Cost of a Soul

This was one of the most depressing movies I've ever seen. The story is totally bleak, with few breaks in the presentation. Two veterans of the Iraq war come home to a place which could be seen as ugly as the war they just left. The entire film is shot in a gray or dark light - this place has been deserted by even a little sunshine. The performances were very good. I guess that's the redeeming aspect of the film. Just about every actor did their best with such a tragic story. See it for the acting, but don't expect a great story.

This dark story Is carried by some good performances.

All of the actors were great. I had never seen the two key actors (the soldiers returning from Iraq) before and I thought they were great and perfect choice for the movie. The other actors (family members and bad guys) were also very good and compelling. Somehow, I missed what was in the briefcase so maybe I'll figure it out if I watch it again.

Yes, it's a dark movie but I think it gives a look at the crises occurring in so many of our cities today - never ending violence and lost hope to get out of a vicious cycle. I found it riveting and the color tones matched the dark topic. Hoping someday people dont have to live like this.

I really don't know why there are so many bad reviews. Sure it was Sean Kirkpatrick's first film he directed. Sure there may be a few shots or scenes rough around the edges, but in the 2nd half of the movie, what would seem like a straightforward plot takes some twists.

I've never heard of or seen Chris Kerson in anything before, but he seriously takes this movie from a 6 to an 9 for me. He does a great job at making you feel for his character (Tommy). You don't necessarily like him, but you can understand and sympathize for him.

I wish they would have spent a little more time showing how Tommy got to where he was in the military. Also great performances from Mark Borkowski (Jake) and Gregg Almquist (Bernie). Gregg portrays a pretty accurate organized crime leader for that time period and type of city.

Just about the worst film ever ... made on a shoestring budget it seems, full of gory violence and non-Iraqi action ! It used to be Vietnam a few decades ago , but things have moved on it seems.

What a wasted and pointless effort in the name of art (?) ...