Civic Duty

This movie was one hell of a roller-coaster ride! I caught the final Tribeca Film Festival screening on the Upper West Side. People were waiting outside on the waiting list line for hours, offering three times the amount for tickets. It was crazy. I planned ahead and although tempted to make a quick buck and sell my tix I went in (my wife loves Peter Krause).

The movie is a slow gradual buildup and like an old fashioned roller-coaster, you feel an undercurrent of tension building as the plot builds and builds as you ascend into world of Terry Allen (Krause) and than... JUST LIKE THAT.. you are dropped for the ride of a lifetime with twists and turns, loops that all comes to an immediate stop.

Peter Krause delivers the performance of a lifetime. If you thought he could sell coffins, you'll become addicted to his knockout performance compounded by the paranoia we all felt after 9/11. You actually feel like you are in his head throughout the entire movie. This boy has acting chops.

Richard Schiff was flawless in his portrayal of the FBI agent who is over-extended with phone call after phone call of "the terrorist next door" situations which is a drain on his once "dignified" job.

Khaled Abol Naga was a tremendous surprise. In the Q&A following the movie, I was surprised to learn English was his second language. His look, delivery of his dialouge and looks he gives Peter Krause's character throughout the movie earn our sympathy and never lets you off your guard as to "is he or isn't he" the terrorist next door.

An excellent movie with the perfect cast that had the potential to collapse in the last scene. But it didn't' let down (a masterful manipulation that I will not spoil for you).

The roller-coaster came to a stop and like a little boy I wanted to run outside get on line again and go for another spin.

But, it was the last screening...

A great film!