Review of The Last Winter (2006) by Tim B — 02 Dec 2010

If I watched this back-to-back with Nature's Grave (great movie), I'm pretty sure I wouldn't even throw a tomato on the ground ever again. The Last Winter's main message is pretty straight-forward; f*ck with nature and it will eventually f*ck with you right back times 10.

I relished it big time as I'm well aware of the damage that rotten garbage is doing to the planet as-of-late. The movie takes place in the Alaskan lands (I place I'd love to visit someday), thus making the cinematography awe-inspiring to say the least.

Fessenden also had great subtle paces and moves with the camera while keeping the tension laid on thick. He always kept it slow and subtle (like the winter) but somehow the suspense kept me wondering what was gonna happen next at every minute.

Amazing show! The characters, would could have easily been listed as stock, were very well written and portrayed by some great actors, getting me involved enough with each one and worried when it came to their fate.

Ron Perlman was terrific for the role, yes it's his usual role but not over the top, he felt like a real-life badass here. James LeGros takes a role and makes it his own again. The man's just so damn good at everything I've seen him in so far, I'm glad he takes it just as far in smaller features like this one.

Connie Britton was gorgeous and very sympathetic. Zach Gilford, Kevin Corrigan, Jamie Harold et al were just as convincing in their side-roles. Excellent acting all around. Alas, once the last third came in I was taken out of the movie for a bit.

I was so into the subtlety and tiny hints given in the movie that when it finally pulled a revelation, I can't say I was impressed. It also didn't help that it went on for a bit too long after-the-fact.

I would've much preferred the final act shorter. It also tried to go ape with the effects while the budget wasn't really helping it. Too many quick cuts in regards to a lot of them. I would have rather them not seen them at all than given a couple of flash-glimpses.

But regardless of its flaws, I can't shun this one for the creepy ride I was taken on it before-hand. It sports unreal directing, great acting all-around, a beautiful score, some surprisingly gory moments (one word.

.. frozen) and a dark, effective tone to it all. An interesting and unique watch. I definitely recommend it.