LAWLESS

RYAN: This is one helluva movie!  And it’s based on a true story so in all, the plot makes for quite the cinematic experience.

CAROLINE: I really wanted to see this.  Sounds like you liked it.

RYAN: I super-liked it.  It’s the kind of drama that is shocking and keeps you in suspense.  I like that kind of suspense sometimes more than even suspense in horror movies.

CAROLINE: Yeah suspense is what makes some movies thrilling.

RYAN:  It puts the thrill in thriller.  This movie isn’t a thriller but the drama is rather intense at times.  And by intense, I mean violent and bloody.

CAROLINE: Wow ok.  How’s the cast?  I like them all, pretty much.

RYAN: I love this cast.  I’d already give them the Acting Ensemble award at SAG for this year.

CAROLINE: Who’s the best?

RYAN: Guy Pearce and Jessica Chastain are certainly award worthy.

CAROLINE: She’s so beautiful and talented.

RYAN: She’s becoming one of my favorites.  And then Tom Hardy and Gary Oldman are also fantastic.  Tom does a bit of mumble-acting though.  It’s totally appropriate for the part and kinda funny but I would prefer to understand what someone’s saying in almost all cases.

CAROLINE: Indeed.  What about Shia LoBeouf?

RYAN: He’s brilliant in this.  There were times I thought this is more Tom Hardy’s movie but then Shia has moments where it’s all just his.

CAROLINE: Why does it look like such a Western?

RYAN: It does.  It’s funny.  It takes place in 1931 during Prohibition Virginia but because it’s such a small town, it’s not as advanced as Hollywood or NYC 1931 and still creeps like the old west, I suppose.  It is a little Western in style and attitude but it’s not a Western.  It’s an outlaw/family drama at a time when people took things into their own hands.

CAROLINE: I see.  That sounds pretty cool.

RYAN: I loved the sets, costumes, cars, hair and make-up.  Every detail just perfectly sweeps you up into that time; you can almost smell the smoke and fire from the screen.

CAROLINE: That’s quite descriptive of you.

RYAN: Really the design is an achievement in this film. I could see both that and some performances receive some nominations… of course depending on what’s to come this fall.

CAROLINE: It’s always that way.  Some great movies come out before the real Oscar race begins and they can get lost in the shuffle.

RYAN: This movie is outstanding.  It’s the kind of film you can really sink your teeth into at all levels – from design to story to performance… It won’t hold the attention of the young adult crowd but is a hearty film for sure.

— RATING —