Review of Out of the Furnace (2013) by Critic M — 09 Apr 2015

I cannot for the life of me understand the weak reviews for this film. The film is Casey Affleck's best performance EVER - Hands DOWN! Christian Bale was amazing and Woody Harrelson and Willem Defoe both give excellent performances.

This film not only successfully portrays the hauntingly gritty reality of the decline of America's industrial footprint in the world but ALSO sheds light on the plight of returning vets and the asymmetric war being waged on them by the government they served while overseas.

Maybe because this film doesn't pander to Big Brother and serve as a propaganda vehicle to increase recruitment is the reason the majority of msm critics didn't care for it. This film should have been, at the very least, nominated for the Oscar for Best Picture.

Affleck did win Best Supporting Actor from the Satellite Awards and the film did get positive recognition from a host of smaller less known - though more credible - film festivals and circles. Scott Cooper is an insightful and talented director and I very much look forward to his future endeavors.