Review of Small Town Crime (2018) by Dgmiller — 08 Jan 2020
Small Town Crime is an enjoyable neo-noir that, although it breaks no new ground, is a solid exploration of the genre. John Hawkes is well placed as the lead, a punching bag of a wannabe private detective whose alcoholism doomed his law enforcement career.
Robert Forster and Clifton Collins, Jr. make good use of their limited screen time. Jeremy Ratchford gives a good turn as the curiously named “Orthopedic”.
The oft-unmentioned co-star of this film, and the only onscreen presence that rivals Hawkes’ own, is the matte black Chevy Nova his character drives, often while stumbling around the borders of blackout drunk territory.
If you’re a fan of the slow boil of neo-noir and want to be entertained, this film certainly fits the bill. Just don’t expect anything innovative. Small Town Crime knows it’s ancestry and stays within its lane, even if Hawkes’ Nova often fails to do the same.
This review of Small Town Crime (2018) was written by Dgmiller on 08 Jan 2020.
Small Town Crime has generally received positive reviews.
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