Bad Country

In 1983, in Louisiana, Lieutenant Bud Carter (Willem Dafoe) and his team arrest the contract killer Jesse Weiland (Matt Dillon). He uses Jesse's love for his wife Lynn Weiland (Amy Smart) and their baby to force him to work undercover for the local police and then for the FBI to bring down a powerful Mob that employed Jesse to hit enemies. In return, Carter promises to protect Lynn and her son. But when the mobster Lutin Adams (Tom Berenger) learns that there is a snitcher in the organization, Jesse becomes his prime-suspect.

"Bad Country" is a great police story based on real events and excellent screenplay. The plot is supported by excellent veteran cast. One of the best moments of the story is when Lt. Bud Carter says that there is no family to Jesse Weiland. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "A Lista" ("The List")

... and the answer of course is no.

Since he first burst on scenes playing (not joking) Jesus, he has never been less than mesmerizing.

(And his work in Shadow of the Vampire, 2000, never got the acclaim it deserved).

I mention that because cops and robber movies have been around since the silent films but the performances of Dafoe playing against Dillon (never better here, strong physicality, amazing he never played bad guys before) is the heart and soul of this picture, and it keeps you glued to the screen.

Interesting that they used a near-A lister like Amy Smart merely as eye candy, with almost no dialogue. Not that she was less than fetching, but it was an odd bit of casting.

It's 1983. Baton Rouge police detective Bud Carter (Willem Dafoe) and his team's investigation leads to a powerful white power criminal organization. He arrests hardened criminal Jesse Weiland (Matt Dillon). While in prison, Jesse agrees to cooperate and reveals a hit-list against the authorities.

This cast is amazing. Obviously, director Chris Brinker got his Boondock Saints alum Willem Dafoe in addition to a few favors being called in. It's Brinker directing debut and his death before finishing post production does not help the product. There are various issues. This is suppose to be based on a real story at a time and a place. The movie does not exude that time or place. They have the cars but the rest is not quite there. The easiest way to set up a time is the music and TV. The budget probably limits that and the songs are generic country rock. The story flow is a bit disrupted. It is ultimately saved by the veteran cast who brings a sense of menace in this crime noir B-movie. Any deficiencies are relieved by the actors' great work.

"I didn't turn because I'm scared. I done what I did because certain people crossed the line." Jesse Weiland (Dillon) is a contract killer in Louisana in the early 80's. Facing life in jail and never seeing his family again he makes a deal with Detective Bud Carter (Dafoe) to become an informant. When the FBI takes over things turn south for both Carter and Weiland. When his ex-boss goes too far Jesse has only one thing on his mind...revenge. I knew nothing about this movie going in and was looking forward to it because of the cast. The fact that it is based on a true story helps too. This is however yet another movie that has a great cast but isn't a great movie. I had a hard time getting into it and really caring about the characters. They all did a great job in it but there was just something missing. I can't tell you what it was but there was an element or two missing to really make me fully enjoy the movie. When you watch it maybe you can let me know what it was. Overall, great acting but not a great movie. Seems to be happening a lot lately. I give this a C+.

OK so lots of people have said lots of things, but the bottom line is this is a film.... Films have a long history of telling stories, making big splashes and the rest, this is not one of them. This is a slow burner a solid film that builds and makes you believe, sure miss it if you like doesn't worry me one bit. is it going to be what you expected - no is it going to be a block buster - no. Is it a film - Yesssssssssssssssss. Watch it, this is what films should be,FUPK Hollywood, FUPK block busters, acting is what its about, this film has it in spades, so much people don't even see it. Watch it savior it remember it in future years it will be a film your reflect on for a while.