Review of 13 Moons (2002) by Bruce B — 12 Jun 2009

Though I should never do this (as it prevents a truly accurate review from being given), I'm letting my bias determine the grade for this film. In reality, This film deserves like a 3.75 or something. It'd be an extremely low B- if it was graded on a letter grade scale. Obviously, as I said, I'm biased with this movie. Here are a few reasons why: Buscemi. Ensemble cast with interweaving plot lines. Indie film. Crazy off the wall characters and events. Talented character actors (besides Buscemi) that I like. It takes place over the course of one night.

This is a weird movie. In fact, the tagline, "Ever had one of those nights?" perfectly sums this movie up. Now, as much as I like this movie, my grade is inflated, and here's why. As much as I enjoyed this movie, and, as many good things that is has good going for it, there are a shitload of bad things present as well. The script is chock full of issues, especially in the plot and transitions departments. This film probably needed to be longer in order to flesh out and elaborate upon some of those issues, namely some plot holes that go unresolved and undealt with. It's n indie film, which is both good and bad. Good because it sets it apart from mainstream stuff and lets the viewer know that they're not gonna get something typical or run of the mill. This is bad because the film is meandering at times and needs more focus. In a way I kinda liked that it has a home movie look to it, but at the same time, it makes this film seem a little bit too amateurish and unprofessional looking. If it were to look less rough and more polished, it'd help give it some more credibility.

Ok, I bitched enough. You probably get the point. The movie is very flawed, but still entertaining and has some good themes and stuff. Here's the best part, which is what I'll end things on. The acting. It's awesome, and the highlight of the whole thing. Everybody turns in a good performance. Being a Buscemi fanboy, it pains me to say this, but I didn't like his performance the most. That honor belongs to Dinklage. Vince and Stormare also bring in some exceptional turns (although Stormare is maybe just slightly a little too over the top.) Buscemi is good, but not as good as I was hoping. I'm not totally let down though. Bottom line, if you can find this movie, check it out. It's got a lot of problems, but a lot of heart and some truly memorable characters.