The Last Shift

Astute observational indie about two guys who are stuck. Neither can admit that anyone is worse off, on a lower rung of America's economic ladder. They find themselves working together at a slow fast-food drive-through in a town that's been left behind. The elder of the two -- played with almost painful truthfulness by Richard Jenkins -- is a crumbling white guy who has been serving up low-nutrition burgers and fries for 38 years and thinks he's looking forward to his last shift. His trainee is a gifted young black man -- skilfully presented by Shane Paul McGhie as a charmer with a chip on his shoulder -- whose intelligence can't save him from the consequences of his resentment.

Written and directed with skill and sensitivity by documentarian Andrew Cohn, this is an understated state-of-the-nation piece that makes its points without ever resorting to polemic.

A film with many different layers. What is fair? Is the American dream possible to realize for people on the bottom? The movie contains some laughter but I wouldn't call it funny. Still worth watching because of the good acting and clever use of a low budget.

I expected more bonding between the two, and the story to be more touching. I didn't really get either. I'm a little disappointed by it.

A slow burn but enjoyable throughout. Jenkins proves why he is one of the best actors out there. Bravo! Stellar performance by the full cast as well.

Richard Jenkins & Shane Paul McGhie did a great job making their characters come to life. It's a movie about real life for many people in the US, that the countries or people in privilege places don't even bat an eye.

A sad reality, but a reality.