Damaged

Oh dear. I am not sure which high school drama class was responsible for this travesty of a movie but it is unquestionably one of the worst films I have seen in the past decade. An absolutely ridiculous script with terrible acting. This abomination relies on loud scary sound effects, ominous music and recurring dismembered body parts in an effort to retain the viewer's attention or attempt to have some sort of cinematic relevance. There are no redeeming qualities to this film, it fails on all fronts - even the car chase actions seems are sophomoric and absolutely laughable - like the college kids who produced this disaster were excited to get their hands on an Audi and Beemer for the weekend. Incredibly bad.

This movie has so many possibilities but poor direction and some editing flaws the overall experience. It is a perfect example where a "big name" is used just to boost a story or production. I feel for Samuel Jackson here, as he should be awarded for his tenacity and perseverance during this stumbling-along story

Don't get me wrong - there are other notable performances too, but they don't get the credit they deserve - it is all about using SJ's persona. It is a real pity, but this is not the only movie that has used this trait

As for the story itself - well written and executed although the surprise element was a little obvious towards the middle of the movie. The storyline could have done with some punch here and there to counter the slow burning and sometimes awkward watching experience (I fell asleep twice)

For the editing - well, this trait of leaving some scenes hanging for three or four seconds longer than necessary is not doing the experience any good. When a scene tells its story, MOVE ON!

The directing is OK although some scenes make you wonder why? Perhaps creating goofs on purpose? The murder scenes are rather irritating from a factual point of view. They are TOO obviously fake and the prop guys could have done so much more to make the scenes more accurate and believable. Using SJ they could have learnt from "7even" a bit

Overall just a popcorn-Saturday-rainy-night movie.

I watched this movie at my local movie theater. Looks to be a limited release film. I enjoyed it for what it was. I just wished there was some loose ends sorted out. I highly doubt that there will be a sequel to this. I'd be thrilled if there was. I think this would've worked better as a limited television series. But with a much better ending. I'm surprised Samuel L. Jackson signed up for this film. Definitely feels like a straight to video kind of movie. I would love a part 2 to this. Just to make the ending to this one less crappier. It just feels unfinished to me. In my dreams, I suppose...

So with me being the movie person that I am I thought I was going to enjoy this way more then I actually did. The problem is any movie person has seen this story before so many times prior. I dried out alcoholic cop that is great at their job, but not reaching their full potential because of the alcohol and some life issue that is causing them to be miserable. This story is no different. A cop from Chicago is now in Europe working. He's very good at his job but the story doesn't really seem to care. The film is just ok. It's like watching a made for TV movie. It's just ok. I don't think I would recommend or view again.

A bit of a flop for me.

None of the characters seemed likeable, there was too much "accidental and forced" relationship drama that interrupted the storyline (which wasn't all that great to begin with), and there was no reason behind some of the character attributes. You'll see Samuel L. Jackson's character drinking constantly from scene one, so it's not a spoiler, but what does it add to the plot?

And speaking of Jackson, here's a good double standard for you: The retirement age for ANY Chicago cop is 63 and yet Samuel L. Jackson is 75. But somehow Leonardo DiCaprio caught hell for being too old for his role in "Killers of the Flower Moon." Now, I love both these guys--but Jackson gets a free pass because???