Just saw this film a week ago in a premier showing at the 3rd Cinemuerte film festival that takes place in Vancouver, B.C. And in the spirit of films like 'Shallow Grave' and 'Reservoir Dogs' comes this fun and surprising unpredictable thriller from director Buddy Giovinazzo ('Combat Shock' and 'No Way Home')
I don't want to ruin the plot, suffice to say James Russo give a great performance as the forty something Micky, who in serious debt with only a few days to pay off or else, gets an unexpected call and plane fare to meet in Germany for a reunion with three other exchange students he knew 20 years earlier when, in a drunken night of excess, his baseball career was cut short due to an accident caused by one of these three. Once in Germany an accident (maybe) involving the death of a young woman causes an escalation of events where secrets are revealed, plot twists are plenty, and by the end no one is left unscarred. ( Clever use of film title in review )
The best thing I can say about this film is that besides the technical excellence displayed, there were many moments where this film could have become excessive and over the top and at these times the director knew to pull back and keep the film on a subtle plot-course. It does come close to being silly a few times, I'll admit, but never once does it step over that line, and these days that is a remarkable achievement.
Over all, I highly recommend this film for it's direction, acting, photography, and in particular the writing, where the pacing of the film was so well done I never had the chance to get ahead of the plot. Well, maybe near the end, but so what?
This a good, tight, suspense filled drama that deserves some serious attention. Check it out.
