99 Homes Review
RYAN: This is a new drama starring Andrew Garfield and Michael Shannon. It’s dark, moody and sad from the very first shot of the film on. It maintains a sinister energy and a dose of reality. It’s depressing to think that what happens to some of the characters in this movie actually happens to people in the real world.
CHUCK: Absolutely and from the get go, it does set up that atmosphere of doom and impending dread. The first half hour gave me a panic attack. It’s about hardships during the economic collapse and takes place in 2010 – not that long ago. On one side of the scale, peoples lives are being destroyed and on the other side, there are ruthless people who make a ton of money. It’s shocking.
RYAN: It’s about desperation and selling your soul to the devil.
CHUCK: How far would you go to save your family?
RYAN: What lines are you willing to cross to have success or even to get your head above water, financially? There are big questions about morality and ethics. It brings up those issues that make for good talking points when you exit the theater. It’s fun to see with friends and then discuss. Coffee tawk.
CHUCK: (laughs) Or as the couple behind us was doing… talk during the whole movie about it.
RYAN: Stop. So annoying an unacceptable! No talking during a movie, people! It’s a great script and the performances are very strong. It’s certainly one of Andrew Garfield’s best. He’s Spider-Man so you forget that he was in The Social Network and how good his is in drama.
CHUCK: Hands down. He really does have the chops to hold his own against Michael Shannon.
RYAN: Michael could almost get a nomination out of this. It’s too early in the season to say, but he has some terrific moments.
CHUCK: He is mesmerizing. His performance, in playing such a horrible person that you hate, but you don’t…
RYAN: There are people out there who do despicable things… and they are their jobs. And if they don’t do it, someone else will. It’s just so harsh. Like – could you be an executioner? I could not. It’s the way of the world.
CHUCK: This movie does shine a light on how capable we are, as a species, of horrible things.
RYAN: Some people have no heart.
CHUCK: And they will step over your dead body to make a buck.
RYAN: Laura Dern is wonderful. She looks amazing! She’s so talented.
CHUCK: I’m still not used to her in mom roles but she’s so great in everything she does. It’s a great ensemble.
RYAN: The buildings and set each represent the story and evolution of Andrew’s characters.
CHUCK: Interesting. I didn’t think of that. Yeah.
RYAN: Some of it is heartbreaking and hard to watch but you’re also hanging in the balance of human emotion and drama. You can’t help but feel sympathetic for these characters and it’s a tense drama that builds throughout. It’s good.
