Jeff Canavan – Cut To The Chase

Directed By Malik Bader

Written By: Sonny Malhi

Cinematography: Scott Kevan

Editor: Jeff Canavan

Cast: Lucas Till, Sarah Bolger, Crystal Reed, Leigh Whannell, Camille Guaty, Isaiah Mustafa, Holt McCallany, Caitriona Balfe, Reid Ewing, Meredith Salenger

The promising high school soccer player Scott is injured on the knee in a game and two years after, he is still trying to heal his knee. The teenager Jules feels unrequited love for him but Scott is concentrated in recovering his physical condition and considers her as a friend. The also teenage Bess that works in the store owned by David with her mature colleague Andie has a crush on Scott. When Scott is stalked by a mysterious person that threatens Jules, he believes that Bess is responsible for the weird situations. Is his assumption correct?

This film is just so tedious and badly paced most of the time it keeps building up and then when it does finally offer a release you are so thankful but never truly lives up to It’s potential or premise

The way the film points at the red herring the more it becomes obvious that it’s not them.

It could have been a bit more fun if it played up it’s Ridiculous aspects or camped it up or actually added thrills. The way it plays it is more limp. Where you find yourself asking questions or creating your own scenarios rather then go with what is on screen. As it is taking way too long at a little over 90 minutes

Not to mention the main character has looks and seems to be a good moral kid, but he has very little personality for all these ladies to have such crushes on him. Especially the teacher.

Though a teenage boy who is really into classic black and white films. Warmed my heart as I wished I could go to this town’s theater, but feels mroe an invention of a writer. Who wanted to put a piece of themselves and lvoe of film In there. As the film chosen isnMt even an inside joke or a hint of what is to come.

Though will say she seemed to only be here for eye candy for anyone desiring some skin other then some from the lead actor and even what is shown is more pg-13 quality

Know it would most likely be straight to home video quality but expected a bit better then what is offered. Espeically with such a recognizable cast, but we all have to start somewhere.

It feels like a WB channel thriller if you remember what those were more targeted to the youth, a little risqué, but almost every character is picture perfect good looking.

While there’s barely anything objectionable, that is why it feels more like a TV movie or a movie meant for or could’ve easily played on a lifetime channel or MTV or WB

Crystal reed is the only true notable performance throughout. Everyone else does what is expected of them.

Grade: D+

Written & Directed By: Paul Soter
Cinematography By: Christophe Lazenberg
Editor: Jeff Canavan
Music By: Nathan Barr

Cast: Cillian Murphy, Lucy Liu, Jason Sudeikis, Heather Burns, Ali Reza, Steve Lemme, Erik Stolhanske, Brett Gelman, Callie Thorne, Josh Pais, Lonny Ross, Paul Scheer, Josh Gad

Neil, a self-proclaimed film geek, and owner of Gumshoe video, has always been content to live vicariously through his favorite film noir. But when he meets Violet, a real-life femme fatale, his mundane world gets turned upside down and the line between reality and the movies quickly begins to blur. Will Neil step up and embrace a life full of adventure or retreat back to his comfortable couch?

The title of the film is taken from a 1977 Elvis Costello song, from the album “My Aim Is True”. An offbeat romantic comedy with Cillian Murphy whose character runs a video store. When one day Lucy Liu comes to rent some films. Through a matter of cons. She gets him To take her out to dinner, throughout the rest of the film they date and get to know each other. The only problem is, she is always coming up with elaborate situations and stories to test his reactions. Soon he can’t tell what is real and what’s make-believe. This is an interesting concept pulled off somewhat successfully.

I like this movie and I could have given it a better grade. The premise is unpredictable ad constantly keeps you on your toes, but it comes off for some reason rather bland

It just feels like it never truly comes alive as much as it could. Especially with so many recognizable names cast. If it had been made more with lesser-known actors it would be excusable and charming, but watching it you have a constant feeling that everyone knows better.

The movie ends up feeling like it never reaches its full potential. Not because of its low budget but maybe. Like ALLY MCBEAL some things seemed quirky for no other reason than just to be quirky. Also, some scenes just seem to lay there limp, but for a movie that’s so quirky the supporting characters could have been a bit more interesting. Or at least better dialogue. I liked them but there really seemed to be no reason for them or they didn’t feel like complete characters. They could have been extras who showed up that day and got lucky.

The film is an offbeat romantic comedy. It’s like a subdued screwball comedy. Situated in the real world.

Cillian Murphy is a good actor but I don’t know if the role was underwritten or he worked with what he had or was internationally trying to underplay his character to be more subtle, but he seems iffy miscast. Lost when not having any motivations or maybe an actorly distraction. His character needed to be a little more broad.

Lucy Liu though is a doll not totally a manic pixie dream girl, but a bored dream girl looking for an adventure and doubling as a femme-fatale for a mystery she is creating. I’m happy to see her change up her roles. Playing more softer, nice, happy characters. Instead of the ice queens, she usually has played to perfection In the past. I really like her as an actress and feel she deserves more work.

I know it sounds like I’m bad-mouthing the film but I liked it. It’s probably more me. I just expected more from it.

The film’s director Paul Soter is a member of the comedic improv group Broken Lizard who made the films SUPER TROOPERS, CLUB DREAD, BEERFEST, and THE SLAMMIN SALMON. So we know he knows comedy as being funny on fact 2 other members Steve Lemme and Erik Stolhanske of the troupe make cameos. His direction is subtle, but needs to be a bit more colorful and pick up the pace, it’s a good movie definitely one you should check out

Grade: C+

Tag: Jeff Canavan

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