FOUR FILMS - MR JONES, BLUE RUIN, BASTARDS (LES SALAUDS), DEVIL'S KNOT

MR. JONES

Hollywood seems to have gotten the hang of the found footage film.  This is just great storytelling with a well laid-out plot and lots to discuss afterwards.  The nature of not only reality as the last montage shows but time as well makes this a satisfying narrative.  It’s relatively big in scope and also scary, a ten on the creepymeter.

BLUE RUIN

Macon Blair’s performance as an unlikely revenge hero is front and center of this excellent, tense thriller full of creatively staged action scenes and with a batty cameo by Eve Plumb of the Brady Bunch.  One is tempted to compare this to a Coen Brothers film like FARGO but that film is much more light hearted than this one.  The money quote that ties this involving story together “I could forgive you if you were crazy but you’re not crazy, you’re just weak”.  Worth seeing.

BASTARDS (LES SALAUDS)

Poor pacing hurts this intricately plotted noir-ish thriller with a real CHINATOWN type vibe.  It does have a good story and the presence of Vincent Lindon whose tired hang dog face  brings to mind Robert Mitchum and perfectly suits this dark story.  However, it’s far too relaxed – This dark story needed more of an edge in how it was told.

DEVIL'S KNOT

Anyone familiar with the case of the West Memphis Three already knows this story.  This poorly organized puff piece leaves out key points and fudges others.  The presence of Reese Witherspoon and Colin Firth and director Atom Egoyan’s arty touches can’t save this turkey.  Thumbs way down.