Review of Southland Tales (2007) by Tom R — 25 Nov 2009

I have to begin by telling all of you that I hated Donnie Darko. While watching a new film by someone who's work I didn't care for in the past, I'm usually good at being a judge of the person's work over a judge of the person. Having said those things I have no remorse in announcing my complete and utter distain for this picture. This pretentious piece of trash belongs on the long list of films to avoid at all cost.

This picture was just painful from start to finish. Atrocious performances by the cast along with an incomprehensible plot never really make for a good filmmaking endeavor, especially when that endeavor last for two and a half hours. The only mild compliment is the look and some moments of editing, which are at least attempting to experiment with little success.

I view filmmaking as an art form, I appreciate attempts at experimenting, and I don't mind using my brain to watch movies, in fact, I encourage it. So, when people use these arguments in favor of Richard Kelley's films it makes me all the angrier. I usually encourage all people to sit watch a film to judge for yourself, and if you're sure you want to invest the time into this one, be sure you don't spend your hard earned money on it...