Hard Choices

Film begins very well and continues well until social worker frees her increasingly loved charge from prison from which he would be sent to a hard core prison where his youthful handsome looks would make him a victim. Somehow I found it a bit hard to swallow her change from Bonnie Good to Bonnie of Clyde mien, and afterward, as stated, the film becomes less interesting, less beautifully photographed, and only the good ending redeems something from a story which held your interest and was believable but gradually becomes a criminal romance story. Well acted,and considering the low budget, impressive nonetheless.

Fifteen-year-old Gary McCleery (as Bobby Lipscomb) skips school, hangs around with his older brothers, and dreams of flying airplanes. One evening, he makes the "Hard Choice" and joins drug-addicted Martin Donovan (as Josh Lipscomb) and trigger happy John Snyder (as Ben Lipscomb) in a "Food Market" robbery. Unfortunately, Mr. Snyder kills a police officer, who happens upon the scene. The three brothers are quickly apprehended. Mr. McCleery hopes to be tried as a juvenile; but, Tennessee judges rule he is to be tried as an adult. When things look bleakest for young McCleery, social worker Margaret Klenck (as Laura Stephens) steps in to improve his treatment in prison and the courts; she is only partially successful. Then, Ms. Klenck makes a "Hard Choice" of her own…

According to the sleeve, this film got excellent reviews; and, the quotes are from reliable sources. Perhaps some of these reviewers will consider re-evaluation "Hard Choices"? It really isn't all that believable a story. McCleery doesn't seem much like a 15-year-old, and Klenck's character development is disappointing (to say the least). However, they, and the other performers, do as well as they can (with the story). It's great to see Mr. Donovan in an early role; strangely, he and Snyder are abandoned during the running time. Writer-director John Sayles is good, also, as Klenck's coke companion. The photography, by Tom Hurwitz, is a major strength.

**** Hard Choices (1985) Rick King ~ Gary McCleery, Margaret Klenck, John Sayles, Martin Donovan

I couldn't believe my professor assigned this movie for a class. Ugh.

The production values are not too great, and the score is AWFUL!

In general, it feels like a corny 80s sex fantasy drawn out for 90 minutes.

But without a lot of sex.

Some of the nature scenes are very pretty, and it's almost in the so-bad-it's-fun category.

But not quite.

Definitely not recommended, unless you're having a bad-obscure-80s movie film fest.

And maybe not even then.

This independently produced, shoestring budget drama spins a taut but plausible tale of an Appalachian teenager imprisoned for his largely innocent role in an ill-fated robbery, and the young social worker who takes the law into her own hands by breaking him out of jail. The scenario may sound trite, but thanks in large part to a first-rate script and excellent acting there isn't a cliché in sight. The film places believable characters into an honest background of rural poverty, providing more dramatic intensity with a fraction of the resources than any megabuck Hollywood blockbuster. The only shortcoming (and this is strictly a subjective reaction, to be sure) is the redneck rock 'n' roll soundtrack; it may be appropriate, but the music is godawful.

"Hard Choices" is a movie that is difficult to figure out, because it is anything but predictable. Characters that you already have stereotyped, suddenly shift gears with revelations you couldn't anticipate. Ultimately this is a movie about friendship, and unconditional giving. It is also well acted, with nice locations, and is full of surprises. If originality is high on your list of a movie's enjoyable criteria, then seek this one out. Watch for J.T. Walsh as a deputy, and John Sayles also makes an appearance. For such an unknown film, "Hard Choices" is one I wouldn't hesitate to recommend, and I'm doing just that. ..... - MERK