Galveston

This is one of the best flicks I have watched in a long time. The story is excellent and the acting is excellent. Definitely worth watching.

It's 1988 New Orleans. Roy (Ben Foster) is diagnosed with terminal cancer. He's a hitman sent to kill a crime lord but the man isn't there. He ends up rescuing captive Rocky (Elle Fanning). She's 19 and hoping to work as an escort. She refuses to leave his side as he sets off on a road trip to Galveston.

Famed French actress Mélanie Laurent is the director. She has a good visual eye. The story flows well but it does have a few bumps on the road. Foster is playing the strong, silent type but it would serve the movie well if he has more conversations with Rocky. I like most of their interactions. Elle's big emotional scene does go too hard. Obviously, Mélanie directed her to stretch out her acting skills but she may not be capable yet. Also I think it would be more powerful if she tries to stifle her pain inside. When Roy gets to his destination, the scene needs some more depth to the reason why he needed to see that woman. It also doesn't make sense that he would return to Rocky unless it is set up better. Overall, Foster continues to be an underrated actor and Elle is at least trying to do more than being the ingenue.

Noir film, brilliantly acted by Ben Foster, who deserves to be a major star. Familiar premise of a hitman who rescues a teenage prostitute and goes on the lam with her and her young daughter. Somewhat overacted by Elle Fanning, who needed to rein in the histrionics - a mistake by the director.. The story holds up well, with twists and turns along the way. Unfortunately the ending lets the whole thing down. Illogical and rushed (as other reviewers have noted!) the story simply peters out instead of ending with a bang. A shame as there was enough good acting and originality to the story to have made it a good watch. Interesting to note that Wikipedia reports the write took his name of the credits when the director made changes he disagreed with. Would have been nice to have seen the original ending instead of the director's.

I was expecting a Hollywood ending, and didn't get it, yet I appreciate this film even more because of it.

This film was an outstanding true film noir (Google it) and the finest in filmmaking you don't see made in Hollywood anymore, as today's viewers wan't more action and thrills. I am one of those people, and I can't stand slow paced films, but this film is that one rare exception.

It's an emotional roller coaster ride that leaves you wanting more, and although it doesn't fulfill your expectations at the end, it's still a rare true artistic gem of a production.

Directing by Mélanie Laurent was perfection. The writing by Nic Pizzolatto was great, although I would like to have seen a little more 'drama' and 'action' added to the script, but that's just me. I also felt the ending was a little rushed and could have been more impactful. The length was perfect, but I wouldn't complain if it was longer with less of a rushed ending. The cinematography and score were on point. Ben Foster and Elle Fanning were outstanding, and all other cast members were great, although I felt Beau Bridges slick hair character would have been better cast by a more gangster looking actor - say Tommy Flanagan.

This film isn't for everyone, hence some of the low ratings, but for those who appreciate an excellent old fashion story-telling production out of the Hollywood ordinary, that has heart, this is for you.

A well deserved 8/10 from me.

A silent, sad story. Too real. I love it, but I'll never watch it for the second time.