SLVSteve

So much hatred for this film but I feel this mix of Beckinsale, Atomic Blonde, flashbacks told in haste, a little Black Widow, quirky editing and short appearances by cars you wish could last the whole film (a beatiful McLaren), Stanley Tucci holding his own in an action thriller - and did I mention Beckinsale? - as a whole holds up on its own with fun, humor, and what looked like writers, crew and cast having fun making an entertaining piece of shallow theater.

Honestly, one worry I have is the opening over-long intro narration done by an actress many people love but was truly misplaced in tone for this film and the ending. After that the film does much better at pacing and style to where hopefully more will love it than hate for what it is. Also - one HUGE star down for making firefighters look like idiots and drunk kids playing with garden hoses - which is a huge pet peeve of mine - seriously please stop putting that into these films. And yes the ending is condescending to everyone that was trying to put a higher intelectual curve on Kate's character, so put all that aside you might be entertained for a couple hours...

For those of us that lived thru those weeks of filming in town and around the Valley - lest we not forget the tedious days of road closures and "film-making". As a reminder to those that live here - locales include Boulder Creek, Bonny Doon, Davenport, Big Basin. etc. The bank was the BC firehouse; chase scenes included Moon Drive off Hwy 236, Empire Grade Rd, and Hwy 1.

Production: Jeffrey Jones was the most approachable, Matt Broderick was above us all - even back then. As far as the film goes - a joke of a script and even a bigger laugh regarding acting and plot - but who cares at this level. A nice time capsule for those that enjoy our coast and valley scenery.

Additional notes; Joe's Bar (Jed's Tavern in the film), original name of the film was Welcome to Buzzsaw - the Old Erba's parking lot was the town square, the backyard shots were off of Grove Street in Boulder Creek; turn off the thinking cap and see a few actors in their early days.

The depictions and descriptions of the film can be read on numerous reviews here and elsewhere - but I have to say most of these writs seem determined to discredit a good film. I truly believe most can agree this is one of the best pieces of fiction best paralleling reality for L.A. filmed since (and including) Crash, Harsh Times, Training Day, etc.

Watching the deleted scenes, docu on filming, listening to commentary, and related media, they all reveal a true sense of wanting to make a non-Hollywood film with succession and an honest feeling of REALITY. Reading thru several armored car inside-jobs this film reveals a very authentic feel that deserves more credit than it is being given.

Outstanding performances by Cannavale, Perez and Gibson proving small films can bring the best out of someone. Regardless of the negative and technical reviews written about the end scenes and cultural inaccuracies - I have to give this film one of the most realistic portrayals I have seen in years centering around a man that is losing everything that makes him a man - and finds a way to regain it without being Jason Bourne or James Bond.

A worthwhile film that deserves a rent or maybe even a purchase for those from the areas of LA they film in…if anything - the sex scene is probably one of the most dedicated I have watched in some time - but at the same time shows a realism that mainstream cinema has missed for years…I will be recommending this title in my store for those looking for an authentic urban film.