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Quickie Review - Deadfall

I will start off by saying this.  If you are a woman, you'll be happy to know that Eric Bana and Sons of Anarchy star Charlie Hunnam are this.  If you are a man, may I introduce Olivia Wilde and Kate Mara.  If you're a fan of the older generation, please enjoy Treat Williams, Kris Kristofferson and the incredible Sissy Spacek.  Thankfully there is more than just eye candy to this movie.  There is a pretty decent, even if it is a tad recycled, story about redemption.  The movie isn't going to knock your socks off, but it will keep you engrossed from beginning to end.

I don't like giving away parts of the story, so I'll keep my discussion to the characters and those who play them.  There are basically four sub-stories that come together to form one.  There are the outlaws who share an odd bond.  There is the family that was torn apart for reasons we're not sure about.  There is the cop trying to get her father's approval.  Finally there is the young man who falls for the wrong woman, who falls for the right guy at the wrong time.  Confused?  It's really not that confusing when viewed.

Why does this movie work?  Acting.  The acting is actually near flawless.  The script, at times pale, with the exception of Bana's character.  Bana plays a bad man, almost like Mitchum's Preacher in Night of the Hunter.  He's charismatic, but pure evil.  Then there is Hunnam, who plays Jay.  Recently released from prison for something he took the fall for, literally and figuratively, he messes up right away and is back on the run. Mara, plays the up and coming police officer who will never get her just desserts, because her Sheriff father is holding her back.  Finally there is Olivia Wilde.  I must admit, as a heterosexual male, she's almost dizzying in her beauty.  I honestly, don't think I can think of anyone who I think is more attractive.  She plays Liza, the confused sister to Bana's character, who is controlled by him, but falls for Jay.  Somehow, all these characters come together, for Thanksgiving dinner, that changes all of their lives.

Like I said, I don't like spoiling movies in my reviews and I would strongly suggest, if you are interested in making sure you don't watch the trailer.  There is too much given away and will make the ending quite predictable.  I also would urge you not to watch this simply as an action, shoot'em up movie, but dig a little deeper into all of the characters flaws.  The movie, in almost every scene is trying to show different angles of making up for past mistakes. It shows the human side of everyone, aside from Bana. That is also what makes his character so special.  He's the most flawed and does nothing to show a desire to change.  Aside from her radiant looks, Wilde sets the tone for the movie in every seen.  Her mental transformation is really what Deadfall is all about.  If you can appreciate her performance, the movie will take on a different feel.  It's not going to win any awards, but it's a solid film, backed with seven strong performances and definitely worth a look.

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