32 of 37 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Masterpiece...Brilliantly Cast, Written, Directed, and Acted, August 19, 2007
This review is from: .45 (DVD)
I rented this DVD with no prior knowledge of its content and was thoroughly impressed by the cast and screenplay by first-time director Gary Lennon. I recall Milla Jojovich as being mildly amusing in "The Fifth Element", but she has matured into a devastatingly effective lead actress. Her chemistry with co-star Angus Macfayden (as "Big Al") is palpable, with steaming passion, violence, and finally a level of hate-revenge that rivals "Body Heat" or "Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolfe". Her character, Kat,is a master manipulator and it is mesmerizing to watch her slowly gain control of her situation and punish those who have caused her harm.
Do not be mislead by the variation in critical response. This movie is absolutely superb. If clever dialog, brilliant acting, strong memorable characters, and a great story appeal to you, then I strongly suggest that you rent, borrow, buy, or steal a copy and see for yourself.
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20 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Well-Acted Crime Drama in New York Starring Mila Jovovich and Angus Macfadyen, April 3, 2007
This review is from: .45 (DVD)
Before watching Gary Lennon's ".45," I was under the impression that this modern-day noir film is about a vengeful woman battered by her lover. Well, the film's story itself is essentially true, but what impressed me most while watching the film is not the revenge part, but the credible performances from the leading actors Milla Jovovich and Angus Macfadyen, and their chracters' love and hate relations.
Milla Jovoich plays "Kate," living with Angus Macfadyen's "Big Al," who is, in her words, "king of neighborhood" in New York City. They do petty crimes, selling guns and other stolen goods, but Kate really wants a quite life by seaside. But Big Al wouldn't listen, preferring to do his "business" in his own way, dragging his childhood friend Reilly (Stephen Dorff) into another car theft. Moreover, when he is in a bad mood, jealous Big Al beats her up terribly and nearly kills her.
Kate meets social worker Liz (Aisha Tyler) working for battered women. Despite the sincere advice from Liz, Reilly and Vic (Sarah Strange), another friend of Kate, Kate refuses to leave Big Al until she decided on a more drastic move than what they suggested.
".45" is part about domestic violence, and I think the film is credible in describing such a case of men treating women terribly, thanks to the strong acting from Jovovich (with her swollen face) and Macfadyen as egocentric small-time crook.
The film also contains lots of F-words and one sexy, hot shower room scene, which I should think are part of the film's merits. Evidently Milla Jovovich is trying to seek a new direction in her career, and though sometimes she looks overacting, her acting is very good, far better than in "The House on Turk Street" or "Ultraviolet."
Still I couldn't bring myself to give the film itself 4 stars or more because the second part needs a better story. I cannot write about it in detail, but anyone looking for more elaborate revenge plans (like me) would find the film's wrap-up a letdown after seeing fine performances unanimously from the actors. And even those who find ".45" a realistic portrait of criminals and underworld would think that too much time is spent for the "interview" sections, where some characters (including Kate) talk about themselves or others directly to the camera.
Despite these flaws, ".45" shows the talent of Gary Lennon who has induced the actors to show their best, and knows how to present interesting characters. This crime drama is better than its straight-to-DVD release would imply.
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7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Cool Hand Lennon, February 19, 2007
This review is from: .45 (DVD)
Noted playwright and screenwriter Gary Lennon's directing debut effort is one of the edgiest and most entertaining and brutally honest movies of the year. Under his tight direction, Milla Jovovich and Agnus MacFadyen (both non-American thesps) are quite believable as a tough-as-nails Hell's Kitchen couple who are caught up in a dark and twisted relationship. Lennon also manages to get sharp, memorable performances from his supporting cast--an eclectic group that includes Aisha Tylor, Sarah Strange and the very under-rated actor Stephen Dorff (in what may be the best turn of his career). Sharp photography, surprising flashes of dark humor and first-person camera confessionals are some of the movie's other strong stylistic touches. Gritty modern-day neo-noir was never so much fun!
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