Review of In the Electric Mist (2009) by Ben B — 08 Oct 2010
Even Tommy Lee Jones' predictably excellent performance in the lead role and some reliably solid support from Goodman and Steenburgen can't rescue this from sub-par writing and direction. The script is largely flat - not awful, just never anything more than satisfactory to the point that you start wondering if most of the characters actually care about the events that are happening to them.
The cast range from great (the aforementioned Jones, Goodman and Steenburgen) to awful (Sarsgaard), but most remain around the satisfactory yet forgettable level. I was certain there was a story in there somewhere that was gripping and tense - and at times there were genuine flashes of this coming through - but the way in which the film was shot and cut together felt incredibly haphazard and ultimately confusing, leaving an unsatisfying feeling when the credits rolled at the end.
Certainly not a total waste, and in many ways not all that bad, but the main reason to watch is for Jones' raw authenticity and there are plenty of much better films than this where you can do that.
This review of In the Electric Mist (2009) was written by Ben B on 08 Oct 2010.
In the Electric Mist has generally received mixed reviews.
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