Review: A Brutal Tour de Force
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 21, 2012
I just finished reading a marvelous crime drama by Author Greg Sisco. Now, when this incredible piece of fiction is turned into a film (as it surely must be), some things will need to be scaled back in order to avoid the dreaded NC-17 rating. One might ask, why in the world did I read such a novel? I read a teaser chapter of "Stan's" that the author posted and, although that harsh first chapter pretty much epitomized the entire book, I found myself sucked in by the excellent and often-times brilliant writing. Like most people, I'm a sucker for action films. I'm just usually not one for gangster stories or crime dramas. Yet, when the writing is this good, I just have trouble saying no. Though quite graphic, I simply couldn't stay away. I had to know how it ended.Taking place over the course of one long and brutal night, "One Night Stan's" takes a hard look at the underbelly of a place called Scud City. It contains more villains than one can keep track of, but then in Scud City, there are few innocents. There are no loose plot ends neglected; incredible characters that are so believable that you'll find yourself ducking behind or fleeing altogether; and dialogue that you will not question.The story is extremely rough, but, if you can stomach it, one of the most amazing stories I have run across in a very long time. It is far from predictable and I dare you to try and anticipate what comes at each and every turn. In fact, forget it! Just sit back and be blown away as I was!When this incredible tour de force is turned into a film, just imagine a screenplay written by the brilliant Aaron Sorkin (West Wing, A Few Good Men, The Social Network), directed by Martin Scorsese (Goodfellas, The Departed, Shutter Island) and you very well might have an idea of what you will find right now on paper should you venture to the area in and around Greg Sisco's "One Night Stan's".