Criss appears in a minor incidental cameo as a desk cop.

Evans (who also directs) manages to compose a reasonably taut and coherent mystery despite some obvious budgetary limitations and occasional plot lapses that threaten to overblow the production scale. Limited action and virtually no on-screen violence stifles what could've been, instead we're left with a largely existential threat that rarely seems real to the scale of its source material. Sufficient tension holds the interest, but the high profile storyline needed the higher production values to really succeed.

Despite the other reviews, I found the acting excellent, the plot engrossing, and the outcome sad but entirely appropriate. That said, I also believe that Lee Harvey Oswald spoke truthfully when, just before he too was assassinated he said, "I'm just a patsy."

Although not necessarily disagreeing with the movie's suggestion of who the people actually responsible really were, I tend to find what Joel Belz has written more likely.

If that's so, this country is in deep, deep trouble. Why? Because topmost-level American governmental secrecy continues to grow, and when evidence of deception appears, Congress doesn't seem to care.

Rather surprised by the downside comments I read in these reviews, but then I think one's evaluation has a lot to do with whatever credibility one may have towards the idea of conspiracy in the JFK assassination. After all, if the Warren Report was a gross cover-up, what does that say about a lot of things? Americans are very resistant to the notion that the system they live in may be one of lies, corruption, and cover-up at the highest level. Popping a huge bubble can have serious consequences. If you think little of talk of conspiracy, whether the JFK assassination or other notable events, you may do well to spare yourself this film, which is likely to appear a b-level production, confusing with mediocre acting, or downright terrible. If on the other hand you lie on the other end of the spectrum as I do (note I state other end), I suggest you see it and by all means avoid reading any synopsis in advance. You will enjoy it more without spoilers. So being biased towards conspiracy I found the film very entertaining, credible, and well-casted. Well written and I could not guess how it turned out.