Jeffrey Dean Morgan – Cut To The Chase

Directed By: Scott Mann

Written By: Scott Mann And Jonathan Frank

Cinematography: Mac Gregor

Editor: Robert Hall

Cast: Grace Caroline Currey, Virginia Gardner, Mason Gooding, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Jasper Cole, Darrell Dennis

Fifty-one painful weeks after surviving a life-altering incident, Becky, an emotionally fragile rock climber drowning in a sea of grief, reluctantly picks up where she left off to confront her fears. As a thrill-seeking friend re-enters Becky’s ruined life, the two experienced climbers embark on a high-risk adventure to the top of the abandoned B67 TV tower. Now, two mortals seek to conquer the anxiety-inducing, vertigo-inspiring, 2,000-foot construction of weather-beaten metal and rattling rivets in the middle of the Mojave desert. But out there, even the slightest mistake can spell trouble. When the risky climb doesn’t go as planned, the two women must summon every last ounce of courage and strength to devise a plan for a safe return home–or die trying.

This is a film that seems more designed for theatrical watching in 4D or maybe even IMAX as it feels like almost a theme park ride or attraction more than a film it last 90 minutes and it does have a story but it seems more interested in being immersive almost POV like an adult movie.

As most of the film is watching these two characters stranded and trying to save themselves as well as working through some particular drama. As this one would definitely fail the BECHDEL test. As half of what they speak about is guys relationships, even when stranded though that seems to be the core of their drama and revelations.

The film does have a twist around the end of the second act, which doesn’t feel earned, but is understandable, but also feels a little manipulative to the audience, though fetch in with the unpredictable nature of the film, as it seems to be female versus nature or human versus nature, in wild nature should prevail, humans feel that they must conquer for some reason.

The film tries to presented as catharsis vote. It’s really just ego. The film does manage to keep your interest throughout, though. Don’t know if you would really ever need to watch it again. Was kind of hoping for maybe a moral story or a kind of tales from the crypt type ending or facets of the story becoming that line the film though plays mostly straightforward.

Though it is invented in finding ways to broad the story, so it’s not just the audience stuck with the two characters all the way up at the top of this tower. We do get quite a few scenes and characters away from the tower.

Director and Co-writer Scott Mann makes the film tension filled and is a Good calling card to show what he can do with a high concept idea and enough of a budget. As the film has that little engine that could energy.

Though it just feels like the film drop more high octane what would you do and facing your greatest fears type of film, which is fine and another reason why the Medium of cinema and motion pictures were made just didn’t necessarily when me over completely. I managed to be entertaining enough.

Grade: C

Directed & Edited By: Jonas Cuaron
Written By: Jonas Cuaron & Mateo Garcia
Cinematography By: Damian Garcia

Cast: Jeffrey Dean Morgan , Gael Garcia Bernal, Alondra Hidalgo, Marco Perez, Lew Temple, Diego Catano

A group of people trying to cross the border from Mexico into the United States encounter a man who has taken border patrol duties into his own racist hands.

This film is a tight simple thriller. That is appealing in it’s simplicity. Not too much to think about or question. Shot all out in the open no indoor scenes.

Like a horror film, it has an unstoppable villain who works as a slasher. Who we know very little about. Whose reason for his killings are very vague, you just know he is evil. Played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan (who is becoming familiar in these types of roles which seem to fit better Than the anti-hero in action films usually developed from graphic novels)

As we watch him murder people who are sneaking across the border for no real personal reason, of course, the film wants us to assume that he is trying to keep them out of the country and doesn’t see them as human beings just prey. At least that is what might be hinted at. As he seems to be doing it out of patriotism

Except that he is kind of disrespectful to the border cops also.

The film tries to provoke a social or political message of sorts. That really hits home in this current American climate. As this might be the type of film our current government would love that is until the ending. I can only assume this. Though it is more a remote survival movie. Where the characters play cat and mouse throughout.

There is plenty of graphic violence. Even as the victims are anonymous. Except for the fact that you feel sorry for them as they don’t deserve their fates. Especially for just seeking a new And better life for themselves.

The film is still a tight mostly dialogue-less grilled that pumps itself up with impending doom and dread throughout. As there is no humor or true happiness here.

It’s admirable what is done in this film with a simple premise that does so much and how full the film feels. It would be nice if the film had a little more substance. Though it is quite entertaining without it.

The film definitely has style and luckily does Amy go overboard with it. So that it becomes a distraction In itself or become all the film is truly about.

The film becomes questionable when at the end the villain all of a sudden becomes vulnerable. Though I believe that is to remind us that the is human. Which I don’t believe we ever forget. It also allows the film not to become a total horror film. As it obviously has bigger or better aspirations for itself.

The direction by Jonas Cuaron Son of director Alphonso Cuaron (GRAVITY, Y TU MAMA TAMBIEN) while good also makes the film feel more anonymous than anything as you know nothing really about the characters other than some tidbits and circumstances that are presented. Given the situation the characters are in this is understandable. It’s just the film that never makes it’s presence felt. So why should you choose this one from any other random thriller that is offered usually on VOD with a big star name attached?

With this film at least there feels like an effort to make something and not just try to make a film to make a profit only.

Grade: C+

Tag: Jeffrey Dean Morgan

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