Bad Country

This is definitely a crime genre film with a dark message of violence and fear embedded throughout. The two big stars Willem Dafoe who plays detective Bud Carter of Louisiana, and Matt Dillon as ex-con Jesse Weiland play well against each others persona. The ex-con and hired killer Jesse Weiland gets trapped into becoming an undercover rat for detective Bud Carter to avoid a 200 year jail term and miss out on spending time with his devoted wife Lynn played by the sexy Amy Smart and their newborn son Tommy.

Jesse used to work for the big hog Louisiana crime boss Lutin Adams played well by character actor Tom Berenger. As Bud Carter's informant Jesse provides more and more intelligence on the criminal activities of his crime boss Lutin Adams, the noose keeps tightening around Jesse and his vulnerable wife and son to become pawns in this dangerous game of chess. Jesse is fearless but he is not stupid, unless you start to wonder like I did why after a life of crime and killing he has no bankroll to support his wife and son?

This is not as strong a storyline as the Godfather or Goodfellas, but it is an interesting macho crime story that kept me interested and not too disappointed with the way the film ends. I give this film a 7 out of 10 due to some strong acting performances by Willem Dafoe, Matt Dillon and Tom Berenger. It is well worth a watch for the seedy and dark location shoots and for being a decent crime genre film.

Bad Country is watchable with some real heavyweight talent and a setting that promises great viewing. But, because of poor character development and overall production it falls far short of anything but average.

No blame to Matt Dillon or Willem Dafoe, both carrying the movie with excellent performances. In fact, Dillon's involvement in almost any project automatically guarantees reliable entertainment. And Dafoe is as gritty and pained as usual, just what you might expect.

But, the script is shallow, the sound editing amateurish, and the overall cinematography average. The final, expected scene can't be saved by the actors when all the technical facets pull together in a below average manner.

This could have been much better. So many elements are in place that Bad Country practically screams for the sort of polish and technique the cast deserves. I have no doubt that in the hands of Mann or Bay demands would have been made and ideas enforced to carry this movie to the box office with some real effect. As it is, by the end I could only wonder what could have been.

Watch it, but don't expect much.

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")

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.

Some good acting going on here by some favorable actors such as William Defoe, Matt Dillon and Tom Berenger

Actor and director, Bill Duke also makes an impressive appearance in the movie as head of the FBI.

Not really sure if the story is all that impressive.

It was just acted impressively by character actors I had not seen in a while, so it heighten my enjoyment.

Good thinking on the filmmaker's part if that was the intention.

Overall an enjoyable crime drama. if I give credit to the filmmakers about anything, it's that they got some stunning performances out of these guys.