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While the film is quite well-made by Australian actor-director Polson, and the young cast is very good, there is nothing remotely original about this film. Right from the beginning we can tell exactly where it's headed--all we have to do is run down the thriller checklist. We can spot the references that will come back later with new and "amazing" significance. We know the fates of every character. We know exactly when things will twist and get even more grisly. And all of this is frustrating, because there's potential here for a terrific little thriller. But aside from the casting and a bit of cinematic style, there's nothing fresh or original at all. If only the filmmakers had resisted the urge to go down the well-worn Hollywood thriller path.
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dir John Polson scr Charles Bohl, Phillip Schneider with Jesse Bradford, Erika Christensen, Shiri Appleby, Clayne Crawford, Kate Burton, Dan Hedaya, James DeBello, Jason Ritter, Kia Joy Goodwin, Michael Higgins, Nick Sandow, Pamela Isaacs release US 6.Sep.02; UK 20.Sep.02 02/US 1h29 Troubled waters. Best pals Ben and Josh have an argument beside the pool (Bradford and Crawford)... | ||||
Jesse, England: "Totally awesome. You get to see Jesse in his speedos. What's better than watching that?" (9.Oct.02)
Michael, NYC: "Someone certainly got the axe for greenlighting this film. If its predictability does not rankle you at every plot twist fronted by an organ sound, the ho-hum performances from approximately everyone in the cast will. Concerned coach, insipid mother, goody goody girlfriend, tarty new girl with creepo brother, and most of all the one-dimensional, 'why is this happening to me' acting of Jesse Bradford." (21.Aug.04) | |||||
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