...with unexpectedly high production values, a surprisingly coherent story, and an emotional core. To be honest, my expectations weren't high; but, I dutifully watched the live screening of this film in order to support alternative media as a bulwark against the creatively bankrupt, politically correct, derivative, nihilistic, agenda / narrative-driven tripe produced by Hollywood these days. However, after the first 15 minutes I was hooked due to the expert build-up of tension, foreboding and suspense. Tonally, I was getting a distinct late 90s / early 00s dark TV miniseries vibe. Really superb, standout acting performances that elevated the movie from being just standard fare came courtesy of the lead actress Isabel May (Zoe Hull) and one of the high school shooters, Cyrus Arnold (Kip Quade). The mother, Radha Mitchell (Jennifer Hull), provided a mysterious; but, thematically important presence that galvanized and motivated her daughters actions and bravery. It was also great to see Thomas Jane (The Punisher) play the suffering; but, involved and proud father. The script was plausible, played straight, didn't contain any glaring plot holes and was neatly structured into three acts as per the title: (1) running; (2) hiding; (3) fighting. But, it is not to say the movie didn't have any faults. In particular, the opening scene came across as trying too hard to be edgey and wanting to make a statement that this film is in-your-face different. Also, there was a cringey girl fight where they should've edited out all of the caterwauling : ). As an opening salvo (so to speak) and initial foray into the movie production business, The Daily Wire has set a decent bar and standard to build upon for the future. I look forward to their next production!
Reviews
2 Reviews
Run Hide Fight
(2020)
A well-paced, tightly edited, well-acted, action / thriller...
26 January 2021
The Lovely Bones
(2009)
Heart-wrenching, uplifting, captivating & hauntingly beautiful
24 September 2011
A very unconventional movie that crosses many genres (murder/suspense/thriller/drama/fantasy), defies normal expectations and is an intense emotional experience. Right from the outset you are informed of when the lead character will be murdered and who her killer is but you are still kept on the edge of your seat and surprised by later revelations. The story dovetails between reality (before and after the murder) and a surreal afterlife realm in between Heaven and Earth. Despite the tragic, heart-wrenching and dark subject matter, the film is uplifting, captivating and hauntingly beautiful throughout. As the credits rolled, I ran through a gamut of emotion and found aspects of the film resonated with me long after.
It is difficult to conceive as to why this movie was critically panned. I can only surmise that either the story didn't follow the source material closely (I have not read the book) or viewers didn't appreciate the story being told from the perspective of a 13 year old girl or critics were just being spiteful towards a successful director (Directed by Peter Jackson and produced by Steven Spielberg).
PROS
(a) Original, imaginative, creative story / screenplay. (b) Authentic, well-drawn, endearing characters. (c) Thrilling & entertaining from start to finish. (d) A visual masterpiece - both from a cinematic perspective and a CGI/special effects perspective. Definitely warrants viewing in HD (Blu-Ray). (e) Superlative lead actors: Saoirse Ronan, Stanley Tucci. (f) Solid supporting actors: Susan Sarandon, Rachel Weisz, Mark Wahlberg. (g) Subtle but powerful soundtrack. (h) Thematically rich and filled with symbolism & metaphors.
CONS
(a) Childhood romantic relationships seem forced and only marginally believable. (b) Film appears to be heavily edited due to the long running time. Certain characters, scenes, and threads could have been fleshed out more. (c) The clairvoyant girl (Ruth) was a bit cliché & one-dimension. (d) Adequate resolution of killer's fate but not deeply satisfying.
It is difficult to conceive as to why this movie was critically panned. I can only surmise that either the story didn't follow the source material closely (I have not read the book) or viewers didn't appreciate the story being told from the perspective of a 13 year old girl or critics were just being spiteful towards a successful director (Directed by Peter Jackson and produced by Steven Spielberg).
PROS
(a) Original, imaginative, creative story / screenplay. (b) Authentic, well-drawn, endearing characters. (c) Thrilling & entertaining from start to finish. (d) A visual masterpiece - both from a cinematic perspective and a CGI/special effects perspective. Definitely warrants viewing in HD (Blu-Ray). (e) Superlative lead actors: Saoirse Ronan, Stanley Tucci. (f) Solid supporting actors: Susan Sarandon, Rachel Weisz, Mark Wahlberg. (g) Subtle but powerful soundtrack. (h) Thematically rich and filled with symbolism & metaphors.
CONS
(a) Childhood romantic relationships seem forced and only marginally believable. (b) Film appears to be heavily edited due to the long running time. Certain characters, scenes, and threads could have been fleshed out more. (c) The clairvoyant girl (Ruth) was a bit cliché & one-dimension. (d) Adequate resolution of killer's fate but not deeply satisfying.
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