9 Bullets

Firstly let me just say the ratings here of 1's and 2's are just idiotic. There are always 'individuals' with an axe to grind about something they don't like, but a review is here not just to voice opinion, or as happens too often here 'vent' but also help others decide what to watch, and using a false perspective helps no one... so here goes.

I enjoyed most of this movie. It seems to be the norm these days but the writing, or more accurately parts of the plot and script, really do need some work. The shortcomings here are a tad shy of what I'd call 'serious' but enough to taint the overall movie sufficiently to make the viewing experience lacking. The ending in particular is hurried and a little foolish. It's poorly contrived and feels a little panicked as though there wasn't enough time to get it completely right. It lets down what is otherwise a half decent tale quite badly.

Sam Worthington plays a locally feared criminal head honcho, but we're given no information on the nature of this illicit business , in fact all aspects of this part of the story are curiously absent and we're left with a void of detail that hampers our ability to form any real connection with aspects of the story and many of the characters because of this. Considering the length of the film 1:36 they should really have re-appropriated some of the time afforded to many of the scenes that laboured for no good reason, to this more significant aspect of the story.

Worthington's rag-tag four man outfit of henchmen are really a 'Keystones Cop' bunch of misfits that seem anything but professional hitmen, or even seasoned thugs. Worthington does a good job with the role and totally carries pretty much all his scenes though sadly he's still let down but some poor screenplay and a wanting script.

Lena Headly tends to excel in roles that either require little emotional expression or those requiring excellence in the dark or negative side of human emotions and failings. She struggles a bit with the brighter emotional moments, even smiling seems to push her abilities somewhat. Though she does give a good performance, she's a little out of her depth in some of the scenes. Still, I think she does the role justice, and does pretty good job working with the material she's given... such as it is.

Dean Scott Vazquez is very good here and he may be one to watch as he certainly has a lot of potential and could be a star in the making. Barbara Hershey has a minor role but the rest of the cast is largely forgettable save Cam Gigandet who I found particularly entertaining as Tommy.

Its an enjoyable film for the most part and though it does fall short in quite a few areas the underlying story is a good one. Sadly it wasn't done well here, and I can't really recommend it as a satisfying entertainment piece. At one hour and thirty six minutes, its a lot of time to invest in mediocrity.

Lena Headey I think is a wonderful actress and can work any role perfectly but she certainly wasn't challenged with this dull script.

I've no idea about anything to do with the young child, Dean Scott Vazquez, who is the basis of the whole story but, he was very good with his delivery, acting style (though his crying in the early film parts is seriously annoying).

Barbara Hershey is like Lena in that she can work a role superbly.

Sam Worthington I have never thought of as a good (though he is not terrible) actor simply because ... 1) ...he always looks like he is half asleep and hasn't quite woken up to his surroundings and always looks like he is not putting any effort/interest into his roles (though not much he could really do with this naff script)... 2) ...plus - IMHO - he just doesn't have that strong screen presence factor, say like Keanu Reeves, Robert Downey Jnr, Gene Hackman etc.

It opens with burlesque dancer Lena on stage and has the camera about 6 feet away from her, so close you cannot see anything; even though she is hardly moving at all...with only slight - and I do mean SLIGHT - hand movements. Totally unimpressive and NOT a good way to immerse you into a film!

The problem with the film was that it was just dreary, dragged along in a dull way (and you knew exactly what was going to be the final outcome). The killers, working for Worthington's character, were just not believable and came across as Red Neck numb-nuts. The entire film draws not one iota of plausible emotional factor from you, as there is nothing to give you shock, humour or excitement feelings. Its purely only bearable because of the presence of Lena Headey and the kid, Dean Scott Vazquez.

I give it a 5 star rating but 4 of them are for Lena and Dean. The other is for the debut directors presentation. Though I think it was poor for me it was - for a first time effort - nicely done; as believe me, I have seen a zillion times worse from newbie directors!

There is gun violence... There is a completely pointless sex scene; Lena is totally nude and shows breasts/nipples...

Though it watched it all it was extremely difficult. Another pitiful movie.

The acting of the kid was very good but other than that there is nothing good about it.

Some child actors will make or break a movie and character development of your main villain is essentially left out of the story.

The film was given a great actress and common premise but had nothing original to offer. We we're left to imagine a backstory and left to nothing on the screen and a sound track that couldn't support the tone of the film consistently. The film isn't worth saying more about.

Want to see a similar movie, with a much believable lead female (played with grit and conviction by Rowlands) and supported by a very likeable young boy (played by John Adames)..look for "Gloria of 1980." No nonsense acting delivered by both. This one, however..well, a one time watch just to kill time//