Review of Harsh Times (2005) by Aren B — 15 Aug 2010
"Harsh Times," the gritty, tungsten-saturated street drama from David Ayer (writer of "Training Day"), is a grim, melancholy look at friendship and growth. Christian Baleâ??s fierce, borderline sociopathic performance as Jim Davis, an army veteran and prospective police officer, carries the film.
Itâ??s an atypical performance for Bale with Davis appearing as a truly despicable character in many aspects, and so erratic and violent that he scares even his best friend. Freddy Rodriguez is competent as Davisâ?? best friend, but heâ??s completely eclipsed by Bale.
It may fixate too much on the â??grim realitiesâ?? of street life and its tone is too one-note, but "Harsh Times" is worth a watch, if only to catch Christian Bale doing interesting and daring things.
This review of Harsh Times (2005) was written by Aren B on 15 Aug 2010.
Harsh Times has generally received positive reviews.
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