Few Options

This is a thoughtful, simmering drama about a man struggling to start over and do the right thing, with a strong yet nicely understated performance by Kenneth Johnson. Rainn Wilson has a small but solid role as the cousin who reluctantly lets Frank live in his garage, so long as nobody can see him. If you're tired of crime films with lots of action and little else, here's a grownup character-driven film with an engaging story.

When we screened this film at The Valley Film Festival, it was sold out and got an enthusiastic response. A terrific film from up-and-coming filmmaker George Pappy.

"Few Options" offers a surprising story of a man getting out prison in early middle age. Kenny Johnson gives a moving performance as a man who must remake his life for the very first time. George Pappy delivers a deft script and direction in a first commercial effort, an impressive achievement. Original music and sound are amazing. Also look for some surprises by several famous character actors performing to great effect in some key small roles. "Few Options" compares very favorably with "Drive" as a thriller with some surprises in performances and plot. And like "Drive" a relatively simple premise is brought to a powerful conclusion that stays with the viewer after the movie ends.

Hang on don't turn off that TV. The movie has a surprising twist to it. Throughout the movie of course there's much gloom and doom.

A guy who can't seem to catch a break. I was very critical and kept thinking what a weak guy. Get a grip. Someone not too bright, had a rough childhood maybe, made dumb decisions. Well keep watching. The guy has a chance to move on to a better life but seems to fall into another dumpy shady world of losers. As I watch it, I'm thinking to myself, how can anyone choose to live in such a dark shady existence. Bad company can ruin your life. Great ending. Watch it to the end.

Loved George's "adjusting to life on the streets after long term incarceration with extraordinary complications" movie. It took me in against my will through timing, plotting, and subtle like a velvet covered sledge hammer intrigue, and there I was, involved. Not necessarily pretty, but very satisfying to me. I will watch it again. Novice nonreviewer cooookie summation. Low key shake hands while tickling the palm beginning; Eerily seductive; And strangely believable middle; bang up, bang down, bang inbetween ending. Bang, Bang, Bang - You got me!!! I will watch this movie again, and maybe twice more. Then it will be like The Green Girl, watched three times, and the enjoyment and satisfaction will grow each time as I wonder and marvel about how it was made so well.

Few Options is a drama of moody temperament with solid acting, particularly from the star, Kenny Johnson. It is a fish-out-of-water redemption story set in present-day Los Angeles.

After serving a 22-year sentence, Frank Connor, played by Kenny Johnson, exits the gates of Terminal Island and steps out to navigate a new world of uncertainty exhibiting a strong case of culture shock. Having no exit plan upon his release and less than two-hundred dollars, no car, phone, or comforts characteristic of the modern day, Frank asks his cousin (Rainn Wilson) for a place to stay until he gets back on his feet. Cousin Don agrees to let Frank stay in his garage for a short time, despite his wife's thinly-veiled disapproval. Having spent half his life in prison, Frank confronts immediate challenges that make finding honest work difficult.

Aptly titled Few Options, this story culminates into an unpredictable twist after Frank gets reacquainted with his once friend/partner in crime, Russ (David Marciano), who offers him a doorman job at the seedy strip club he manages, which leads to distraction from the alluring (and somewhat strung out) exotic dancer Helen, played by Erin Daniels. Chris Pendler, the owner of the "gentleman's club," is a ruthless criminal, but one who never seems to get his hands dirty. Pendler's role is played by veteran actor Brad Dourif, a true standout in the movie.

Few Options gets a four-star rating from its well-written script and photography. The movie is George Pappy's debut as both writer and director, and the acting throughout the majority of the story is top notch.