Worth the ride

Rating: 9/10 (22 June 2004)

I was amazed at how good this little no-budget film was. I saw the film in LA with a packed audience and it was really enjoyed it. It won the "Audience Choice" for best picture award at the festival, which was no surprise to anyone. The acting was good and the characters were easy to connect with. I really liked the character of Deacon, he had this real kid feel to him that was really touching. It was a little hard to tell who was who sometimes because everyone looks the same in their uniforms. After the screening they had the actors come down and answer questions. I was blown away to find out that they made the film in less than 30 days (in the freezing snow around Sundance) and it was done on a tiny budget. It looks really big and the cinematography looks professional. Its almost hard to believe it is an independent film. I think the director did the cinematography as well and that has got to be hard. It has the best hand-held camera work that I have ever seen in a war film. It adds so much energy to the film and it doesn't make you sick. I'm still amazed and how they were able to have real tanks,planes and all those explosions on their tiny budget, its impossible! You have to see it to understand what I mean. Even if you don't like war films I think this will change your mind. My only criticism for the film was it was too short. Most war films are over two hours and this was maybe an hour and forty minutes. Check it out if it comes to your town. Good job Guys!