Small Engine Repair

This film is full of mixed messages, morals, feelings. Really worth a watch for any seasoned movie aficionado.

Unpredictable, changes pace constantly, male lead (who is also the director) is intense and nuanced. Pretty good and consistent acting all around. Technically good. Fusion of genres.

6.5/10 from me. It's good. It's not bad.

'Small Engine Repair' is going to lose a lot of audience member's attention in the first 60-70 minutes. That's how long it takes for anything of interest to happen in the film. That shows a lot of trust in its audience to hang in there. The absolute key if you are going to structure your film that way is that the pay-off has to be worth it. Sadly this film can't live up to that requirement.

When I read that this was based on a play, that made a lot sense. A very dialogue heavy script with contained settings. Even the strongest plays can struggle to make the transition to film. They just feel so pointlessly limited. It's really noticeable here.

I don't want to savage this film because it doesn't deserve that. It is a bit of a frustrating ride though. The ending is fun and helps to save it a bit but by then the damage is already done. Not one I'd recommend. 5/10.

It takes a long time before this movie really begins. Actually the boring beginning makes the last half even better. I wasn't expecting this movie to go where it went. Don't read the spoilers before you watch it and you'll be surprised.

I had never watched the play but knew it was award winning and how would it pan out in a movie was uncertain.

It stays close to its original format with rich dialogue and manages to keep you engaged, with just the right amount of visualisations and change of scenery. Amazing acting makes it all worth the watch, give Shea Whigham an Oscar already and Jon Bernthal in a non action role was a pleasant surprise.

The story is a sarcastic commentary on society which earns it the comedy drama classification and is worth a watch, you won't regret it.

For the first third of the film, I kept thinking "I know where this is going because the trailer completely gave it away, so just get there, movie!" And then the movie goes paces completely not hinted at in the trailer.

I think some people may skip this because it seems like the trailer tells you everything. That is unfortunate because despite what the trailer implies, this is not your straight-forward "Avenge a loved one" narrative.

As for the film specifics, the acting is incredible, the writing and dialogue is believable and smooth, the setting is also believable and realistic. Everything from a film-making perspective was very well done. The characters are so easy to love, and each has a great back story. I think that it is a formidable example of masculinity, at a time where many of the male characters in films are one-dimensional, toxic and unapologetic. These 3 men are rough-around-the-edges, but also sweet, smart, courageous and genuine. I really loved the 3 male leads.

This film was tense, thrilling, sad at times, funny at times and always engaging. When it deviates from what the trailer implied, it became more engaging, and as the story plays out, I loved it more with every passing second.

I will be watching this film again, and definitely be recommending it.