Frailty - Review

[Robb]

Didn't know if this was good enough to put in the magazine. Just found it lying around my PC, I wrote it ages ago. Anyway, it's a great film. Well recommended.

directed by Bill Paxton
starring
Bill Paxton
Matthew McConaughey
Powers Boothe
Matthew O'Leary
Jeremy Sumpter

So religious thrillers aint exactly the greatest films ever made. Here is one that breaks through all the stereotypes and cliches and delivers a thought-provoking piece of film. Bill Paxton ventures behind the camera for the first time and proves that he has the talent to make it big-time in the chair as well as in front of the camera's. Frailty delivers in many ways, the acting, the storyline, the script and the directing are all top notch.

The film starts with FBI agent Wesley Doyle (Powers Boothe) getting a little visit from Matthew McConaughey who promises him information on the God's Hand killings if he just hears him out. His story is unbelievable. His father killed a few people back in 1979 believing that he was destroying demons, doing god's work. He lived with his brother and his father behind the Thurman Rose Garden in a small Texas community. One night his father has a vision of an angel whilst in his bed, telling him he has the devine task of slaying seven demons and God will send him special weapons to do so. He wakes his kids up Fenton (Matthew O'Leary) who is the oldest brother and very sceptical and worries for his dad's mental health and Adam (Jeremy Sumpter) who is the youngest and loves his father and believes him. Fenton just hopes that his father is having a mild nervous break-down and tries to forget about it but then his father acquires an axe named Otis and a pair of gloves which God "revealed" to him. Then comes the list of names and the first kill....

What continues is Fenton's story of rebellion against his dillusional father and his God. The only thing that stops him from running away is his brother Adam who believes his father is doing the right thing. Bill Paxtons performance as the father is eerily brillaint with the best scenes being him force his kids to watch him murder those people on his list and even help him capture them. Matthew McConaughey plays his son in present times and the darkness and sudden atmosphere drop when he is on screen just can't be taught.

All in all this film shows how religious thrillers should be done. This could be the last film in the vein of The Sixth Sense that will have you gripping your seat in anticipation. Bill Paxton creates the kind of mood through his camerawork that go hand in hand with everything in this film. The acting, the script and the storyline. Nobody could do it again if they tried. The storyline is great. A question that nobody has ever asked is answered in this film and it will slap you upside the head without you realising it til it's too late. It makes you think...and isn't that what we all want from a film nowadays?

Robb Idle - 9/10

[Zooropa]

It's an absolutely brilliant film. I may or may not have started a thread on it ages ago.

Anyway, aye, amazing. Have the DVD.

[Robb]

The sole purpose of this thread is to let Pete know what it's like before he gets it in his hands. I searched for it in hope there was already a thread about it because it is such a good film. Deserves more recognition.

[Rev Scapegoat]

That movie brings back scary memories...
*Shudder*

[PapaZeb]

'cept as I recall this is one of the movies from that night that we walked away from with good memories of. I think Gill was passed out and Ally stopped fisting his burd during it...

[Rev Scapegoat]

Aye, but he passed out WITHOUT PUTTING HIS BAW AWAY!

[Pete!]

I'll be watching it soon

[GreatKingRat]

I thought it was pretty shit actually.

[Robb]

Game over man, game over.

[Mos Def]

Originally Posted by Zooropa

It's an absolutely brilliant film. I may or may not have started a thread on it ages ago.

Anyway, aye, amazing. Have the DVD.

You came with us to see it in the cinema, didn't you?

Good night that was.

[JZY]

aye, tis a good film. That fiery angel with the sword n shield n shit freaked my beans.

[Charlicat]

Aah, it was amazing. Couldn't remember the name of it aswell. The ultimate in twisted child abuse. Good stuff. I blame Buffy.

[Dave Freto V1]

I just bought it on DVD and what a lovely surprise i got! Great film with a neat twist!

[Pete!]

Its great! Cant believe he was Luke's dad!

[eviltwinisdead]

i got it out on video after a recommendation from the video guy. quite enjoyed it - didn't think it was totally amazing, but had a very good ending.