It's not terrible. But I am here to tell you why it doesn't meet my expectations.
The story is straightforward. This is often fine, but puts pressure on other aspects of the presentation to offer more.
The acting is perfectly fine for Caan, but not special. There is actually not that much range to the character, and most of the performance is in one of two emotional states. Bates hits some high notes but also ping pongs between two straightforward approaches. I'll admit I flinched when she appeared in the flash of lightning.
The cinematography is uninspired and forgettable.
The first 30 minutes are dull.
There is a scene where Annie tells a lively story to Paul sitting at his typewriter. Between the acting, but more importantly the blocking and the editing, it presents as though an exaggerated wind up and delivery that is quite unnatural even for a psychopathic character like Annie.
There are of course areas that are due credit. The music is suspenseful and seamless with the action. Richard Farnsworth as Sheriff Buster and Frances Sternhagen as his wife and deputy Virginia are a delight.
This is the only critical review in this list, so hopefully it's helpful to the curious even if it rankles some fans.
The story is straightforward. This is often fine, but puts pressure on other aspects of the presentation to offer more.
The acting is perfectly fine for Caan, but not special. There is actually not that much range to the character, and most of the performance is in one of two emotional states. Bates hits some high notes but also ping pongs between two straightforward approaches. I'll admit I flinched when she appeared in the flash of lightning.
The cinematography is uninspired and forgettable.
The first 30 minutes are dull.
There is a scene where Annie tells a lively story to Paul sitting at his typewriter. Between the acting, but more importantly the blocking and the editing, it presents as though an exaggerated wind up and delivery that is quite unnatural even for a psychopathic character like Annie.
There are of course areas that are due credit. The music is suspenseful and seamless with the action. Richard Farnsworth as Sheriff Buster and Frances Sternhagen as his wife and deputy Virginia are a delight.
This is the only critical review in this list, so hopefully it's helpful to the curious even if it rankles some fans.