Good Day for It

If you enjoy the minimalistic independent movies popular in the 70's you should give this film a try. At first glance, i thought this might have been the greatest collection of has-been actors in one movie in ages. First Robert Patrick, then Lance Henrickson, then Kathy ...what the hell's her last name...oh yeah Baker!. But... slowly... (the pacing is a bit lugubrious, but hey, i said it did have a 70's vibe) the movie grabs you. The cinematography, editing and soundtrack are all above average and the acting ranges from excellent ( Patrick and Hendrickson) to spotty (Samantha Mathis). Overall the level of suspense was consistently high and the story UNFOLDS, which i love. The payoff is pretty good though it strains credulity a bit. This movie reminds me of Lucky Mckee's 'Red' with Brian Cox (a film i HIGHLY recommend) in that it's a very simple story told with style and integrity and isn't that the bottom line in film art.

A good day to tell the truth? Why do we have to have so many characters to write about? All I want to say, is that it has a good ending. But it was too slow!!

I put 'Good Day for It' in my queue solely because of Robert Patrick, Lance Henriksen. Imagine my surprise when opening credits sprung more familiar names. Hal Halbrook, Robert Englund, Samantha Mathis & Kathy Baker. Cast aside, there's elements to appreciate here. It has a down to earth feel and the people ring true, but you gotta know it's a low budget slow burn affair. Deep dark crime saga this is not.

Emily (Mika Boorem) plans to meet up with her estranged dad Luke Cain (Patrick) unbeknownst to her mom (Mathis). At Rose's Cafe, they bond under the friendly eyes of owners Rose (Baker) & Hec (Halbrook) as the daughter finds out why he left them over fifteen years ago. Luke also comes face to face with cronies of Lyle Tyrus (Henriksen). One of which reports back to his criminal boss. Turns out the two share a past association and Lyle has a score to settle with Luke.

A tale of broken pasts, bad decisions and being in the wrong place at the wrong time in rural America coming to a head. 'A Good Day For It' has some real heart, but also a high dose of predictability, a few cliches and surface level characters. Fans of Patrick, Henriksen should give it a go to see the two men share the screen together in a real way, but it never rises above merely average.

With an excellent cast, this fine crime thriller was well worth watching. It was very tense by times - the viewer is never sure how it is going to play out toward the end.

It was nice to see the likable Hal Holbrook in one of his last roles. Jason Patrick, who stars in the main role in this one, has been an underrated actor over the years. The actors playing the villains perform well too - it was interesting to see Lance Henriksen in the role of the boss in a criminal gang.

Although it's a modern crime thriller, it's a lot like a good western, with plenty of drama before the showdown near the end. It definitely deserves a better rating and it's a bit sad how few people have seen it.

This film is truly original and intriguing. Great performances throughout. Strong narrative. All stars like Hal Holbrook and more. Don't miss this movie.