Review of Charlie Countryman (2013) by Matty S — 21 Jan 2014

Hmmm... How does one defend a movie with so many holes and cinematic cliches? Though this is all style over substance, Fredrick Bond's film is so neon-stylish that I could not look away from it. Certainly, this is no classic. The odd choice to mix "magic realism" with a very familiar Eastern European thriller is a bit much, but thanks to Melissa Leo's charm I did not find it cloying. Also, unusual for me, I did not find Shia LaBeouf annoying. He gives a manic and frenetic performance that totally fits Bond's pacing of the film itself.

Even though the story is wrapped-up far too easily and neatly, I have to write that I completely enjoyed this movie. I do wish the film had stuck to John Hurt's narration as it would have helped all of the goofiness going on, but I will be very curious to see what Fredrik Bond does next as a filmmaker. High praises to Roman Vasyanov's cinematography!