Grind

I would have rated it a 7, but I admit I was trying to tip the balance. This wasn't a great film, but I still liked it--due in large part to Billy Crudup's performance.

Crudup is believable straight down the line, as Eddie Dolan. Who is this actor!? He slips into roles like hand in glove. I watched the film twice just to see his expression again.

The story reeks of inevitability, due to the circumstance; but like the cliche 'accident on the side of the road,' you are compelled to watch anyway.

What I liked very much, was the non-thinking attraction in its many forms; and seeing the immaturity of these souls' lives played out. And though they all lead themselves into explosive situations, they somehow manage to find their ways out and go on. They are survivors, and that's intriguing to me.

This movie was really really good in my opinion! I always liked indie movies. This one was great. I like the cast this was I think the first movie I saw with Billy Crudup and I really like his acting for this and the morning show and almost famous etc. And Adrienne Shelly I loved her it is really sad what happened to her. She was a really talented actress and director and so much more. Ugh I miss her and Amanda peet man who doesn't just love her and her work she's also really talented. The story is really good I love the drag racing and just everything about this movie. I really recommend watching it's a good film.

i caught this little gem on cable over the weekend and was so

unexpectedly moved that i felt compelled to write about it. it's an

intelligent and very truthful look at a blue collar new jersey family

and the pursuit of their american dreams. the locations, (from the

factory cluttered landscapes to the swampland drag strips), all of

the performances, the overall texture... were right on the money!

-like a bruce springsteen song vividly brought to life. i was

especially taken by the complex relationship between the brothers

played by billy crudup and paul schulze. nothing in this film rang

false, though as a result the overall tone may be a little too bleak

for the masses. i found it refreshing to find an american indy

director that is less interested in flash and trend than his

commitment to telling a gripping, honest, and meaningful story

about everyday people.

This is an excellent indie film -- especially for first time director Kentis who clearly shows he knows his way around a camera and editting room. The quality or actors is very high and their performances are excellent. While the subject matter may not be for everyone, the story is realistic and well-portrayed. Worth seeing!

I bought this DVD on the strength of seeing Billy Crudup in an early role.

I have seen and liked Adrienne Shelly in a previous Hal Hartley film and thought that she, Crudup and Schulze (with who I am the least familiar, but no less impressed) all performed well in this indie ensemble. Amanda Peet also features in a minor early role.

The story is well worn, but the pace, style, music and slow, lazy intimacy with which we are drawn into the characters makes this a very watchable movie. Billy Crudup obviously started out as he meant to continue and this film stands out as a suitably charismatic beginning, without any signs of hallmark timidity for this actor's first feature.

If you like short-form, no-frills, character-driven drama, rent or buy this one today!