Dynamite debut!

Rating: 10/10 (26 May 2002)

Having heard absolutely nothing about this one, I risked a rental and came away very impressed,indeed, by Mr. Kelly's debut film. He has learned his lessons well: every technical trick that CAN be employed IS employed- to great effect. (It's a testament to the storytelling skill of this neophyte filmmaker that the very impressive visual fx never once detract from the story.) The ending, too, comes almost unexpectedly from left field (and is the very first time I've ever been COMFORTABLE with this type of ending). Casting Gylanhaal was a stroke of pure genius: this young man can ACT! No doubt about it: this is one of the most impressive debut films I've ever seen in my life. The only thing I can't figure out is why this one wasn't hailed the way the vastly overrated VANILLA SKY was; this is clearly a far superior film. If you haven't seen it yet, get thee to thy nearest vidout and rent it. You WON'T be disappointed.