Durant's Never Closes

I like how Durant's Never Closes weaves story-telling, metaphorical imagery, and documentary style real-life interviews together to open a window into the intriguing lifestyle and character of 1970s successful Phoenix restaurateur, Jack Durant, an arrogant, self-made business man who had relations with Hollywood celebrities and with the mob, including Bugsy Siegel. I like how Travis Mills and the Running Wild Film crew incorporate scene transition techniques that convey the complexity of Jack Durant and mimic the kaleidoscope of invading thoughts, worries and confused dreams I have an appreciation for the cinematography techniques, particularly the manner of camera panning, slow motion, depth of field, and the manner of scene transitions emphasize the dreamlike state of Jack Durant's flashbacks as well as exemplify the jumbled mindset of an irritated, demanding, troubled man who is frustrated by the state of his control as he views his life events in confusion. The complex character of Jack Durant is portrayed expertly by Tom Sizemore's skillful use of subtle expressions and body language. It demonstrates Sizemore's true ability to empathize with the character of Jack Durant and bring him back to life. Travis Mills, the screenwriter, director and producer of this film, showcases his ability to visualize the entire picture from the start with supportive stories that add drama, comedy, historical information, and empathy for the characters. Travis Mills, in his ability to accomplish the entirety of screen writing, directing and producing a feature film, demonstrates his strong potential for more greatness in the future. Durant's Never Closes is an applauded example of how it is possible, within a limited independent film budget, to construct amazing scenery, to incorporate that talents and skills of local talented actors, artisans, to attract the dedication of expert sound & lighting technicians, to provide opportunities for rising local talent to blend with seasoned actors and mutually benefit from the experience, and to make the most of available resources in order to develop entertaining stories.

This film does a great disservice to the legacy of Jack Durant but also the restaurant that bears his name to this day. The story is convoluted and uses flashbacks and dream sequences too much making the main story disjointed. The IMDB reviews praising this film are mostly from Travis Mills, the director or people he's conned into thinking he's some great filmmaker. If not for relentless self aggrandizing promotion this would be relegated to the scrap heap of failures. The restaurant and estate of Jack Durant wanted nothing to do with this film and the critics who've seen it think it misses badly. In the end you are better off avoiding this since at the end you'll probably wonder what you just saw, and not in a good way.

I was waiting for this one. And it didn't disappoint. Growing up in Phoenix in later part of the 70's and early 80's. It felt right. You can really feel this moment in time. Some will find it confusing. If you are just a summer block buster type. More of thought provoking tear jerker. 9 out of 10. More studio crispness and it would be a honest 10!

Director Travis Mills built a strong story around the infamous Jack Durant, owner/operator of his famous eatery in Phoenix, Arizona––Durant's.The restaurant has continued after Durant's passing and leaving it to his dog in his will. Durant's explosive nature was legendary. His public and personal relationships existed daily at the end of Durant's short fuse. Most believed he had ties to organized crime. The essence of Jack Durant was superbly captured and performed by Tom Sizemore and was drawn out and captured on film by director Mills. Durant's Never Closes is an Indie film, made by Indie filmmakers who put their hearts and souls into giving you a great, entertaining film. Highly recommended.

I promise to keep my review short for you the reader. I am not writing this as an audition for a film critic position or to somehow show off my writing skills. I am writing this to let the audience know that I enjoyed "Durant's Never Closes," an Independent film starring Tom Sizemore shot by Travis Mills & Running Wild Films.

Yes, I am a Tom Sizemore fan, and if you are as well, you will not be disappointed. I have also seen other projects of Mr. Mills, and as usual, he always does great work.

The film takes you into a part of Jack Durant's life as owner of the famous Phoenix restaurant Durant's. And while you cannot fit everything into a feature film, this film does a great job of bringing the human quality to Jack Durant, letting you not only see his tough guy bravado, but his weaknesses as well.

I would highly recommend this film to film fans. Hats off to Tom Sizemore, Travis Mills & the whole Running Wild Films team!!